In response to requests from members, we are pleased to advise that the deadline for two important opportunities has been extended.
Members now have until Monday 14 July to:
Secure first release tickets for the 2025 CBAA Conference in Hobart, allowing additional time to plan travel and budgets.
Complete and submit entries for the CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards, ensuring your station’s achievements receive the recognition they deserve.
This extension provides more time to prepare for Australia’s largest gathering of community broadcasters and to finalise award entries that highlight the exceptional work across our sector.
Aspiring radio journalists are invited to apply for the 2025 Brian White Scholarship, with applications now open on Commercial Radio & Audio’s (CRA) website.
Named in honour of the late Brian White, pioneer of Australian radio journalism and the country’s first commercial radio cadet journalist, the scholarship provides a unique entry point for final-year students and recent graduates looking to break into the fast-paced world of commercial radio news.
“We’re looking for passionate, ambitious candidates ready to launch a career in radio journalism,” said Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA.
“This scholarship provides hands-on newsroom experience and mentorship from some of the best in the business,” added Young.
Finalists will be invited to an exclusive industry workshop with senior journalists and news directors from Nine Radio, ARN, NOVA Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), offering insight into the skills and mindset required in commercial radio.
One recipient will then be selected for a paid four-week placement across each of the four major networks, working directly in metropolitan newsrooms to write, produce and present live news content.
Grace Barlow, the 2024 Brian White Scholar who received two job offers directly from the scholarship and has since accepted an offer from ARN said the program offered unmatched access and industry insight.
“Being named the recipient of the Brian White Scholarship last year was truly life-changing. The professional experience I gained, alongside the incredible industry connections I made, the support I received, and the opportunities that abounded following my experience, has truly shaped my career in ways I never could have imagined. I would implore any aspiring broadcaster or journalism student to apply. You never know where it might take you,” Barlow said.
Applications close 30 September. The finalist workshop will take place in November, with placements commencing in early 2026.
About Commercial Radio & Audio: Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial radio broadcasters across Australia. CRA promotes the effectiveness of radio and audio to advertisers, manages audio research and insights, the metropolitan and regional audience measurement surveys, the official Australian Podcast Ranker, revenue reporting, industry innovation, industry codes and standards, and regulatory and legislative matters. CRA hosts the ACRA Awards and HEARD, the audio industry showcase. We also collaborate with the broader digital audio ecosystem to grow the total market and provide services to the public and part public audio broadcasting services.
Nine Radio’s award winning talk radio stations are now available to livestream through the Apple smartwatch, enabling listeners with cellular-enabled devices to stream their favorite talk radio stations directly from their wrist. The innovative development provides unparalleled freedom and convenience for listeners seeking to enjoy live and local content on the go, without the need for a smartphone.
The new smartwatch app underscores Nine Radio’s commitment to device ubiquity, ensuring continuous access to popular stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, and 6PR for listeners on the move. The familiar user interface ensures a clear and intuitive listening experience, with essential metadata displayed on the now-playing screen.
Key features of the new Nine Radio smartwatch app include:
Live Radio Streaming: Direct access to all Nine Radio stations, including 3AW, 2GB, 4BC, and 6PR.
Intuitive Design: A familiar user interface designed for ease of use on a smartwatch.
Quick Access: Users can access their favorite station directly from their watch’s home screen.
Now Playing Screen: Displays essential metadata for the current program.
Smart Stack Integration: Allows users to pause/play streams or access the app.
Playing Now Control: Provides control over the stream and casting options.
Tom Malone, Nine Radio Managing Director, said: “This is about providing true freedom and flexibility in how our audience consumes audio content. Radio used to be on the bench top or side table, then it was in your pocket via your phone, now it’s on your wrist. Listeners can escape all of their screens for a walk or run, or trip to the shops, and still be listening to their favourite news, sport, opinions and entertainment via Nine Radio’s smartwatch app. It’s a seamless and untethered way to stay connected.”
Mia Stern, Head of Digital Growth at Nine Radio, added: “Our strategy is simple – maximise discoverability and accessibility. The new smartwatch apps allow listeners to tune in to their favourite talk radio station anywhere, any time and on any device. We’ve made it incredibly easy to use, with instant station access from your watch face and a user interface designed to feel instantly familiar and crystal clear.”
Nine Radio is committed to continuous improvement, with plans for on-demand content and AFL pop-ups in the Apple Watch app and CarPlay later in 2025.
Following the success of hit podcast Just For Girls, Nova Podcasts and the One Daydream Network are expanding the brand into a full content hub, launching two new solo-hosted shows from creators Sam Guggenheimer and Izzy Armitage. The new titles, Hotter Than Yesterday and Hear Me Outwill premiere the week commencing Monday, 30 June.
Since debuting on the Triton Australian Podcast Ranker in September 2024, Just For Girls has been featured on the chart every month, a reflection of the show’s sustained popularity with Gen Z audiences. With the sustained growth of the Just For Girls fanbase, the decision to build a broader ecosystem around the brand marks a natural next step.
The original Just For Girls podcast will continue as a monthly joint episode, now complemented by these two new weekly series exploring the many contradictions of modern life in your twenties, from personal development to party culture.
Further details on the new podcasts are as follows:
Hotter Than Yesterday with Sam Guggenheimer – new episodes every Tuesday
Hotness is not about looks – it’s a mindset and Sam is here to walk listeners through this hot girl mindset and start their week off with self-love and betterment. From routines, hacks, lifestyle tips and candid honesty, follow Sam along as she manoeuvres through her twenties in pursuit to be ‘Hotter Than Yesterday’. This podcast is a listener’s go-to guide for levelling up in any aspect of their life, because again, being hotter than yesterday isn’t just about looks, it’s about feeling your best in every way.
Hear Me Out with Izzy Armitage – new episodes every Thursday
Got a hot take that needs airtime? Hear Me Out is a listener’s weekly dose of unfiltered opinions, spicy debates, and stories from the group chat. Izzy dishes out her own controversial takes and features listeners too. From pop culture chaos to real-life moments with friends, it’s like venting to your boldest bestie who always keeps it real.
Together, these three shows form the new Just For Girls hub, giving brands a dynamic, multi-format opportunity to connect with a deeply engaged and values-driven audience. Commercial partners can explore a variety of tailored solutions including influential host-read sponsorships, branded content integrations, social amplification, and full hub takeovers.
NOVA Entertainment’s Head of Podcast Partnerships, Kim Kerton, said, “The audience and commercial impact of creators is well documented, and this is a natural next step for the Just For Girls team to grow theirs, unlocked through the NOVA and One DayDream partnership.
“2025 has seen Sam and Izzy partner on significant omni-channel partnerships, with influential brands tapping into the cultural equity of their podcast environment and fandom, and those commercial opportunities will only expand as their shows and subject exploration broadens.”
Since joining Nova Podcasts in in 2024, Just For Girls has built a reputation as one of the most connected youth lifestyle properties in the market. The expansion into a broader media hub unlocks new creative territory while staying true to the themes that have always driven the show: connection, chaos and the comfort of hearing someone else say it first.
Hotter Than Yesterday and Hear Me Out launch next week, with new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday respectively. Just For Girls will continue monthly. All episodes are available on the Nova Player, at novafm.com.au and wherever you get your podcasts.
Community participation in programmingEncouraging and assisting people not adequately served by other media to participateOpposing and breaking down prejudice
No breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [encourage participation in programming]No breach of code 2.1 [people not adequately served by other media encouraged and assisted to participate]No breach of code 2.5 [oppose and break down prejudice](ref. BI-702)
26 June 2025
Code matter
Sydney Educational Broadcasting Ltd (2SER)
Complaint handling
Breach of Code 7.3(a) and Code 7.3(c) of Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2008 (ref. BI-707)
Posted Yesterday at 10:21am, updated Yesterday at 10:40am
In the 45th year of a distinguished career in journalism Peter Ryan has decided to retire from the ABC due to ill health.
Peter began his career as a copyboy and cadet on Sydney’s Daily Mirror, and has held a variety of jobs over the years, but describes the ABC as his “spiritual home”. His outstanding work in TV and radio news and current affairs, including his reporting for flagships AM, The World Today and PM, has made him a familiar face and voice to many Australians and earned him the enduring respect and appreciation of audiences and his peers.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers: “Peter Ryan is an absolute legend. Every day as you wake up and you think about what’s happening in the economy, if you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got its essential elements, it would be Peter’s.”
ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: “In my conversations with Peter over the past year I’ve been inspired by his resilience, courage and humility. It’s devastating news that he is having to retire. We will miss him greatly, and also his strong journalism and authoritative analysis.”
Peter’s many career highlights include being the ABC’s Washington Bureau Chief, head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, Executive Producer of Business Breakfast, founding editor of Lateline Business, which later became The Business, and Business Editor. Since 2016 he has held the role of Senior Business Correspondent.
In 2017 Peter won a Walkley Award for his expose on the Commonwealth Bank scandal. His coverage contributed to the calling of the banking Royal Commission and in 2018 he was the National Press Club finance journalist of the year for his coverage of the commission.
In 2022 he was recognised with the Order of Australia medal for his significant service to journalism.
Peter has been a mentor to many younger journalists, generous with his time and experience. He was founding chairman of the Kennedy Foundation, a trustee on the board of the NSW Journalists Benevolent Fund and has had a long-term involvement with journalists’ union the MEAA.
So what have I learned from 45 years in journalism? This is for younger and older colleagues alike.
When I look back at my start on Sydney’s Daily Mirror in 1980, as an 18-year-old straight out of school, we were still printing newspapers off hot metal. People were smoking in newsrooms and there was a lot of yelling as deadlines ran down to the wire.
My parents were absolutely delighted when I was finally hired by the ABC in 1984. Our TV always seemed to be stuck on Channel 2, we were forced to watch the 7pm news every night and I had to listen to AM and PM in the kitchen.
I’d love to be with you all there, but one strong message I have is, never let anyone tell you the good old days were really that good – that’s a bit of a myth.
I’d like to thank the ABC for taking so many risks with me over the years, giving me my dream of a foreign posting in Washington and then into big editorial roles.
But for me in the end it’s all about being a reporter out in the real world telling it as it is. I’m always chuffed when I hear people tell me you’re able to take complex issues and break them down into three good parts. When someone tells me that, that’s more important than a whole lot of awards.
A few words of editorial advice. Avoid cynicism – be passionate. A good team can often be a very small team – I’ve worked in some of the best. Be proactive – come to the table with a great story so no one else comes up with a dud that might waste your time.
Work closely with top people – shut up and absorb like a sponge. Maintain a fastidious contact book – some low-profile contacts could soon move into higher powered roles or more importantly work in backrooms where the big decisions are often made.
Show up to work early and prove that you’re ready to take on the big story of the day. Try to have a Plan B in your back pocket just in case your original brilliant idea doesn’t go anywhere and the EP comes walking your way.
Finally: Be kind and caring to people who need it.
Community participation in programmingEncouraging and assisting people not adequately served by other media to participateOpposing and breaking down prejudice
No breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [encourage participation in programming]No breach of code 2.1 [people not adequately served by other media encouraged and assisted to participate]No breach of code 2.5 [oppose and break down prejudice](ref. BI-702)
26 June 2025
Code matter
Sydney Educational Broadcasting Ltd (2SER)
Complaint handling
Breach of Code 7.3(a) and Code 7.3(c) of Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2008 (ref. BI-707)
5 June 2025
Licence condition matter
2YOU
Prohibition on advertising
Breach of paragraph 9(1)(b) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [prohibition on advertising](ref. BI-708)
30 April 2025
Licence condition matter
2YOU
Prohibition on advertisingTime limit on sponsorship announcements
Breach of paragraph 9(1)(b) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [prohibition on advertising] No breach of paragraph 9(3)(b) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [time limit on sponsorship announcements](ref. BI-709)
30 April 2025
Licence condition matter
2YOU
Prohibition on advertising
No breach of paragraph 9(1)(b) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [prohibition on advertising](ref. BI-720)
30 April 2025
The Kyle and Jackie O Show
KIIS 1011 / Double T Radio Pty Ltd
Decency, program with an explicit sexual theme, complaints handling
Breach of 2.2 [generally accepted standards of decency]No breach of 2.4 [feature program with an explicit sexual theme]Breach of 10.11 [respond to complaint in 30 days] of the Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2017(ref. BI-703)
Breach of 2.2 [generally accepted standards of decency]No breach of 2.4 [feature program with an explicit sexual theme] of the Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2017(ref. BI-705)
28 March 2025
Licence condition matter
Macarthur Community Radio Association Inc (2MCR)
Community participation in operations and programming
Breach of paragraph 9(2)(c) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [encourage participation in operations and programming](ref. BI-689)
25 March 2025
Licence condition matter
Community Radio Endeavour Warrnambool Inc (3WAY)
Time limit on sponsorship announcements
Breach of paragraph 9(3)(b) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [time limit on sponsorship announcements](ref. BI-694)
3 February 2025
Licence condition matter
2YOU
Prohibition on advertisingTime limit on sponsorship announcements
Breach of paragraphs 9(1)(b) and 9(3)(b) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-686)
30 January 2025
Licence condition matter
Blue Mountains Public Broadcasting Society Inc (2BLU)
Prohibition on advertising
Breach of paragraph 9(1)(b) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [prohibition on advertising](ref. BI-698)
One of Australia’s most popular sports podcasts, The Howie Games, will continue its successful relationship with LiSTNR, as host and creator Mark ‘Howie’ Howard signs a new long term partnership with Southern Cross Austereo (SCA).
Launched in July 2017, The Howie Games has become a go-to destination for in-depth interviews with some of the biggest and most interesting names in the world of sport. From AFL footy legends Leigh Matthews and Nathan Buckley to international stars including Oscar Piastri, Ellyse Perry, and Shaquille O’Neal, The Howie Games dives into the personal stories, challenges and life lessons that have shaped its guests, aiming to inspire and motivate listeners along the way.
With more than 240 episodes to date, The Howie Games has firmly established itself as one of Australia’s favourite sports podcasts.
Mark ‘Howie’ Howard is a highly respected sports broadcaster with more than 20 years of experience covering an extraordinary range of sports. He began his career in sports television on the Formula One World Tour, spending three seasons on the circuit in the late 1990s. Since then, Howie has contributed to coverage of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, the Melbourne Cup, MotoGP, Australian Open (Tennis and Golf), swimming, Red Bull Air Race, Ironman, Big Bash League cricket — and even the occasional tractor pull. Today, Howie continues to bring his expertise to audiences as a commentator and host with Fox Cricket, Fox Footy, and Triple M Radio – AFL and Cricket, and as creator and host of The Howie Games podcast.
Grant Tothill, Executive Head LiSTNR Operations and Audience said, “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with The Howie Games. Howie is one of Australia’s most experienced and versatile sports broadcasters and sets the benchmark as an interviewer with a rare ability for uncovering stories that haven’t been told. His ability to connect with guests and bring out authentic, often unexpected moments, is what sets him apart. As one of the early adopters of the podcast format, he continues to evolve, constantly exploring new ways to engage audiences across audio, video and social platforms.”
Mark ‘Howie’ Howard said: “I am stoked to continue a long-running partnership with LiSTNR. With their innovative and forward thinking approach, they’re undoubtedly the best in the podcast business.
“It’s a privilege to work closely with such a committed group of good mates in Thomas Dullard, Michael James, and Darcy Thomson, as well as the wider team led by the big chief Grant Tothill. We are working on a couple of exciting new projects alongside the regular Howie Games episodes that we can’t wait for our wonderful listeners to tune in to.
“This new deal will see The Howie Games continue its long term partnership with LiSTNR, remaining one of the must-listen to destinations for sports fans across Australia.”
Immerse yourself in the inspirational stories behind sport’s biggest names with Howie. New episodes of The Howie Gamesdrop fortnightly on Thursdays, available to stream for free on the LiSTNR app.
SCA has announced the appointment of Megan Tuckey in the newly created role of Head of Commercial Western Australia.
Tuckey brings over 13 years experience spanning direct, agency and regional sales in digital, publishing and broadcast media within the WA market. In her new role, she will provide strategic leadership and direction to the WA sales team, driving revenue growth across all of SCA’s platforms. She will work across direct, agency, regional and digital sales teams, collaborating closely with the National Head of Audio Sales and Executive GM, and Head of Regional Sales to support strategic and sales goals.
Tuckey will bring a wealth of expertise to the Head of Commercial WA role. She will be responsible for overseeing key client relationships, aligning commercial strategies with national objectives, leading team development and identifying new business opportunities to optimise market performance.
Joining SCA from Seven West Media, Tuckey worked across multiple roles, including Regional and PerthNow Local Sales Director in WA, before being promoted to Sales Director across Agency, Local and Regional. She also spent over a decade at Nine in Perth, holding senior leadership roles including Group Business Manager and Group Business Director.
Megan Tuckey said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the talented team at SCA as Head of Commercial WA. It’s a dynamic business with brilliant brands, passionate people, and a clear vision for the future. The team has great momentum, and I’m excited to get to work building on this to deliver results for clients and agency partners across WA.”
Luke Minto, SCA’s National Head of Audio sales, said: “Megan is an outstanding executive, and we are very fortunate to have her leading our SCA commercial teams in WA. This new appointment will further enhance and innovate the way SCA WA delivers for our clients — anywhere in the state, and nationally where required. Our unmatched audio capability across metro, regional, and LiSTNR products gives clients a powerful platform, and we are investing accordingly to seize this opportunity.”
Megan will report to Luke Minto and start in the role on Monday, August 4.
Triple R is a truly independent, not-for-profit community radio station. Playing a vital role as an independent community voice in Melbourne.
For more than 40 years Triple R has shaped and inspired the culture of Melbourne. Since its inception as an educational broadcaster in 1976, Triple R has become Australia’s most influential community radio station. Broadcasting on 102.7FM and 3RRR Digital, the Triple R grid houses over 60 diverse programs. Music shows cover every genre imaginable from pop to punk rock, from R&B and electro to jazz, hip hop, country and metal. Specialist talks programs delve into topics as varied as the environment, human rights, politics, medical issues, gardening, cultural ventures and local interests.
General Role Description
Part-time: 0.4 FTE (14 hours per week, or happy to discuss contractor arrangement)
Flexible employment conditions and great staff entitlements
Triple R is seeking a Ruby developer to enhance and maintain the codebase of our bespoke web application, its CMS and administrative backend. The Triple R production website (www.rrr.org.au) is a custom Ruby application that was developed by a Melbourne-based studio. There are separate staging and development instances of the application and an associated CI/CD pipeline. We are seeking an experienced Ruby developer with a demonstrable record of project delivery.
The successful candidate will work with our tech team to create a roadmap that includes enhancement and maintenance milestones.
The following selection criteria are necessary for a developer to hit the ground running. We are aware that some of the artifacts our application depends on have declined in popularity. We are willing to support the successful candidate to gain familiarity with the codebase, including its third-party gems. If you are a Ruby developer who has previously worked with dry-rb we are open to discussing what is necessary to bring you back up to speed.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
Please ensure your expression of interest demonstrates your:
experience delivering and maintaining Ruby projects that leverage Roda, ROM.rb and the dry-rb ecosystems
deep familiarity with the PostgreSQL database and its associated query language and administration tools
experience developing and maintaining responsive web application front-ends using HTML5, JS and CSS
familiarity with application containerisation using Docker
Desirable
Where possible, please ensure your expression of interest demonstrates your experience with regard to:
instrumenting web applications using Google Tag Manager
scripting using Bash, Python and/or PowerShell
familiarity with and enthusiasm for using Debian-based linux and its command line interface
experience rendering streamed audio using front-end web technologies
familiarity with code and documentation version control using git
exposure to and a willingness to embrace the ‘Essential Eight’ threat mitigation strategies
exposure to or an interest in the CiviCRM constituent management ecosystem
a passion for Triple R, community broadcasting in general, music and arts, or interest in employment in the not-for-profit sector
experience coding with PHP and in particular migrating applications written for PHP 5 and 7 to PHP 8
exposure to MySQL databases (and migrating them to Postgres)
proficiency with object-oriented programming in any language
experience scripting with contemporary versions of Perl 5 (i.e. > 5.30)
Application Process
Triple R especially welcomes applications from people of the following groups – feel free to let us know if they apply to you:
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples
People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
All Expressions Of Interest (EOIs) MUST provide the following in a single PDF document:
Cover letter
A written response to each of the key selection criteria, separate to the cover letter
A current CV
Please email your EOI torecruitment@rrr.org.au with the subject “Web Dev – Your Name”. Applications will be reviewed by July 11, 2025, however this may be extended depending on the outcome of EOI reviews.
