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HAMISH & ANDY RETURN FOR 2025 AS LiSTNR ANNOUNCES THE GOVERNMENT-MANDATED PODCAST BREAK IS OVER

Australia’s favourite podcast duo, LiSTNR’s Hamish & Andy, are officially back, after an exhausting summer of lobbying against the government-mandated podcast break. Their highly anticipated first episode of 2025 is packed with plenty of gusto, high excitement, and laugh-out-loud moments.

Now in their 22nd year with Southern Cross Austereo and LiSTNR, Hamish & Andy continue to dominate the podcasting world, with their signature humour and quick wit earning them the #1 spot on the Australian Podcast Ranker a record 31 times.* Joining Hamish & Andy is their long-time sidekick and show anchor, Jack Post.

Hamish & Andy kick off the season fresh from a very important business trip to New York where the boys have been busy launching their new pub ‘Old Mates’. Expect plenty of hilarious stories from the pub’s opening night, and celebrity spotting in NY (though Hamish’s celebrity spotting has been flagged ‘questionable’) and the signature Hamish & Andy antics listeners love from their first episode.

Hamish Blake and Andy Lee said: “We’ve been waiting in the wings, champing at the bit for our government-mandated break to be over; thankfully, this one felt lightning quick. We’re stoked to enter the eighth year of the Hamish & Andy podcast, and we promise plenty of gusto in 2025.”

LiSTNR Original Podcasts Head of Entertainment and Culture, Sam Cavanagh, said: “The government-mandated break is over. Hamish & Andy’s enduring success is a testament to their ability to connect and bring listeners along for the ride. Their podcast isn’t just entertainment – it’s a cultural staple, creating an incredible fan community that’s been counting down the days to their return.”

Listen to the first episode of 2025 here. New weekly episodes of Hamish & Andy are available on LiSTNR starting today, Thursday 5 March 2025.

Source: *Australian Podcast Ranker Top 200 Podcasts – October 2024

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com

TRIPLE M LOCKS IN PREMIER COMMENTARY TEAM FOR 2025 AFL SEASON FEATURING JAMES BRAYSHAW, KATE MCCARTHY, AND BRIAN TAYLOR

Triple M has unveiled its premier commentary lineup for the 2025 AFL Season with an epic roll call of footy legends, commentators and experts to take listeners through every mark, tackle, and goal. For more than 28 years, Triple M has been the go-to destination for AFL fans, delivering unmatched coverage, expert analysis, and giving fan’s the best call in the game.

Triple M’s commentary box will be stacked with footy royalty, bringing together some of the game’s sharpest minds and biggest personalities. The lineup features James Brayshaw, Kate McCarthy, Brian Taylor, Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas, Jason Dunstall, Erin Phillips, Mark Ricciuto, Mark ‘Howie’ Howard, Leigh Montagna, Isaac Smith, Steve ‘Stevie J’ Johnson, Abbey Holmes, Jude Bolton, Nathan Brown, Sarah Hosking, Shaun Burgoyne, Ruby Schleicher, Damien Barrett, Jay Clark, Bernie Vince, Xavier Ellis, Andrew Embley, and more. Joining the team in 2025 as a special commentator is St Kilda Football Club legend and Triple M Melbourne’s Mick in the Morning co-host, Nick Riewoldt. With a strong mix of premiership heroes and rising voices in the game, Triple M’s team will deliver unrivalled insights, sharp banter, and exclusive access to players for pre- and post-match interviews throughout the season.

Fans won’t miss a moment of action with Triple M’s iconic catalogue of footy shows, including The Thursday Rub kicking off a massive weekend of footy every week from 6pm. The Rush Hour with JB & Billy, The Midweek Rub, The Friday Huddle (now from 4pm), The Saturday Rub and The Sunday Rub all return in 2025.

SCA’s commitment to footy goes beyond live coverage, with must-listen podcasts available on LiSTNR, including Ben & Harry and The Howie Games, Australia’s #1 sports podcast. The Howie Games boasts an extensive back catalogue featuring Joel Selwood, Shane Crawford, Erin Phillips, Christian Petracca, and a treasure trove of AFL legends, with upcoming interviews including Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas and Brisbane premiership coach, Chris Fagan.

Triple M Footy continues to dominate AFL coverage, holding the top spot as the #1 AFL broadcaster in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth while growing audiences in Sydney and Brisbane. More than 700,000 footy fans tune in across the weekend, making Triple M the leading commercial AFL broadcaster in Australia.

SCA Head of Sports Content, Ewan Giles, said: “Triple M and AFL go hand in hand. No one delivers the game like Triple M – every tackle, every goal, and every big moment, all with the energy and banter that fans love. There’s no better place for footy fans to catch all the action.”

Triple M’s AFL coverage and dedicated footy shows are available on the Triple M Network and stream anytime, anywhere on LiSTNR.

About Triple M:

For more than 40 years, Triple M continues to be one of Australia’s best-known radio entertainment brands and the only radio network that provides its listeners with a unique combination of Greatest Hits, Sport and Comedy. With 49 stations across Australia, including six digital stations, Triple M 80s, Triple M Classic Rock, Triple M 2000s, Triple M Country, and Triple M 90s, Triple M has become known for playing Rock’s Greatest Hits, and its iconic talent and shows that get people talking.

The iconic brand entertains more than 4.6 million radio and on demand listeners each week and is home to some of Australia’s biggest sporting heroes, comedians and music gurus including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Nick Riewoldt, Beau Ryan, Aaron Woods, Leisel Jones, Dan Anstey, Margaux Parker, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar, Xavier Ellis, Katie Lamb, and Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

Satellite Service Feed Interruption – Action Required on 11 March 2025

Optus is making a second stage of changes to the VAST satellite service, affecting Community Radio Network (CRN), National Radio News (NRN), BBC World Service, and RPH feeds. Unlike the previous update (on 11 February 2025), this change requires action from stations that use these services on Tuesday 11 March.

What You Need to Do:

The change will cause Optus VAST certified Set Top Box receivers to default to another service audio feed channel. Each station will need to “re-select” the channel service feed on their receiver.

At 10:15am AEDT on 11 March 2025

Ensure your station is not actively using or broadcasting any live satellite audio feeds at 10:15am AEDT on Tuesday 11 March 2025.

After 10:15am AEDT on 11 March 2025

“Re-select” the wanted service feed channel on your VAST Set Top Box receiver at any time after 10:15am AEDT for these relevant channels:

629 BBC World Service

630 Community Radio Network – CRN 1

631 Community Radio Network – CRN 2

632 RPH Australia

Note: these are listed as radio channels on the receivers, not television channels.

Note: NRN bulletins will still be available via FTP.

Troubleshooting & Support:

If your station has trouble receiving any of the satellite feeds after 10:15am AEDT, you can:

Check that the VAST Set Top Box receiver is set to select the correct channel

Power-cycle your VAST Set Top Box receiver

Email us at crn@cbaa.org.au for further support

These improvements are a step forward in ensuring a more stable and resilient satellite delivery system. We’re here to make sure they’re rolled out smoothly with minimal disruption to your stations – thank you for your action and attention to this important update.

3AW announces star-studded coverage for 2025 AFL season

Melbourne’s leading station 3AW is set to deliver another season of unmatched AFL coverage in 2025. Returning to the commentary box are some of the game’s most respected voices and biggest names to deliver live expert analysis, play-by-play coverage, and in-depth discussions for footy fans.

The 3AW AFL 2025 line-up includes:

Thursday Night Football: Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Richardson, with callers Anthony Hudson and Bruce Eva.
Friday Night Football: Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Lloyd, with callers Tim Lane and Matt Granland.
Saturday Footy Preview: Tim Lane, Caroline Wilson, and Leigh Matthews set the stage for the day’s action.
Saturday Early Game: Leigh Matthews and Joel Selwood, with callers Bruce Eva and Tony Leonard.
Saturday Twilight Game: Tony Shaw and Libby Birch, with callers Matt Granland and Shane McInnes.
Sunday Football: Tony Shaw and Matthew Richardson, with callers Bruce Eva and Matt Granland.

Adding to this year’s excitement, renowned journalist Laura Spurway will join the 3AW football team as the station’s first dedicated AFLW reporter, contributing to the Sunday coverage and appearing across all games.

Geelong champion Joel Selwood is joining the team rotating across all games. With his outstanding career as a player and captain, Joel brings all his footy knowledge fresh from the game to the 3AW team.

Additionally, Rory Sloane brings his wealth of experience to the broadcast team. Alongside his new role on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, Sloane will be rotating into 3AW’s coverage, taking a seat next to AFL legend Leigh Matthews.

Along with our commentary teams and callers we also are thrilled to have back the boundary reporters Jacqui Reed and Carlton AFLW vice captain Abbie McKay.

Fans can also look forward to the return of the Eddie and Jimmy podcast in 2025, which will be publishing three episodes per week, available to listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and to watch on 9Now.

Luca Gonano, Head of 3AW Football, said: “With a team of AFL greats, seasoned broadcasters, fresh voices and innovation in the games future, 3AW is proud to continue its tradition of delivering the most accurate, insightful and entertaining AFL coverage.”

Tune in for every key moment of the 2025 season, live on Melbourne’s own 3AW.

The Continuous Call Team returns for blockbuster 2025 NRL season

Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC are set for another huge season of NRL action, with the iconic Continuous Call Team returning for their 39th year on air.

The 2025 coverage kicked off in style last weekend, broadcasting live from Las Vegas as the NRL season got underway. As always, fans can expect expert analysis, entertaining commentary, and the passion that has made the Continuous Call Team a listener favourite for decades.

Comprehensive Coverage Across the Weekend

Listeners can catch all the action across 2GB, 4BC, and network stations at the following times:

Fridays: 7:00pm–11:00pm (including full game call of the 8:00pm match)
Saturdays: 1:00pm–10:00pm (including full game calls of the 5:30pm and 7:35pm matches)
Sundays: 1:00pm–6:00pm (including full game call of the 4:00pm match)

The Continuous Call Team will also bring footy fans comprehensive coverage of every State of Origin and NRL and NRLW Finals matches.

A Star-Studded Line-Up for 2025

The Continuous Call Team welcomes a new addition in 2025, with one of rugby league’s most popular personalities, Mark Geyer OAM joining the roster. Geyer will appear alongside returning fan favourites Paul Gallen, Darryl Brohman, Mark Riddell, Josh Morris, Neil Breen, Allana Ferguson, and Jamie Soward.

Mark Levy continues as host and lead commentator for Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, with Mathew Thompson and Chris Warren returning to the commentary line-up.

In another exciting addition, Gavin Pitchford joins the team in 2025 as the Sunday afternoon host.

Nine Radio’s National Partnerships and Special Events Manager, Luke Davis said: “We are so excited to be back for another season of fun, frivolity and footy with the Continuous Call Team! It’s great to welcome in a couple of new voices alongside our much-loved team veterans as we bring Australia’s best rugby league coverage to our loyal listeners and partners. Our 39th year on air is shaping up as the best yet!”

With unmatched coverage and an all-star line-up, the Continuous Call Team remains the go-to destination for rugby league fans throughout the NRL season. Tune in on 2GB, 4BC, and network stations for every big moment.

FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER IN RADIO AND PODCASTING

Misty Fisher | AFTRS Student and host of Grafton’s 2GF – Bigger, Brighter Breakfast Show

APPLICATIONS FOR AFTRS’ GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN RADIO AND PODCASTING OPEN IN JUNE

Aspiring broadcasters and podcasters from around the country are encouraged to fast-track their career in this booming industry by applying for the Australian Film Television and Radio School’s (AFTRS) Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting.

AFTRS offers flexible study for this course with options to study on-campus or online, full-time or part-time.

Misty Fisher is just one of AFTRS’ students who is combining remote learning with a burgeoning broadcast career, having joined Clarence Valley’s 2GF last year. Misty is 2GF’s Breakfast host.

Learn more about Misty’s experience of flexible learning at AFTRS here:

Andrea Ho, AFTRS Discipline Lead, Radio and Podcasting said:

“Misty tells a truly wonderful story about becoming a part of the audio industry – living in a country town, realising your dream no matter when – and of course, about AFTRS.

As media strives to better reflect Australia, I’m proud that students can now study radio and podcasting at AFTRS where and when they wish, and that we can help connect them directly to industry.

Saying that, Misty is special – who rides their bike to the station to do a breakfast shift? She is amazing.”

Alumni from AFTRS’ Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting are working in Radio and Podcasting positions with some of Australia’s largest media organisations including Romy Sher, Podcast Producer, LISTNR; Tim Bolch, Drive Announcer/ Assistant Content Director – Krock 95.5; Guy Clifton, Power 100 presenter, Triple M 102.3; Dylan Saville,  ABC Double J  Programs Producer; Leah Porges, Audio Producer, Mamamia; Ellie Parnell, Content Producer, The Music Show, Radio National; Mitchell Coombs, Producer, Is it Just Me Podcast, iHeartRadio; Liza Harvey, ABC Producer; Zan Rowe, Double J; Ed Kirkwood, Executive Producer, Will & Woody at Australian Radio Network; Fiona Pepper, ABC Radio National, Features Producer; Clinton Maynard, Presenter/Reporter, 2GB; Grace Rouvray, Presenter and Producer Mamamia; Greg Byrnes, Head of Content, Nine Radio; and Alice Moldovan, Producer, Conversations with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski at ABC.

Many have gone on to win radio awards nationally and internationally and are in leadership roles in the industry both on-air and behind the scenes, including Pariya Taherzadah, Executive Podcast Producer at Vudoo and New York Festivals World Radio Awards Gold and Silver Winner for Escape from Iran; 2GB reporter Clinton Maynard won the ACRA for Brian White Award For Excellence In Journalism in 2023; Miles Martignoni, Head of Audio at Guardian Australia, podcasts include The Reckoning (New York Festival World Radio Awards, Winner of Gold and Grand Awards 2018) Breathless, and Witch Hunt; Tim Blackwell, NOVA’S Ricki Lee, Tim and Joel Show, and Kent Small (Smallzy), Smallzy’s Surgery, NOVA.

The Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is a hands-on and dynamic course for emerging broadcasters, podcasters and radio producers. Through specialised training and collaboration, in class and during live broadcasts, students learn at an advanced level that the cornerstones of good content are communication, storytelling and knowing your audience. Register your interest to be notified when applications for the 2026 intake open in June.

Learn more here:

Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting

Journalist Laura Spurway appointed as 3AW’s first dedicated AFLW reporter

Melbourne’s Number 1 Station, 3AW, has announced renowned journalist Laura Spurway will join the 3AW Football team as the station’s first dedicated AFLW reporter.

3AW is the first radio station to appoint a dedicated AFLW reporter, with the historic move reflecting the popularity of the women’s code and the station’s intent to help grow the sport.

Spurway will cover all elements of women’s football, including all state leagues, and her work will feature across Nine Radio’s websites, social media channels, and as part of the network’s news service. She will also work across the station’s AFL coverage.

Laura Spurway said: “It’s an absolute dream come true to join the 3AW Football team. This radio station is the heartbeat of Melbourne and their exceptional coverage extends way beyond that. I can’t wait to join the ranks of some of the most respected voices in the field for a huge 2025 and beyond.“

Stephen Beers, 3AW’s Station Manager, said: “We are delighted to have Laura join the team at 3AW Football in 2025. Laura brings a wealth of experience and is a great addition as we invest in AFLW right across the station to build on the best in AFL coverage.”

In a broadcasting career spanning almost two decades that has taken her across the world including as a writer/producer for CNN in Hong Kong and a placement at German radio giant Deutsche Welle, Spurway’s most recent role was as Sport Reporter for Seven News Melbourne.

Beginning her career as a producer for Sydney breakfast radio on 2UE, she has previously held roles as a producer/journalist for ABC NewsRadio, a Today Show producer, 9News Melbourne journalist, and Chief of Staff for The Project.

Grants, Offers and Discounts – A New CBAA Resource

Many community broadcasters rely on grants to fund their operations, and it can be hard to keep track of the available options. There are also a range of discounts and offers for not-for-profits available to broadcasters for useful products and services which could enhance their capability and reduce operating costs. That’s why we’ve launched our Grants, Offers and Discounts webpage, which features resources relevant to community radio stations.

We regularly review and update these listings based on information supplied by the organisations listed. Unless otherwise stated we are not the providers of these resources and can’t guarantee that you will be able to access them. Make sure to review funder and supplier information thoroughly before applying.

If your station has been impacted in an emergency, for example a natural disaster, or has a time-limited opportunity and needs funding urgently we recommend reaching out to the Community Broadcasting Foundation and inquiring about their Quick Response Grants.

We hope that this resource empowers our members and helps them to become more sustainable. If you have any feedback on the page or the listings please contact us.

#Funding

Kyle & Jackie O Heading to Melbourne for $5 Million Dawn Dig

The Kyle & Jackie O Show are making history with Kyle & Jackie O’s $5 Million Dawn Dig, the most thrilling competition ever to hit Australian breakfast radio. With a jaw-dropping $5 million buried beneath the sand, one lucky listener could walk away with a life-changing fortune!

Starting Monday February 24, listeners can tune in to The Kyle & Jackie O Show every morning for a chance to enter this once-in-a-lifetime event. The stakes are high, and only the luckiest entrants will secure a spot at the highly anticipated Dawn Dig event.

Then, on Friday April 11, the Kyle & Jackie O Show will be broadcasting live from Melbourne’s St Kilda West Beach, where the competition will reach its peak. Among 200 buried bags, each containing various cash prizes, only one will hold the ultimate $5 million jackpot. The chosen winner will dig for their future—but will they strike gold?

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Listeners who head down to St Kilda West Beach to catch all the action and meet radio’s most famous duo will also have the chance to dig for thousands worth in cash and exclusive prizes.

Melbourne is home to some of the country’s biggest events. And now, in their first outside broadcast in Melbourne since beaming into the southern state, the city will be home to the country’s biggest-ever competition, hosted by none other than the Australia’s most iconic radio duo in a major live event.

On this morning’s announcement, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson said: “We’re going back to where it all started, digging for cash. We’ve had success with digging. But this time, it’s not a million dollars. That’s small fry. You need a big chunk of cash like $5 million!”

Kyle Sandilands added: “We thought we should make it $2 million, but you’ve got nothing left if you buy a house. We thought we’d make it $3 million, but we’ve never liked the number three. $4 million sounds like a better number, and then we thought that we should make it $5 million buried on the beach.”

Will Australia’s next millionaire be revealed on St Kilda West Beach? There’s only one way to find out!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Tune in to The Kyle & Jackie O Show from 6am Monday on KIIS 1065 in Sydney, KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne or on the free iHeart app, and be ready to call for your shot at the dig of a lifetime.

TOTAL DIGITAL AUDIO MARKET CONTINUES DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH, WITH CY2024 REACHING $313 MILLION

Total digital audio market expands 18% year-on-year, as CRA members capture greater market share with 30% YOY growth

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the latest data from IAB Australia, which shows total digital audio advertising revenue reached $313 million in CY24, growing by 18% year-on-year (YOY), and reaching $90 million in the December quarter of 2024.

According to Milton Data, CRA members reported 30% YOY growth in total digital audio revenue¹, outpacing the broader IAB total digital audio market, which grew 18% YOY.

IAB - Audio Advertising double digit growth YOY

The Australian Internet Advertising Revenue Report (IARR), compiled by PwC, confirms podcast advertising expenditure as the fastest-growing reported format for the second consecutive quarter. Podcast ad spend grew 24.3% YOY, totaling $33.6 million in Q4 2024, reflecting increasing advertiser confidence.

“It’s pleasing to see CRA members driving digital audio growth and capturing a larger share of the market. This momentum highlights a shift in market dynamics towards premium locally produced content, demonstrating the growth of digital distribution reaching audiences on their terms, and the opportunity for advertisers to leverage scale and engagement that is efficient and effective” said Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer, CRA.

The growth in podcast advertising reflects strong audience engagement, with 11 million Australians tuning into podcasts monthly². Notably, 56% of 25–54-year-olds listen to podcasts at least once a month², presenting an exceptional opportunity for brands in this unique on demand environment.

IAB - Total Audio Dec Quarter

The IAB data also showed that streaming audio advertising experienced double-digit growth YOY, maintaining steady progress and generating $56 million in Q4 2024. Additionally, as a subset of this format, online radio streaming also continues to make strides, with 42% of 25–54-year-olds listening to online radio streaming in the last month – a figure that has almost doubled since 2021³.

The full IAB Australia IARR report can be found here.

Sources:

(1): Milton Data

(2): Edison research, The Infinite Dial Australia 2024, Listened to a podcast in the last month, All People 10+ unless otherwise stated

(3): Edison Research, The Infinite Dial Australia 2024, Listened to AM/FM/DAB+ radio stations online in the last month, P25-54