The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has opened applications for its 2027 scholarships, including new accommodation support for students moving to Sydney to study. 

At the centre of this year’s offering are five new Relocation Scholarships, providing $36,000 ($12,000 per year for up to three years) to eligible students. The scholarships are designed to assist with the cost of accommodation, improving access to screen and audio education, with a particular focus on First Nations students and those experiencing financial disadvantage. 

The initiative builds on Australian Government support to improve access to affordable, fit-for-purpose student accommodation, helping more students from across Australia enrol in full-time, on-campus study at AFTRS. 

AFTRS Director of Partnerships and Development, Mathieu Ravier, said the new scholarships would make a meaningful difference to students considering a move to Sydney. 

“Sydney sits at the high end of the national market, and rents have increased significantly in the past five years. These Relocation Scholarships are an important step in ensuring that talented students from across Australia can access a world-class creative education, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. By easing cost-of-living pressure, we’re helping students focus on their creative development and fully participate in campus life,” he said. 

“These scholarships are just one example of how AFTRS continues to work closely with industry partners and government to remove barriers to study, ensuring that Australia’s screen and audio industries benefit from a talent pipeline which represents the breadth of lived experiences across the country.” 

Current Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production student Georgia Williams, a First Nations student from Cowra, NSW, is among the students whose pathway to AFTRS has been made possible through similar scholarship support. Georgia is the recipient of the 2026 OnBass Giant Steps Scholarship, supported by Gentle Giant Media Group and the OnBass Foundation, which returns for its seventh year in 2027.  

“Receiving a scholarship has made a real and immediate difference in my life,” Georgia said. “It has eased the financial pressure of relocating from rural NSW to Sydney and enabled me to begin my studies at AFTRS this year, something that would have been very difficult otherwise given the cost of rent and living expenses. With this support, I have been able to fully focus on developing my skills, collaborating with other creatives, and growing my practice as a proud Ngemba storyteller.”  

These scholarships form part of AFTRS’ broader commitment to equity and inclusion, supporting greater participation from First Nations students and those from regional, remote and low socioeconomic backgrounds. They sit alongside AFTRS’ established suite of scholarships supporting students across its courses. 

Together, scholarships support emerging creatives across screen and audio disciplines, helping students develop industry-ready skills and build sustainable careers. 

Applications for AFTRS’ 2027 Award Courses are now open in our Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting and Master of Arts Screen: Business programs, with applicants able to check which scholarships they are eligible for, and to apply, as soon as they have submitted their course application.   

The AFTRS Scholarship program, made possible through the support of the Australian Government, industry leaders and AFTRS community, includes: 

Relocation Scholarship – Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship – Master of Arts Screen
ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship – Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Constellation Creatives Scholarship – Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
CRA Regional Radio Scholarship – Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Equity Scholarship (supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust) – across multiple courses
First Nations Scholarship (supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust) – across multiple courses
Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship – Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship – Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Netflix First Nations Pathways Scholarship – Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
OnBass Giant Steps Scholarship – Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production
Pariya Taherzadeh Cultural Voices Scholarship – Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting
Women in Cinematography Scholarship (sponsored by Sony) – Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production (Year 3) 

AFTRS offers about 40 scholarships each year. For more information see: Scholarships and Financial Support 

Speaking at Parliament House, artists, authors and music creators alongside Australia’s creative and media leaders called on the Albanese Government to hold firm on its existing copyright framework

APRA AMCOS members Francois Tetaz, Hannah Cameron, John Collins, KLP, Warren H. Williams and William Barton attended the event alongside CEO, Dean Ormston

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The creative and media industries gathered in Canberra yesterday to set out a clear position. Australian creative work is the fuel that powers the AI economy. Without it there are no large language models, no image generators, no AI products of any kind. Australian creators should be part of that success story, not locked out of it. The path is straightforward: ask permission and pay. 

The gathering at Parliament House included Andy Griffith, Anna Funder, Francois Tetaz, Hannah Cameron (Middle Kids), John Collins (Powderfinger), KLP, Mahalia Barnes, Mark Seymour, Paul Dempsey, Warren H. Williams and William Barton plus industry representatives from APRA AMCOS, ARIA, Australian Society of Authors, Australian Writers’ Guild, Australian Publishers Association, Mushroom Group, Australian Music Publishers Association Ltd, Gyro, Association of Artist Managers, Copyright Agency and Free TV Australia. 

Lucy Hayward, CEO of the Australian Society of Authors, said: “Despite what tech might tell you, copyright is simple. If you want to use someone’s work, you need to ask permission. And copyright is also how authors earn a living. Instead of coming to creators and rightsholders to do deals, big tech is throwing money at lobbying in Canberra for solutions that would enable them to use creators’ work in exchange for chump change. For all intents and purposes that’s wage theft for the creative industries.” 

Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, added: “Canberra Airport’s never been so busy with people flying out from the US, putting pressure on the government to say there needs to be some trade-off in relation to data centres and investment. Ultimately, we want to see the collaboration of tech industry and creative industries to the benefit of all Australians. Now’s the time for the government to double down on its investment in the opportunity for the creative industries in AI. The future’s bright, we need to hold firm, we’re open and ready to do business.” 

Singer/songwriter, Mahalia Barnes, added: “This is not just data. This is truly art. This is our culture, it’s the essence of our nation. Artists can never be replaced by technology and AI because art is essentially about humanity.” 

Anna Funder, award-winning author, said: “I’m a writer but I’m standing here before you today really as a victim of crime. My books have all been hoovered up in many editions in many countries, in many languages by big tech, broken down into parts and used for them to make money. We don’t want patrons, we don’t want a big tech fund, we want our rights.”

Bestselling author and Australian Children’s Laureate 2026-2027, Andy Griffiths, added: “I’ve written 43 books, 67 books have been scraped without permission. That includes translations. They are going for everything. There’s been no agreement reached on any of those books. Copyright is how art gets made and if we undermine that there will be no more art, not even to scrape.” 
 
Warren H Williams, award‑winning singer/songwriter, concluded: “My people are the worst ones to get ripped off. Someone comes in from outside because they have sound or the music tracks already written and they ask the black fella to do songs in their language. They go away, mix it, never come back.” 

In October 2025, following consultation with Australia’s creative and media industries, the Albanese Government rejected a proposed text and data mining exception that would have allowed AI companies to use Australian content without permission or payment. It was the right decision, and one that affirmed the Government’s commitment to Australian culture. 

As AI companies intensify their lobbying in Canberra, Australia’s creative and media industries are calling on the Government to hold the line. Australian copyright law is fit for purpose in the AI era. What is needed is the Government’s continued resolve, and we need AI platforms willing to come to the table and do the deal with Australian creators and businesses. Australia is already a world leader in tech regulation. Licensing markets for AI training are already developing internationally. Australia should ensure our creators are part of that market and should not weaken protections that provide a return on the intellectual property of our artists, creators and businesses. 

The creative, cultural and media sectors call on government to: 

1. Hold firm on the existing copyright framework and resist pressure from AI companies to reopen or weaken it.
2. Continue to stand with Australia’s artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, journalists, performers, songwriters, composers, broadcasters, producers, publishers and rightsholders.
3. Use government’s power to bring AI platforms to the table with Australian rightsholders for genuine licensing agreements built on permission and payment.
4. Position Australia as a world leader in AI development that grows the economy while protecting Australian culture, Australian content and Australian creative jobs. 
    

Ahead of Wednesday night’s highly anticipated State of Origin decider, Triple M celebrates a year of record-breaking audience growth for its NRL coverage across broadcast and digital. With wall-to-wall coverage of this year’s Rugby League World Cup still to come, 2026 is shaping up to be Triple M’s biggest year of rugby league ever.

Triple M will once again deliver the most passionate call in the game when New South Wales and Queensland clash in the State of Origin decider on Wednesday, July 8.

Coverage begins at 6pm with Triple M’s Origin Rumble, as Nathan Hindmarsh, Gorden Tallis and Charlie White preview the blockbuster decider, relive some of Origin’s greatest moments and share stories from one of sport’s fiercest rivalries.

From 7pm, Triple M’s expert commentary team takes listeners live to Brisbane’s iconic Suncorp Stadium, with Dan Ginnane joined by former NSW and Australian representative Wade Graham, Queensland and Australian great Shane Webcke and Triple M’s Ben Dobbin to call every moment of the series finale.

The State of Origin decider caps off an extraordinary season for Triple M’s rugby league coverage, with the network recording its strongest NRL audience results ever.

For the first time, Triple M claimed victory over 2GB across both Saturday and Sunday NRL coverage*, delivering its best-ever weekend ratings performance and cementing its dominance with rugby league fans. This season has also seen the successful debut of Emma Lawrence in play-by-play commentary, alongside former premiership-winning half star Luke Keary as expert commentator.

The momentum extends beyond broadcast, with NRL Daily ranking as the number one rugby league podcast on the Triton Australian Podcast Ranker for May 2026**, further strengthening Triple M’s position as the home of rugby league conversation on every platform.

There’s even more to come.

This October, Triple M will become the home of the Rugby League World Cup, bringing fans every major match from the tournament. The action kicks off  with Australia taking on New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Thursday, 15 October, leading through to both the women’s and men’s finals at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, 15 November. Commentary teams will be announced closer to the tournament.

Ewan Giles, SCA Head of Sports Content, said: “There’s never been a bigger year for rugby league on Triple M. Whether it’s State of Origin, our record-breaking NRL audiences, the success of NRL Daily or the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, we’re seeing more fans than ever choosing Triple M for the biggest moments in the game.

“We’ve assembled the best callers, the biggest personalities and the strongest rugby league lineup in the country, and we can’t wait to finish an incredible season with the Rugby League World Cup.”

Triple M’s State of Origin Decider Coverage – Wednesday, 8 July

Triple M’s Origin Rumble (6pm–7pm)

• Nathan Hindmarsh
• Gorden Tallis
• Charlie White

Broadcasting on Triple M Sydney/Brisbane and Triple M regional NSW & QLD

State of Origin Decider (from 7pm | Kick-off 8.05pm)

• Dan Ginnane, 
• Wade Graham, 
• Shane Webcke
• Ben Dobbin

Broadcasting on Triple M Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne/Adelaide and all Triple M regional stations

Triple M’s State of Origin coverage begins from 6pm on Wednesday, 8 July, live across the Triple M Network and streaming on the free LiSTNR app.

Southern Cross Media Group has announced the launch of a multi platform partnership with ING, led by Universal McCann (UM). One of the first fully integrated, cross-channel campaigns since the merger of Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and the Seven Network, this extended partnership launches on 1 July 2026. 

The partnership reimagines how premium content can move seamlessly across platforms, extending Sunrise’s long-standing finance integration with ING into SCA’s LiSTNR audio ecosystem. The result is a unified, multi-platform presence that delivers timely financial information to Australians wherever and whenever they choose to engage.

Since April 2024, ING has partnered with Sunrise to deliver twice-daily finance updates, fronted by its resident finance commentator, building a consistent and authoritative voice within Australia’s most-watched breakfast program. In 2026, ING sought to evolve this partnership, with a clear ambition to reach new audiences and expand beyond broadcast television.

SCA and Seven responded with a solution that leveraged the full strength of the newly merged ecosystem. The daily finance segments from Sunrise will be dynamically adapted and  distributed within LiSTNR’s leading news podcast, The Briefing, alongside targeted streaming and social amplification.

This approach allows ING to maintain the integrity and familiarity of its trusted broadcast content while effectively scaling incremental reach into digital audio environments.

“This partnership is a clear demonstration of what’s now possible as a unified SCA and Seven Network,” said SCA’s Head of Audio Sales Luke Minto.  “We’re no longer thinking in silos. We’re taking proven, high-quality content and extending it across platforms in a way that feels native, contextual and seamless for audiences.”

Seven’s National Sales Director Katie Finney added, “ING has been a valued Sunrise partner for many years. This next evolution ensures their message continues to resonate, while tapping into new audiences across audio and digital. It’s a powerful example of how our combined ecosystem can drive both scale and efficiency.”

The campaign spans multiple touch points, including:

•            Sunrise broadcast integrations featuring ING’s finance commentator
•            Contextual placement of finance updates within LiSTNR’s The Briefing podcast
•            Amplification across LiSTNR’s targeted streaming network
•            Social extensions across both SCA and Seven channels
•            Long-form monthly content and consumer engagement mechanics

“We were impressed by the strategic opportunities this cross-channel partnership has unlocked,” said UM’s Senior Creative Connections Director Monique Chirgwin. “It’s a brilliant showcase of the unified power of Seven Network and SCA. We’ve not only seamlessly extended ING’s trusted financial content but are now reaching new audiences with unparalleled efficiency and contextual relevance, genuinely optimising impact across their entire daily media journey.”

For ING, the result is a cohesive, cross-platform presence that reinforces its position as a trusted financial partner while meeting audiences in the environments they engage with most.

“ING is a digital leader with a long history of advocating for customers, and that means showing up in places and formats that feel natural, useful and trusted,” said ING’s Chief Marketing Officer Carly Yanco.

“Our expanded partnership with Seven and SCA is just one part of a wider digital engagement strategy, from platforms and content to creators and conversations, designed to demystify money and help Australians make sense of everyday finance.

“Having Matt Bowen continue that conversation brings financial news and education to life in a way that’s accessible, relevant and genuinely helpful.”

As one of the first campaigns of its kind following the merger, the ING partnership sets a new benchmark for cross-channel collaboration, highlighting how content, data and distribution can come together to deliver smarter, more effective outcomes for brands.

After 26 years leading ABC Overnights, Trevor Chappell has announced he will leave the program at the end of July.

For more than two decades, Trevor has been the voice of the ABC’s graveyard shift, bringing company, comfort and joy to listeners through the quiet hours as presenter of Overnights.

Reflecting on his first moments on air, Trevor said: “My first shift was terrifying. Everything was scripted and organised to the minute, but there is no allowance for nerves. After a few early stumbles we finally took a call from Pamela, my first talkback caller, and from that moment everything was okay. The kindness and generosity of listeners made that first day, and the 26 years since, so rewarding and a joy.”

Like so many of his listeners since that first call, Trevor developed a personal connection with Pamela and even visited her during a trip to Queensland.

While most of us sleep, Trevor has built a loyal audience of night owls, including shift workers, insomniacs and Nyctophiles. It is a close and distinctive bond, formed in the dark and often shaped by conversations more open than those had in daylight.

Trevor said the connection with listeners grew over time: “I got to know people over a period of time. You get to know their history, what makes them laugh. You can muck around a bit and not be too serious. By having that relationship, it encourages more people to call in as well.

“It is impossible to do shift work for as long as I have without support at work and at home. From producers like Michael Pavlich and Mick James, alongside colleagues including Helen Richardson and John Standish, our regular callers and my partner Cathy at home, that support has made a 25-year career possible.”

To farewell his sleepless fans, Trevor will host an intimate Night at the Museum event and broadcast his Overnights program live from Melbourne Museum, from late night to early morning on Tuesday 28 July.

Audience members can find out more about and apply to attend the overnight broadcast inside Melbourne Museum here.

The event offers listeners the chance to experience the museum after dark and see live radio unfold against the backdrop of night turning into morning in Melbourne.

Lynley Crosswell, CEO & Director Museums Victoria said: “There are few voices Australians have spent more late nights with than Trevor Chappell.  We’re proud to host one of Trevor’s final broadcasts live at Melbourne Museum. Like the ABC, Museums Victoria exists to spark curiosity and connect people through a compelling story. We look forward to welcoming Trevor and his listeners.”

Trevor Chappell grew up in Western Australia and, after leaving high school, worked in a range of jobs across the state. His early roles took him from mines and wheat bins in the far north-west to building sites and a pub in Broome.

He began his radio career as a producer at Perth’s 6PR before returning to Melbourne in 1995 as a casual producer with the ABC. He spent four years as a producer and roving reporter for 774 ABC Melbourne and Victorian Regional Radio before taking on Overnights in 2000.

“For 25 years, Trevor Chappell has been a trusted companion to Australians through the quietest hours of the night,” said ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer. 

“His warmth, humour and genuine curiosity have made Overnights a place where listeners feel heard, connected and welcome. Trevor’s contribution to ABC Radio is remarkable, not only for its longevity but for the deep bond he has built with audiences across the country. We thank him for his extraordinary service and look forward to celebrating him with listeners as he signs off from the program.”

Trevor’s final program will be on Thursday 30 July. The ABC will announce the new Overnights presenter in the coming weeks.

Sports broadcaster and former ABC Bonner Committee Chair, Dr. Charlie King AM, has announced his retirement from the ABC, marking the end of a remarkable career dedicated to serving audiences in the Top End and across Australia.

Over more than three decades with the ABC, Charlie has been a trusted and respected voice, particularly for communities in the Northern Territory. His long-standing commitment to First Nations audiences and to local storytelling has left a lasting legacy across ABC Sport and beyond.

Charlie has been a central voice in Territory sport for decades, as presenter of the local Grandstand program and became the first Indigenous Australian to commentate at an Olympic Games at Beijing in 2008.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Charlie served as Chair of the ABC Bonner Committee for more than a decade, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s commitment to First Nations staff, culture and leadership. In 2019, Charlie was inducted into the AFL Northern Territory Hall of Fame (Media), recognised for his decades as a leading voice of Territory football and for his long‑running contribution to the growth of women’s football in the NT.

Also in 2019, he was named Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year, recognising not only his distinguished broadcasting career but his long‑standing advocacy against domestic and family violence. Through his NO MORE campaign, launched in 2006, Charlie has worked with sporting codes and communities across the NT to promote zero tolerance of violence, while also spending more than 20 years volunteering to support men in contact with the justice system. His work has been recognised with an Order of Australia.

Charlie said: “I have always been proud to work at the ABC. I grew up listening to the ABC, and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would go on to have such a long and rewarding career here. From the very beginning, I felt supported and welcomed as part of the ABC family.

“Being involved in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games was both a thrill and a great honour, experiences I will always cherish. As a Gurindji man, I was deeply aware of the responsibility I carried. I wanted to lead the way for more Aboriginal people to find their place at the ABC, and that motivated me to present myself in a way that reflected the importance and value of our presence in the organisation.

“I am particularly proud of the work of the Bonner Committee, what we achieved together and what continues to grow from that foundation. My time at the ABC also gave me the privilege to engage with communities on a wide range of issues beyond sport, and to help ensure that the voices of Aboriginal people were heard and respected by a broader audience.

“After many rewarding years, I leave with a deep sense of gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished together.”

ABC Director First Nations Strategy and Bundjalung woman Kelly Williams, said Charlie’s contribution to the organisation had been profound. “The ABC experienced significant change during Dr Charlie King’s tenure as Chair of the Bonner Committee.  As the ABC’s peak Indigenous advisory group, the Committee benefited greatly from Charlie’s leadership and counsel, which helped pave the way for many Indigenous employees to showcase their leadership.  In recognition of his outstanding service, Dr King became the first employee to be appointed a lifetime member of the ABC’s Bonner Committee.”

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks also paid tribute to Charlie’s career. “Charlie King leaves the ABC with a legacy defined by integrity, leadership and a deep connection to Top End communities. Through his journalism and service, including his tenure as Chair of the Bonner Committee, Charlie made a lasting and valued contribution. We thank him sincerely for his commitment and wish him every success and happiness in the future.”

Christmas has come early, with Santa Radio returning to LiSTNR for the first-ever Christmas in July celebration.

After becoming LiSTNR’s most-streamed music station last December, Santa Radio is back all month long with wall-to-wall festive favourites, because December simply felt too far away. The tree might be packed away, but the music isn’t.

Christmas in July has long held a special place in Australia, where the festive season’s traditional imagery of roaring fires, roast dinners, winter nights and cosy nostalgia can feel worlds away from a December spent in the heat of summer. With ABS data showing almost one-third of Australia’s population was born overseas, including around 2.4 million people born in Europe or North America, Santa Radio’s mid-year return taps into a familiar feeling for millions of Australians who grew up with Christmas as a winter celebration. 

Whether it’s a cosy night by the fire, a Christmas in July dinner with friends, a taste of home for those who grew up with a winter Christmas, or simply embracing a little festive nostalgia during Australia’s colder months, Santa Radio delivers all the Christmas music and none of the December stress.

Listeners can stream Santa Radio exclusively on LiSTNR throughout July, with the station also available on Foxtel, bringing Christmas Hits and Festive Feels to homes across Australia.

From modern classics by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Kelly Clarkson to timeless favourites from Bing Crosby and Brenda Lee, Santa Radio has curated the ultimate soundtrack for a mid-year festive celebration.

Lindsay Harapa, LiSTNR Senior Music Director – Digital Radio, said: “Last December, Santa Radio became LiSTNR’s most-streamed music station, and the response from listeners showed just how much Australians love embracing the festive spirit. Christmas in July has become part of the way many Australians celebrate winter, especially for those who grew up with Christmas as a cold-weather tradition. We thought, why wait another six months? Winter feels better with a little Christmas in July, and we’re excited to bring Santa Radio back for the very first time outside the traditional festive season. It’s all the Christmas music people love, without the December rush.”

Santa Claus, Head of Christmas Operations, said: “I’d barely finished putting the sleigh in the garage when people started asking when Santa Radio would be back. Mrs Claus tells me it’s important to take a break, but I simply couldn’t ignore all the Christmas lovers who thought December was too far away. The elves have dusted off the tinsel, Rudolph’s polished his nose, and we’re delighted to celebrate Christmas in July with everyone across Australia. Ho ho ho!”

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice, celebrate Christmas in July with Santa Radio, streaming now on the free LiSTNR app and available on Foxtel throughout July.

On Monday, July 6, Triple M will switch off the mics across all 49 stations nationally, from 6am to 6pm, to observe its eighth annual No Talk Day.

This year, Triple M is strengthening the impact of No Talk Day by partnering with three grassroots organisations making a real difference in communities across Australia: Are You Bogged Mate?, Find Ya Feet and TIACS. Together, they share a common goal – encouraging Australian men to prioritise their mental wellbeing, check in with those around them and start conversations that could change, or even save lives.

All shows, news, traffic updates and advertising across Triple M will pause for one simple reason: to give Triple M listeners the space to check in with themselves and each other.

Every day, an average of nine Australians die by suicide, and seven of them are men.* While the statistics are confronting, the message remains clear: talking saves lives.

For the first time, the No Talk Day message will extend well beyond a single day. Throughout July, Triple M and LiSTNR will shine a spotlight on mental health through dedicated content, stories and conversations, ensuring the momentum created on No Talk Day continues long after the microphones switch back on.

No Talk Day will also be supported by a dedicated collection of podcasts on LiSTNR, featuring powerful stories, expert insights and real conversations with our grassroot organisations, designed to encourage Australians to check in on themselves, their mates and their loved ones.

Whether it’s picking up the phone and calling a friend, going for a walk together, or reaching out for professional support, No Talk Day encourages listeners to take action and start a conversation. Throughout the day (6am–6pm), carefully curated music will be featured alongside powerful messages and personal stories from our featured mental health organisations.

Jamie Angel, Head of Triple M Network, said: “For eight years, No Talk Day has been about creating space for Australians to pause, reflect and connect. What began as a single day has become a powerful reminder that checking in with the people around us can make a real difference.

“This year, we’re proud to be working alongside Are You Bogged Mate?, Find Ya Feet and TIACS – organisations that are doing incredible work where it matters most, in local communities and on the ground with Australians who need support.

“Mental health isn’t something we should only talk about once a year. If No Talk Day inspires someone to check in on a mate, ask for help, or start a conversation they’ve been putting off, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

Triple M’s No Talk Day will be heard across all 49 stations nationwide and on the LiSTNR app from 6am to 6pm on Monday, July 6. 

Making mental health a priority is important at any time. For support, text or call TIACS on 0488 846 988 (Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Partner Organisations:

Are You Bogged Mate?

Find Ya Feet

TIACS

A note from CBAA’s CEO Jon Bisset

Community radio and TV exist because local voices, local news, and local music matter! The act of sharing and listening builds connection and understanding within our communities. More than 5.4 million Australians tune in every week to media made by and for their community. The voices, culture and perspectives of many Australians would go unheard without it – and that’s something worth protecting.

You have told us the operating environment isn’t getting easier, and that is borne out in the data. Digital platforms and the commercial motivation and data that drive them, like Spotify, social media, search and AI, have been reshaping how Australians find and consume media, and the pace of change is only accelerating. What worked five years ago may not work today. What works today may not work tomorrow.

Funding is tighter. The commercial and workforce pressures on local and independent content are real. Total sponsorship levels are trending down. Although we have attracted new investment from Government, it is not keeping up with the increase in costs.

It is not all downside. New technologies like AI bring genuine opportunities for productivity gains, and many stations are using it to streamline back-end work and save valuable hours to rededicate to business growth, community engagement or programming. Social media offers the opportunity to promote station services, people and programs to new audiences and to support fundraising and community engagement.

In our most recent member survey, 89% of stations reported high levels of satisfaction with CBAA, and our Net Promoter Score came in at +50, well above benchmarks for organisations similar to ours. Late last year, Associations Forum named CBAA Association of the Year. It reflects the contribution of our members and the capability of our staff.

We do not take the confidence of our members or the recognition from peers for granted. It tells us our strategy – putting members at the centre – is sound. And it motivates us to keep raising the bar. Key to this effort is the Community Broadcasting Roadmap 2033 – the sector’s shared framework for a sustainable and confident future. We are working closely with the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) to deliver this vision.

We have made a strong case for community broadcasting’s achievements. New research from Monash and Griffith Universities has put hard numbers to the contribution our sector makes (more than $153 million annually) to Australian music industries, playing 37% Australian music against a 25% code requirement. Spotify and TikTok aren’t going to champion emerging Australian artists. But community radio does, every day, and we know this is what many listeners want.

We added content that helps your stations stay relevant and distinctive. Community broadcasting can’t survive by filling time with a jukebox – any listener can find a personal playlist on Spotify. According to our surveys, news and local information are consistently the strongest motivation for listeners. From 1 July, we’re bundling the Community Radio Network’s 100+ diverse programs with National Radio News and BBC World Service, giving stations more quality content choices to supplement their own programming.

What happens in Canberra impacts your station. We are fighting hard to deliver a clearer, more flexible regulatory environment that reduces administration. The government’s Community Broadcasting Sustainability Review was the most significant policy process affecting the sector in years. Its findings – reforms to how Community Broadcasting Program grants work, modernisation of the Broadcasting Services Act, and a new First Nations Broadcasting Strategy – represent a real opportunity to reshape the sector’s future. The ACMA has already responded with new streamlined processes for license renewals for permanent and temporary licenses. For most stations, this means the days of 100-page applications are over. Changes to the Broadcasting Services Act are still ahead of us. You have told us what you want and we’re working closely with the Government to see it to fruition before the CBAA Conference.

The News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) is an important reform that aims to correct the imbalance of access to advertising revenue between digital platforms (like Google, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook) and news publishers. The Government’s proposed design excludes most community broadcasters – so we’re pushing for changes that deliver fair outcomes for all stations – no matter their size or whether journalism is undertaken by staff or volunteers. We’re actively pursuing new investment in local journalism, because the demand for community broadcasting as a trusted, diverse source of local news has never been stronger.

Everything CBAA does is guided by one question: does this make community broadcasters stronger and more successful? In the year ahead, our focus is on getting the sustainability review reforms across the line, securing new investment in local journalism, helping stations navigate the digital shift with confidence, and building the tools and resources that make the day-to-day easier for your team. This work includes developing enhanced AI tools in a way that specifically supports community broadcasters to find and access reliable information that your team can use with confidence. The aim is to lighten the load that falls on small teams and volunteers and reduce the risk of your teams finding inaccurate information on publicly available AI tools. Stay tuned.

There is a lot to look forward to. I hope to see many of you at the CBAA Conference in Geelong — to share, learn, and celebrate our impact through the annual Community Broadcasting Awards.

Have a question or need support with something? Reach out to support@cbaa.org.au or (02) 9310 2999 at anytime. 

PBS 106.7FM is seeking a part-time Marketing & Communications Assistant to join the team three days a week, working alongside the Marketing and Events Manager across the station’s digital communications, social media, web presence and fundraising campaigns. The successful applicant will occasionally be required to work outside standard business hours.

For 45 years, community broadcaster PBS 106.7FM has played an integral part in Melbourne’s diverse music community. With over 80 specialist music programs ranging from soul to indie to electronic to jazz, PBS is dedicated to amplifying under-represented music and supporting the local music community.

The successful applicant will be an excellent communicator with a background and passion for social media content, digital communications and publicity. They will be a confident writer for online audiences, able to manage competing priorities while keeping the bigger picture in view. A genuine feel for music culture and the non-profit sector, and an understanding of what community radio means to the people who love it, will be just as valued as technical skills.

Duties and Responsibilities
This role includes, but is not restricted to, the following duties and responsibilities. Tasks may be altered from time to time to meet organisational needs.

– Develop and deliver external communications across the station’s digital channels
– Coordinate web and social media promotion of the station, its fundraising drives, programs and events
– Write, design and schedule a weekly email newsletter
– Work with PBS departments to keep online communications current, accurate and consistent with PBS’ vision to amplify under-represented music and support the local music community
– Assist in the planning and execution of annual fundraising drive marketing
– Assist in producing the twice-yearly Waves magazine
– Keep across industry news, emerging social media platforms and trends, and how to best reach our community and beyond
– Other duties as required

How to Apply
Please send applications addressing the selection criteria, with CV, two referees (who won’t be contacted without the applicant’s prior knowledge) and a cover letter to Kristen Paterson at kristen@pbsfm.org.au by 9am Wednesday 15 July, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Click here to download the Position Description