Each year ABC Radio National hosts three media residencies academics in Science, Humanities and the Arts. Now in its twelfth year, the ABC TOP 5 project aims to enable early career PhD academics to become the best communicators of their specialist research areas and help them to better communicate their work to non-academic audiences across Australia.

“It’s increasingly important that the ABC remains a trusted source that all Australians can turn to.” says ABC Chair Kim Williams. “This is why the ABC TOP 5 is important, as it enhances both ABC Radio National’s ability to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our audience, while also developing the communication skills of these exciting early career researchers.”

The five successful applicants from each of the three fields will be in residence at the ABC offices for two-weeks of media training and practical experience. They will be working alongside some of Australia’s best journalists and broadcasters, to get a better understanding of how best to communicate their vital research with the world.

Dina Rosendorff is the Manager of ABC Radio National. “Behind every breakthrough idea is a researcher who needs to be heard. The ABC Top 5 program opens Radio National’s doors to some of Australia’s brightest emerging minds, giving them the tools to share their work with the world, and giving our audience something genuinely new to think about.”

The three TOP 5 residencies will be presented at the ABC during July, August and September.

THE 2026 ABC TOP 5 ARE:

HUMANITIES 

• Dr Olga Bolchak: Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures, The University of Sydney.
  A media sociologist who explores how communities can build resilience when digital technologies are weaponised.
• Dr Rohann Irving: Research Fellow in Young Men’s Digital Health, Flinders University, South Australia.
  Research investigates sports betting’s increasing normalisation in young men’s domestic spaces and intimate relationships. 
• Dr Julia Brown: Senior Research Fellow, Reproduction in Society Group, Monash Bioethics Centre, Monash University, Victoria.
  Research explores the lived experiences, ethical challenges and societal implications of emerging reproductive technologies. 
• Dr Jordan McSwiney: Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Deliberative Democracy, University of Canberra, ACT.
  Research examines Australian politics, with a focus on far-right political parties and movements.
• Dr Lorenn Ruster: Researcher, School of Cybernetics and Independent Advisor, Australian National University, ACT.
  Researches and develops responsible AI practices in & with organisations, centring human dignity.

SCIENCE

• Dr Ana Gracanin: Research fellow – Australian National University, ACT
  Research forests, biodiversity & conservation – specialising in all things tree-dwelling.
• Dr Green, Jessica: Consultant Psychiatrist & Senior Research Fellow, Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT, Deakin University, Victoria.
  Explores the gut-brain connection in mental health, from “poo transplants” for depression to lifestyle psychiatry approaches that bring diet, and physical health into mental health care.
• Dr Kathryn Ross: Support Scientist at the Australian SKA Regional Centre (AusSRC) at Curtin University, Westen Australia.
  Research into baby black holes and twinkling galaxies, to study galaxy evolution across entire radio rainbow utilising radio telescopes across Australia.                         
• Dr Matt Davidson: Lecturer and ARC DECRA fellow, Discipline of Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney.
  Studies consciousness, and how the brain, the body, & movement co-determine what we perceive.
• Dr Tyler Rohr: Lecturer in Biogeochemical Modelling – University of Tasmania, Tasmania. : Investigates if emerging marine CO2 removal technologies could sequester atmosphere emissions, without harming marine ecosystems. 

ARTS

• Dr Nicholas Duddy: Forrest Postdoctoral Fellow in English and Literary Studies, University of WA. 
  Research explores how theatre has offered a cultural space for dialogue around the complex issue of suicide.
• Bethany Kiss: Designer/PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne, Victoria.
  Brings together architecture and ecology to reimagine our homes as places of coexistence and enchantment with wildlife.
• Caitlin Langford: PhD Candidate, School of Art, RMIT University, Victoria.   
  Research examines photobooths in urban culture, with a focus of their role in the production of official identity documents, souvenirs, and artworks.
• Charlotte Markowitsch: PhD Candidate: School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, Victoria.
  Explores how Australian audiences learn to love & judge rock music, & what those beliefs reveal about taste, identity, & cultural value.”
• Shakiba Barghi: PhD Candidate: School of Culture and Communication, University of Melbourne, Victoria.          
  Research examines how literary culture is evolving in digital spaces through visual, social, and creative reading practices.

The ABC TOP 5 is presented at no costs to the participants thanks to the crucial support our project partners: 

• Creative Australia – Lara Wolski is the Executive Director Development & Strategic Partnerships at Creative Australia, which supports the ABC TOP 5 Arts. “Creative Australia is proud to support the ABC TOP 5 program, which helps researchers and creative practitioners connect their work with audiences in meaningful and accessible ways. This program gives participants the skills and confidence to communicate their work with clarity, creativity and impact, helping important ideas reach broader audiences across Australia.”
• University of Melbourne – Also essential for the ABC TOP 5 Arts is the support of the University of Melbourne. Professor Marie Sierra is the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. “It’s fantastic to see this year’s TOP 5 cohort—congratulations to all of those selected from such a diverse and talented group of artist-researchers across Australia. The Residency continues to provide a strong platform for developing the communication skills that extend the reach and impact of creative arts research. We look forward to seeing the new audiences, discoveries, and innovations that emerge through your time in the program.”
• University of Sydney – Professor Mike Ryan is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research at the University of Sydney, which supports the ABC TOP 5 Humanities: “Sharing our research with clarity and conviction is more important than ever, across all our disciplines. We are proud to partner with the ABC TOP 5 program, which is a wonderful opportunity for early-career researchers to champion their own research while demonstrating the contribution of universities to public understanding. It equips them to demonstrate the importance of critical thinking and deep expertise, including the essential role the Humanities play.” 
• Australian National University: The ANU supports the ABC TOP 5 Science, and Professor Sujatha Raman is the Director, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science: “Engaging wider audiences beyond academia is a critical part of how researchers serve the public good.  The ABC TOP 5 is unique in offering a pathway for early career researchers from the arts, humanities and sciences to hone the skills and the nous that’s needed to bring their expertise to bear on public discourse. Many congratulations to this year’s cohort and well done to the other applicants who may have missed out, but who demonstrated the nation’s breadth and depth of research talent”. 

For more information head to: TOP 5 – ABC Media Residency Program, 2026 –

The ABC Chair, Kim Williams AM, today warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Communications, the Honourable Anika Wells, of the appointment of a new Deputy Chair, Dr  Lisa Caffery (Qld), who replaces former Deputy Chair Peter Tonagh, and another Director, Mr Damien Miller (Vic), who takes up a vacancy following the expiry of Mr Mario D’Orazio’s  five-year term on the Board. 

Mr Williams thanked his Board colleague, the rural industry leader and strategist, Ms Georgina Somerset AM, for acting so capably as Deputy Chair during the interim period between Mr Tonagh’s resignation and the appointment of Dr Caffery. 

Dr Caffery has a PhD from Central Queensland University and has completed the University of Cambridge Sustainability Leadership program. Her research interests span health equity, social impact, STEM education and the resilience of rural communities.  

Dr Caffery comes to the ABC as a well experienced regional Australian business leader with an impressive array of achievements across regulated sectors including water, infrastructure, resources, health, government and the not-for-profit sector. She is based in the regional Queensland city of Emerald from where she serves as a board member of Mater Health (Qld) and Dams Safety NSW. She is a former chair of Sunwater Ltd, Queensland’s bulk water entity. 

“I have no doubt Dr Caffery and I will forge an effective relationship as we work with our fellow ABC Board colleagues to ensure proper guidance and performance delivery by the ABC over the coming years,” Mr Williams said.   

In welcoming Mr Miller, of the Gangulu people, an Australian career diplomat for 25 years, Mr Williams expressed particular satisfaction that the Minister had appointed a First Nations Australian with extensive international experience. In 2013, Mr Miller was appointed Australia’s Ambassador to Denmark, Norway and Iceland. With that appointment, Mr Miller became the first Indigenous Australian to become an Australian Head of Mission, a signal of achievement and honour. He also served overseas in Washington DC, Berlin and Kuala Lumpur before becoming a director of several boards after leaving the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  

Mr Williams paid tribute to retiring director Mr D’Orazio who had served as an ABC Board member for five years and chaired the Board’s People and Culture Committee diligently. Mr Williams said the Board had benefited from Mr D’Orazio’s unique perspective as a senior media leader and had been grateful for his knowledge, skill and warm collegiate approach.  

Mr D’Orazio said, “It’s been a privilege to have served on the ABC Board for the past five years. The organisation is making important progress in many areas.  

“I’m pleased to have played my part in creating the role of the Office of the Ombudsman and the establishment of the People and Culture Board committee, both of which are significant structural improvements in the ABC’s governance. While the future poses many challenges, I am confident the current leadership will ensure the ABC delivers on its charter. As I look forward to returning to the private sector, I wish the ABC every success.”  

ARN has appointed Lucy Formosa Morgan as Director of Sales Enablement, a newly created role designed to strengthen the network’s commercial capability and support continued growth.

Lucy is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced media leaders, with a proven track record of leading large cross-functional teams and driving productivity through strong organisational leadership, operational efficiency, and capability development.

She joins ARN with more than 25 years of media experience across both agencies and publishers and has consistently demonstrated her ability to build high-performing cultures, simplify transactional frameworks, and unlock growth.

In the newly created role of Director of Sales Enablement, Formosa Morgan will lead ARN’s Sales Operations, Revenue and Yield, and Insights functions. She will also head the sales-specific training and development program in partnership with the People and Culture leadership group.

Prior to joining ARN, Formosa Morgan was Managing Director of MAGNA Global.

Richard Hunwick, Chief Sales Officer of ARN, said: “Lucy’s reputation in market is unparalleled. She brings deep experience in organisational and operational excellence across complex businesses, along with strong skills in building negotiation and deal frameworks, refining systems and processes that deliver value, and embracing technology as a catalyst to empower teams.

“Working alongside our existing leaders, Lucy will further strengthen ARN’s culture of service excellence as we continue our ambition to be the market’s partner of choice. I’ve known Lucy for a long time, and I can’t wait to work with her directly.”

Formosa Morgan said: “The media landscape is changing rapidly, and ARN’s ambition to create Australia’s leading entertainment company at the crossroads of audio, video, social and experience is what excites me. ARN has a bold vision for the future, and I’m looking forward to helping shape a business that is well-positioned to build on the strong work already underway.”

Formosa Morgan commences in the role immediately.

New national research has highlighted the significant cultural, social and economic contribution community radio makes to Australian music, artists and local music communities across the country.

Launched today at the VMDO Music Data & Insights Summit, the report Community Radio and Australian Music: Building the Music Media Ecosystem examines the value and Social Return on Investment (SROI) of Australia’s network of community radio music stations and their role within the broader Australian music ecosystem.

The research found 292 community radio music stations contribute more than $153 million annually to the Australian music industries and generate returns of up to $5.55, with a median return of $2.47 across high-intensity stations for every dollar invested. 

Delivered through the Australian Research Council Linkage Project Community Music Radio: Building the Music-Media Ecosystem (2023–2026), the research combines Social Return on Investment modelling with qualitative fieldwork conducted at stations across Australia. 
 
The report highlights the critical role community broadcasters play in: 

• discovering and championing emerging Australian artists
• supporting local live music scenes
• amplifying diverse Australian voices and genres
• creating pathways for artists and broadcasters
• connecting audiences with local music and culture generating income for artists, venue and events   

Researchers worked with community broadcasters, artists, listener focus groups and industry stakeholders to better understand how stations contribute to artist development, music discovery and community connection.

The project included interviews and workshops with artists, broadcasters, music industry representatives and policy-makers, alongside case studies from stations across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia.

Associate Professor Shane Homan said the findings confirmed what artists and audiences have understood for decades: “These stations provide critical first exposure for artists who are often overlooked elsewhere, while also creating direct economic benefits for the wider music industries.”

Community radio and Australian music by the numbers 

Community broadcasting remains one of Australia’s most important platforms for Australian music and diverse voices.

Key findings from the report and broader sector data include:

• Community radio music stations contribute more than $153 million annually to the Australian music industries.
• Up to $5.55 returned for every $1 invested (median return of $2.47 for the top 39 high-intensity stations)
• Community radio stations broadcast more than 390,000 hours of Australian music annually. 
• Community broadcasting reaches more than 5.39 million Australians every week.
• The sector includes more than 500 community-owned and operated radio services across Australia.
• 62% of listeners say they listen to community radio to hear Australian music.
• Community broadcasting is powered by approximately 18,100 volunteers.
• Around two-thirds of the community broadcasting sector is made up of music-focused stations.
• Across all community radio stations, the sector plays 37% Australian music, exceeding the 25% quota required under the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice. 

The report also reinforces the sector’s important role in supporting music diversity and discoverability at a time when Australian artists face increasing challenges in reaching audiences through global digital platforms.

As outlined in Roadmap 2033, community broadcasting continues to play a critical role in amplifying Australian music, arts and creative industries, while strengthening local communities and media diversity across the country.

Community Radio: Our National Sound 

The project also informed the development of Community Radio: Our National Sound, a new podcast series featuring Australian musicians reflecting on the important role community radio has played in their careers and creative journeys. 
 
The series features conversations with Sarah Blasko, DOBBY, Mo’Ju, L-FRESH The LION, Bad//Dreems, Body Type and Annie Hamilton, highlighting the unique relationship between Australian artists and community broadcasters.

L-FRESH The LION said community radio delivered direct audience outcomes for emerging artists, “if we went and did a live performance on air at a community radio station the day before the show, we were selling a minimum of 20 to 30 tickets the next night. And that’s huge when you’re trying to break into new spaces,” he said.

“I’ve had almost no commercial airplay. So my whole career has been built on community radio and ABC stations,” said Sarah Blasko. 

Acknowledgements 

This research was delivered through the Australian Research Council Linkage Project Community Music Radio: Building the Music-Media Ecosystem (2023–2026), led by researchers from Griffith University and Monash University and supported by organisations across the community broadcasting and Australian music sectors. 
 
This project would not have been possible without

• amrap.org.au
• APRA AMCOS
• Australian Research Council 
• Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
• Community Broadcasting Foundation
• Community Media Training Organisation
• Creative Australia
• First Nations Media Australia
• Music Australia
• MusicNSW 

The report provides further evidence to the importance of community radio to support new Australian acts – a success all stations can share in.  

We also acknowledge the contribution of participating stations and their staff, volunteers and listener communities, including fbi.radio, Rhema FM, Triple R, RTRFM, 4ZZZ, Three D Radio, Edge Radio, 8CCC, PAW Media and Ngaarda Media, alongside the artists, broadcasters, listener focus groups and industry representatives who contributed to the research.

To find out more about the report please contact CBAA support at support@cbaa.org.au.

smol fish, RTR In the Pines festival, 2023

Broadcaster and comedian Charlie Pickering will join 774 ABC Melbourne as the new host of Drive, with Ali Moore announcing she will step away from the show for a new adventure in Italy.

Ali Moore will depart the ABC at the end of the month after a sterling 40-year career in media. Fittingly, she will finish her career where it all began – at 774.

Ali has hosted 774 ABC Melbourne Drive since 2023, covering the big political stories, a global IT outage, drought and emergencies. She took 774 listeners live to a world-record bagpipe event and has led thoughtful conversations on the issues that matter to Victorians. 

Her career has spread across radio and television, including as host of Lateline and Lateline Business, and as China Correspondent based in Beijing. As well Ali has had long stints with both the Nine Network and the BBC based in Singapore.

“I have long had a dream of living in Italy and it’s taken almost a year but finally the pieces are falling into place and I’m ready for a different adventure,” Ali said.

“I adore my job but almost four decades, three employers and more than a dozen different broadcast roles are enough for one career. Future plans involve a tonne of language lessons and a promise to cultivate at least some culinary capability. 

“The ABC has been aware of my intentions since the end of 2025.  I started as a graduate cadet with ABC Radio Melbourne, so it’s fitting that I finish with the audience I love. I’ll be forever grateful for our decades of conversations.” 

Ali introduced Charlie on her program today. 

Charlie Pickering is one of Australia’s most recognisable broadcasters, best known as the host of The Weekly with Charlie Pickering on ABC TV. Since launching in 2015, the program has become a flagship satirical take on the week’s news, alongside the annual special The Yearly with Charlie Pickering.  

Charlie is no stranger to 774 audiences, having hosted Friday Breakfast in 2023 and Thank God It’s Friday since 2025. Charlie will continue to present TGIF across 774 ABC Melbourne and 702 ABC Sydney when he starts his new role. 

Charlie said, “Ali leaves some big, impeccable shoes to fill. Her warmth, intellect and mastery of radio has set me a very high bar to clear. My only regret about taking on this job is that I won’t be able to listen to her do it as well as it has ever been done.”

Shelley Hadfield, 774 ABC Melbourne Local Manager, said: “Charlie brings a rare mix of sharp insight, genuine curiosity and warmth, and he knows how to turn the day’s big issues into conversations that are smart, inclusive and entertaining. He’s already built a strong connection with ABC audiences through Thank God It’s Friday and we’re delighted he’ll now join the 774 Drive family from June 1.” 

Ali’s last show will be on Friday, May 29.

Shelley said Ali’s contribution to the station had been significant. 

“Ali has been an exceptional broadcaster and colleague, and her impact on ABC 774 Melbourne has been profound,” Shelley said. 

“She brings intelligence and integrity to every conversation, and her connection with listeners has been built on trust and respect. While we will miss her enormously, we are thrilled for Ali as she takes up this exciting new adventure.” 

Before joining the ABC, Charlie was a founding host of The Project on Network Ten and a team captain on Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation. He began his career in comedy after training as a lawyer, touring nationally and internationally and earning acclaim at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe. Known for combining sharp political insight with humour and clarity, Charlie has become one of Australia’s most recognised and trusted satirical commentators. 

National public broadcasters CBC, ABC and the BBC today announced that they are joining forces to bring back the beloved audio short-form documentary series Short Cuts as a podcast and radio series, with the original host, British comedian Josie Long, and produced by the creators of the series, U.K. radio production company Falling Tree Productions. From its inception in 2012 and up until its final episode in 2025, the original long-running program was known as a home for award-winning personal documentaries and experimental storytelling, and developed a devoted international following. 

For the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions has announced a call for pitches, open from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1 on their website. The new iteration of the series will premiere in 2027 everywhere podcasts are available, as well as on CBC Listen, BBC Sounds and ABC listen, and radio platforms CBC Radio, BBC Radio 4 and ABC Radio. 

“I can’t wait to start making Short Cuts again,” said host Josie Long. “It’s been the joy and privilege of my career to present this series! There are so many new ideas, voices and ways of making things in sound to discover – I’m proud to be a part of a show that is dedicated to helping bring these into the world.”

“This landmark collaboration not only revives a beloved series, but also represents a shared commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence in narrative audio,” said Arif Noorani, Director, CBC Podcasts. “By sharing resources and expanding audiences with BBC and ABC, we are building on the Short Cuts legacy of developing the next generation of audio makers.” 

“Short Cuts is a brilliant showcase for inventive, intimate audio storytelling, and we’re thrilled to bring it back to global audiences through this collaboration with CBC and the BBC,” said Jess Radburn, ABC Head of Audio on Demand. “This renowned short-form series gives Australian creators the chance to be heard alongside leading emerging and established talent worldwide, and through the open pitch call we’re supporting the next wave of bold audio storytellers on a global stage.”

“I’m delighted that the BBC is partnering with CBC and ABC to bring Short Cuts back, not only to its existing loyal fanbase but also to new listeners around the world,” says Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4. “It’s a powerful example of how public broadcasters can join forces to champion distinctive audio, and a brilliant addition to the opportunities Radio 4 already offers to emerging producers to help them develop their craft.” 

Known for its adventurous spirit, the original Short Cuts series became a cornerstone of the global audio community, with each episode featuring a selection of short documentaries exploring a wide range of subjects through inventive and highly crafted audio. The series offered both established and emerging creators a rare space to experiment with form, sound and narrative. Short Cuts has received two Gold awards for Best Radio Podcast at the British Podcast Awards; the Gold Award, Best New Artists and Best Short at the Third Coast International Audio Festival; the Miller Audio Prize in Audio Documentary; as well as awards from Prix Marulić, Grand Prix Nova, and Hearsay Festival.

As part of the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions is hosting an open call for pitches from international audio producers. The call invites both emerging and established makers to submit ideas for short audio documentaries that embody the spirit of Short Cuts: inventive, personal, and sonically adventurous. More information can be found on their website, and pitches can be submitted from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1. 

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

About ABC

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia’s national public broadcaster, delivering valued services that reflect and contribute to Australian society, culture, and identity. We are Australia’s most trusted news source, providing local, national, and world news across our platforms from locations in every state and territory. ABC Audio delivers live and on demand content across radio, podcasts, music networks, and ABC listen, connecting audiences with trusted journalism, culture, music, sport, and storytelling. The ABC Screen division is Australia’s largest commissioner of local content, championing Australian stories and supporting local talent in partnership with independent producers. ABC International is Australia’s leading source of independent news, information, and media support for the Indo-Pacific region and Australians worldwide, including ABC Radio Australia’s 24-hour FM services broadcasting from 25 locations across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

About BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is the UK’s biggest speech network with nearly nine million listeners every week in the UK, and more around the world. Home to flagship news programmes such as Today, Radio 4 delivers fearless journalism, storytelling that helps audiences make sense of an increasingly complex world, alongside entertainment and companionship through world‑class comedy and drama – including the world’s longest running drama serial, The Archers. As well as live listening, BBC Radio 4 programmes can also be found on demand on BBC Sounds and across podcast platforms.  

ARN has today announced the continued expansion of The Smallzy Show, with the hit entertainment and music program set to launch across 21 ARN Regional stations from this Friday 15 May.

The national rollout marks a major milestone for the show following its January debut on the KIIS Network, building on strong audience momentum and standout GfK Survey 2 results, which included it being crowned the country’s #1 Most Popular Night Show (7-9PM S/M/B/A) with a share of 10 (All People 25-54).

Hosted by Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small, The Smallzy Show is Australia’s hottest new entertainment and music destination, delivering must-hear interviews with the world’s biggest stars, including the likes of Paris Hilton, Billie Eilish, Robbie Williams, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, in-depth debriefs on the latest pop culture news, and exclusive access to money-can’t-buy fan experiences and prizes.

Now airing weekly on Friday nights from 7 pm to 8 pm across ARN’s regional footprint and on the iHeart app, the show will further extend its reach to audiences nationwide.

On the exciting expansion, Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small said, “This is a really exciting next step and was part of the plan when I joined ARN. Taking the show across the regional network means more people can tune in, feel part of it, and enjoy the same energy wherever they are. For listeners, nothing changes except the reach – it’s still the same show, the same fun, just on a bigger stage. For clients, it’s a huge win, giving brands the chance to connect with highly engaged audiences right across the country.”

ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub added, “The continued growth of The Smallzy Show is a testament to the strength of the brand that Smallzy has created. He has such a unique ability to connect with audiences in a genuine and engaging way. His voice and relationships with both listeners and artists are resonating strongly across the country, and expanding into 21 additional ARN stations will see The Smallzy Show continue to build momentum and bring the show to even more Australians.”

You can now listen to The Smallzy Show 7 pm-8 pm across the ARN Regional network on Power FM Bega, Power FM Muswellbrook, Power FM Nowra, Wave FM 96.5 Wollongong, Hot 100.1 FM Darwin, Hitz FM 93.9 Bundaberg, Star 102.7 FM Cairns, Star 101.9 & 90.7 FM Mackay and The Whitsundays, Star 106.3 FM Townsville, Hot 91.1 FM Sunshine Coast, Magic 89.9 FM Port Lincoln, Magic 93.1 FM Riverland, Magic 105.9 FM Spencer Gulf, Power FM Murray Bridge, Sea 101.7 & 107.7 FM Devonport and Bernie, 7HOFM 101.7 Hobart, Chilli 90.1 & 99.7 FM Launceston and Northeast, Power FM Ballarat.

Adelaide’s undisputed breakfast radio royalty, Triple M Breakfast with Roo, Ditts & Loz(Mark Ricciuto, Chris Dittmar and Laura O’Callaghan) will officially celebrate a monumental milestone as the team celebrates 3,000 shows Thursday May 14 on 104.7 Triple M. 

Roo & Ditts first teamed up on The Rush Hour (4pm-6pm) in 2011, before making the move to breakfast in June 2014. In 2021, Loz’s natural chemistry with the pair as a regular contributor led to her joining the team permanently, further strengthening an already successful show and helping propel them to an extraordinary run of ratings success. In their first full ratings survey period together (Survey 1, 2022), Triple M Breakfast with Roo, Ditts & Loz took  the Number  1 FM breakfast show title.

Building on that momentum, Roo, Ditts & Loz have gone on to secure  an impressive 29 Number 1 results. They have also been the overall (including AM) Number 1 breakfast show in Adelaide for 24 out of the past 25 Surveys, a  consecutive winning streak that is rare in today’s  radio ratings. 

Their success is built on a consistently live, local and unmistakably Adelaide-first approach, underpinned by a genuine connection to the community and their listeners. They lead the conversation on local news as it breaks, bringing unrivalled insight from both AFL teams and actively partnering with a wide range of Adelaide charities – all while keeping the show entertaining, unpredictable, and full of energy every morning.
 

Some highlights across their 3,000 shows  include:

• Raising almost $1 million since 2020 for local charities with Triple M Adelaide’s Hike for Hope – Roo, Ditts & Loz broadcast live as they walk 30km across Adelaide. 
• Iconic listener events like the Legends Lunches where listeners get the chance to hang out with the likes of Crows star Tex Walker, Olympic legend Kyle Chalmers, former Football icons Tony Modra and Gavin Wanganeen and Cricket legend Darren ‘Boof’Lehmann.
• Covering finals runs for both Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide with epic broadcasts and events including; the AFL Grand Final Eviction Bus full of Triple M listeners to Melbourne, kicking people off along the way with the last fans standing getting to the 2017 AFL Grand Final between the Crows and Richmond.
• A world record breaking feat with Mark ‘Roo’ Ricciuto becoming the World Yabby Peeling Champion, successfully stripping the shells and claws off 34 yabbies in three minutes – plus heaps more! 

On reaching 3,000 shows, Mark ‘Roo’ Ricciuto said: “If you told me back in 2011 when Ditts and I started on The Rush Hour that we’d still be here 3,000 shows later, I probably would’ve laughed. We’ve had a lot of fun, broken a few world records, and shared some huge moments with the people of Adelaide. Reaching 3,000 shows is a proud milestone, but honestly, it’s the connection with our listeners and the way they’ve stuck with us that makes it special.”

Chris ‘Ditts’ Dittmar said: “The best part of this job isn’t the milestones; it’s the people we talk to every day and the stories we hear from right across Adelaide. Whether we’re out on a Hike for Hope or just chatting to a caller on the way to work, it’s that connection to the community that keeps me coming back. It’s been an absolute blast, and I feel pretty lucky to have been part of Adelaide’s morning routine for this long.”

Laura ‘Loz’ O’Callaghan said: “Joining Roo and Ditts felt like jumping onto a moving freight train, but in the best way possible. To be part of this 3,000-show milestone is a huge honour. These guys had already built something iconic, and I’m just glad they let me in the studio to cause some chaos with them. Achieving those Number 1 results together has been the icing on the cake, and I’m so grateful to the Adelaide listeners for embracing me as part of the family.”

Mel Andersen, Triple M Adelaide Content Director said: “Roo, Ditts & Loz are the heartbeat of Adelaide breakfast radio. To reach 3,000 shows while maintaining such a dominant, consecutive run at Number 1 is a rare feat in this industry. Their ‘Adelaide-first’ mentality, combined with their incredible charity work like Hike for Hope, is why they remain the undisputed royalty of the airwaves. I couldn’t be prouder of the chemistry, energy, and local passion they bring to the studio every single morning.”

Triple M Breakfast with Roo, Ditts & Loz can be heard weekdays from 6am – 9am on 104.7 Triple M Adelaide or anytime on theLiSTNR app.

One of Australia’s leading community media organisations for people with disability, Vision Australia Radio, has three open positions in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia:

• Radio Operations Manager, Kooyong VIC
• Radio Operations Coordinator, Adelaide SA
• Radio Operations Coordinator, Perth WA

The Opportunity

Are you a community-minded leader with a passion for broadcasting?

Radio MAMA is seeking a dedicated Network Manager to lead our community-operated station in Geraldton with its prime network in Carnarvon, Mount Magnet, Mullewa and connected sites through Meekatharra and Wiluna. In this multifaceted role, you will oversee day-to-day operations, ensure the delivery of high-quality 24-hour programming, and drive our strategic vision.

This is a pivotal leadership position where you will manage everything from fiscal health to volunteer engagement, ensuring we remain a vital voice for our diverse community.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Committee, you will be responsible for:

• Operational Excellence: Overseeing continuous daily operations and ensuring all on-air programming complies with broadcast standards and Australian regulations.
• Volunteer Leadership: Recruiting, training, and managing our essential volunteer staff to effectively accomplish the organisation’s mission.
• Strategic & Financial Management: Participating in the development of annual operating budgets and implementing short- and long-range goals and policies.
• Technical Oversight: Managing station facilities, space allocation, equipment acquisitions, and safety procedures.
• Programming Support: Supporting the execution of broadcast schedules on a 24×7 basis and occasionally providing services as an on-air host.
• Reporting & Compliance: Maintaining accurate records, preparing regular reports, and advising the management committee on operational improvements.

What You Bring

We are looking for a motivated professional who thrives in a community-driven environment who ideally has the following

• Appropriate qualifications or at least some experience directly related to radio operations and management.
• An understanding of public radio principles, broadcasting processes, and relevant Australian broadcasting regulations.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
• Good technical skills with willingness to learn about radio equipment and radio distribution systems.
• A strong awareness of and commitment to First Nations community needs and cultural sensitivity.

About Radio MAMA

Radio MAMA is a cornerstone of the Midwest. We are dedicated to providing a platform for local voices and ensuring our mission, goals, and objectives resonate across the region.

If you want to discover more about Radio MAMA please click on the link https://www.mama.net.au/.

All applicants self-identifying within their cover letter as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will be guaranteed a preliminary interview.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact and have the required expertise, Apply Now!

We look forward to receiving your application and can promise that every application will be read by our team and all applications will receive a response from us.

Please direct any questions to pauline @ paulinetarrant . com