ABC International has continued to strengthen its regional partnerships in 2026, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with broadcasters and media organisations in Malaysia, Mongolia and Timor-Leste.
Under the successful program which began in 2022, ABC International has signed 23 similar agreements with leading media organisations in Asia and the Pacific which focus on opportunities to share content, exchange expertise and knowledge, and undertake technical training and media development initiatives.
In the latest round of agreements, ABC International formalised tailored agreements with Timor-Leste’s public service news agency Tatoli, Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB) and Malaysian state broadcaster Sarawak Media Group (SMG).
The MoUs with MNB and SMG facilitate opportunities for content sharing of news and current affairs, factual, sports and lifestyle programming, in addition to the exchange of technical advice and information, while the Tatoli agreement also includes provisions for ongoing collaboration with ABC International’s media development arm, ABC International Development, which has worked closely with Tatoli in recent years in launching an English-language news service and other capacity building initiatives.
ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said, “ABC International has worked tirelessly over the past four years to fortify our relationships with like-minded, regional partners and formalise tailored agreements with them. Each MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across areas such as content and information sharing, and media capacity building, and in doing so, brings new opportunities for meaningful engagement.
“We are proud to announce these latest agreements with Tatoli, MNB and SMG, and look forward to the emerging possibilities for closer collaboration and how we can best work together to support and serve our respective audiences through these partnerships.”
The ABC has also recently renewed its partnership with Canadian national broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, signing an updated MoU to support content and distribution-related initiatives, including the development of a new children’s co-production It’s Andrew! set to premiere in Australia in 2026.
After an extraordinary 25 years behind the mic on Afternoons, James Valentine will farewell 702 ABC Radio Sydney with a special two‑hour retrospective program this Friday afternoon.
“I won’t be coming back this year to the microphone and the Afternoons program” James said “it’s time for me to retire”.
“This decision has been hard for me to make but I need to focus on getting better and being with family and friends and making sure I’m giving my health my best shot.”
“This coming Friday, Jen Fleming, long-time producer of the program and myself want to present a retrospective; the best of Afternoons, to capture what we’ve made in those 25 years.” James said as he announced the program on Monday.
Across the week, James’ loyal audience is invited to share favourite memories, moments and stories on the 702 ABC Radio Sydney Facebook page. These will be reflected on during Friday’s special broadcast as the station celebrates the legacy of one of its most loved presenters.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said James’ contribution to the ABC has been remarkable and enduring. “James is one of the great creative forces in Australian broadcasting.
“He has an extraordinary gift for turning everyday moments into joyful, smart and surprising radio, and the connection he has built with his audience over decades simply cannot be overstated.
“We’re proud to celebrate everything he has brought to the ABC, and we wish him strength and support as he focuses on his health.”
James began his media career in the mid‑1980s, hosting cartoons on ABC TV’s The Afternoon Show. He went on to work across several ABC television programs before moving into radio at 666 ABC Radio Canberra. He then moved onto the Mornings program in Sydney.
In 2001, James found what he describes as his true home at the ABC when he began presenting Afternoons on 702 ABC Radio Sydney, then known as 2BL. He has held the role for more than two decades, with a brief detour presenting Breakfast in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, James announced he would be stepping away from the program to receive treatment for oesophageal cancer.
The James Valentine Afternoons: Retrospective special program will air on 702 ABC Radio Sydney at 12.30pm AEDT on Friday 6 February, and across NSW at 1.30pm.
James will also step away from his ABC Jazz program Upbeat, where he has shared his passion for jazz with audiences since the program launched in 2020.
Encourage community participation in operationsEncourage community participation in programming
Breached paragraph 9(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2 to the BSADid not breach paragraph 9(2)(2)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-744)
19 December 2025
Licence condition and code matters
Great Lakes Area FM Community Radio Association Inc.
Encourage community participation in operations
No breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-749)
18 December 2025
Licence condition and code matters
Tamar FM Inc (7TFM)
Have in place, abide by, and regularly review constitution and key governance policiesEncourage community participation in operations
No breach of Code 2.1(a) of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025No breach of Code 2.1(b) of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025No breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-750)
LiSTNR today announced that KICBump, the parenting podcast from the team behind KICPod, has officially launched as a standalone weekly show, marking the next stage in the KIC brand’s evolution and expansion within Australia’s digital audio landscape.
Originally introduced in 2021 as a fortnightly episode within the KICPod feed, KICBump has cultivated a deeply loyal audience that has grown alongside KIC co-founders Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, following their journeys through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
While KICPod will continue to release two episodes each week, KICBump will now deliver its own weekly episode, expanding the brand’s overall podcast output and unlocking new opportunities for audience growth and commercial partnerships across the KIC ecosystem.
The first standalone episode features Laura Henshaw’s never-before shared birth story, setting the tone for a dedicated, in-depth space for honest and supportive conversations around pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting.
Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith, KICBump Co-Hosts said: “For the past six years, KICPod has been a place where our community has come to catch up with us every week. We’re so excited for KICBump to now have a dedicated feed, so we have the space to share the parenting sides of our lives too. We’ve both been sharing our lives online for the past 12 years and as our families change and grow, we want to continue including our community in these parts of our lives, as well as reaching new parents who are looking for authentic, relatable, judgement-free and more modern parenting content.”
Since joining LiSTNR in 2022, KICPod has continued to grow as one of Australia’s most engaged lifestyle podcasts, with a highly loyal listenership of over 107,000** unique Australian listeners per month, and strong performance across health and wellbeing categories.
Lindsey Green, KICBump Executive Producer said: “KIC’s dedicated community has evolved with Steph and Laura in real time, from fitness and wellbeing to identity and motherhood. Launching KICBump as its own weekly podcast allows us to speak more directly with new parents, while also unlocking new opportunities for partners looking to connect with this audience in an authentic way. This evolution demonstrates LiSTNR’s commitment to helping creators strategically grow their audience and revenue opportunities.”
KICBump and KICPod are published weekly on the free LiSTNR app.
RTRFM is The Sound Alternative: an independent, non-profit community radio station in WA that provides an alternative voice for Boorloo and beyond through innovative music and talks programming. Founded in 1977, we take pride in being a platform for local news and issues, with a strong focus on the arts, culture, social justice, politics and the environment. We especially champion local music and support musical diversity through 50+ specialist music programs and a huge program of events.
This is an opportunity to help define, reinforce and drive the musical ethos of one of Australia’s most exciting music outlets. Ahead of our 50th anniversary, we are seeking a new Music Director who can not only contribute to RTRFM’s storied legacy, but also has an innovative imagination when it comes to the future of the station.
At the role’s core, the Music Director is responsible for sourcing music across all genres for the station, selecting the weekly Features, administrating RTR2, managing the volunteer Music Team and keeping all presenters informed about what is happening within the local/national music scenes. The Music Director also coordinates music interviews and studio performances in collaboration with staff, and they help encourage quality and diversity within RTRFM’s specialist & peak music collectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Liaise with distribution companies, management and artists to ensure RTRFM is receiving the latest music across all genres relevant to RTRFM programming, and to retain RTRFM’s status as an industry leader.
Coordinate transfer of new music into the physical music library and the digital music database, and ensure digital music listings are up to date.
Set the ‘tone’ of The Sound Alternative by selecting weekly Feature Albums and Sound Selection; make music recommendations to relevant programs.
Manage a team of volunteers (the Music Team) to ensure the digital music database and catalogue are up to date.
Periodically review RTRFM’s Music Policy with the General Manager and ensure the station is positively trending towards its Representation Targets (25% WA artists, 25% Australian artists, 50% female and gender-non-conforming artists and 5 – 10% First Nations artists).
Liaise and support Breakfast host and RTRFM members in coordination of music-based interviews and live-performances as required.
Collaborate proactively with staff and volunteers on the administration of online station RTR2, from the consistent curation of selectors to programming uploads.
Report to the General Manager with any member issues, both on-air and off-air.
Ensure security, integrity and confidentiality of data.
Participate in administrative tasks shared by all RTRFM staff (answering phones, welcoming guests, processing at POS, radio panelling when available).
Selection Criteria:
Essential
Vast awareness and appreciation of all kinds of music, with an ability to articulate and recognise music and artists that ‘fit’ RTRFM’s sound.
Excellent organisational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Suite.
Ability to work in a team and independently.
Preferable
Extensive knowledge of community radio, and in particular RTRFM.
Experience working in a volunteer or community organisation, managing a team or related activities.
Please note: RTRFM is located on the first level of 642 Beaufort St in Mount Lawley, which is only accessible via staircase. Successful applicants will need to get Working With Children checks completed (RTRFM will cover the expense).
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) today announced a new two-year partnership with Orange Sky and Diabetes Australia as part of its flagship charity program, SCA Embrace in 2026.
Since its launch in 2016, SCA Embrace has reflected SCA’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, supporting charities that have a meaningful impact on the lives of Australians.
Through the partnership, Orange Sky and Diabetes Australia will receive significant in-kind advertising campaigns, strategic support and consumer insights across SCA’s radio and digital platforms. SCA employees will also be supported to contribute through volunteering opportunities, community initiatives and advocacy support.
Stephen Haddad, SCA Chief Operating Officer said: “We believe in the power of media to create meaningful impact. Orange Sky and Diabetes Australia are both delivering vital support to Australians at critical moments in their lives, and we’re proud to welcome them as our SCA Embrace charity partners for 2026–2027. Through SCA Embrace, we’re able to amplify important conversations, increase awareness and help connect communities with the support they need.”
Established in Brisbane in 2014, Orange Sky is the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service, supporting people experiencing homelessness or hardship through clean clothes, warm showers and genuine human connection. Orange Sky currently operates 83 services across 55 locations in Australia, staffed by volunteers who provide a safe, positive and supportive environment for those doing it tough.
Lucas Patchett, Orange Sky Co-Founder and CEO said: “Homelessness and hardship is a reality that can impact anyone. A rental increase, an unexpected expense or the loss of employment is sometimes all it takes for someone to fall on tough times. As cost-of-living pressures continue to rise, we’re seeing more Australians — many for the first time — reaching out to us for support, and we’ve never been more in demand.
“We are incredibly excited and proud to be named one of the 2026–2027 SCA Embrace charity partners. This partnership will help amplify conversations about homelessness and hardship and strengthen the impact of our services across the country.”
Established in 1937, and the second oldest diabetes organisation in the world, Diabetes Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes.
Working in collaboration with people with lived experience and the health sector, Diabetes Australia are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis. Their work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. Diabetes Australia advocates for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.
Justine Cain, Diabetes Australia Group CEO said: “Every five minutes an Australian is diagnosed with diabetes, yet community awareness of the risks and symptoms remains low, and widespread misinformation continues to fuel stigma and discrimination.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity that SCA’s Embrace partnership presents. Increasing access to accurate information about diabetes will have a positive impact across the community, and we’re excited to work with SCA to help drive greater understanding and support for Australians living with diabetes.”
Over the past decade since its inception in 2016, SCA Embrace has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in-kind advertising to Australian charities, leveraging SCA’s national reach and expertise to help organisations drive awareness, education and meaningful community impact.
World Radio Day 2026: Authentically on AirEmpty heading
Friday 13 February 2026 is World Radio Day, a global celebration recognising the power of radio to inform, connect and amplify diverse voices.
This year’s theme, Radio and Artificial Intelligence, invites broadcasters to reflect on trust, authenticity and human connection in an increasingly automated world. It’s a timely reminder of what makes community broadcasting unique — real people, real stories and moments you just don’t get anywhere else.
All eligible entries will go into the draw to win a $200 JB Hi‑Fi gift voucher for your station.
Competition terms and conditionsEmpty heading
PromoterEmpty heading
The promoter is the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) ABN 92 003 108 030, Level 3, 44–54 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015.
EligibilityEmpty heading
Entry is open to individuals who are current workers or volunteers at Australian community radio stations. Entrants must be aged 18 years or older. Entries must be submitted on behalf of a community radio station. Employees of the promoter and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
Competition periodEmpty heading
The competition opens at 9.00am AEDT on Friday 30 January 2026 and closes at 11.59pm AEDT on Friday 27 February 2026.
How to enterEmpty heading
Submit a written story of 75 words or less. Include a photograph taken in a studio or during a broadcast. Post via the relevant CBAA Facebook competition post.
PrizeEmpty heading
One $200 JB Hi‑Fi gift voucher awarded to the winning station.
PrivacyEmpty heading
Personal information will be handled in accordance with the CBAA Privacy Policy.
Radio Skid Row 88.9FM is a not-for-profit, community radio station located in the Inner West of Sydney. Our focus is amplifying the voices of diverse and marginalised individuals with a strong emphasis on supporting social justice and human rights.
Radio Skid Row offers the opportunity for growth and some flexibility in a dynamic and diverse team. Our team consists of a Station Manager, a board of directors and a passionate group of volunteers and valued broadcasters who serve their communities and listeners. We strongly encourage members of Black, Indigenous and Ethnic communities to apply.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Communications Officer is a casual role working closely with our Station Manager to ensure that the Radio Skid Row community stays up to date with its shows, activities, fundraising campaigns and events.
You will support the promotion of Skid Row’s diverse programs and broadcaster activities. Your role will also ensure that our external supporters remain engaged with our activities and programs.
We are seeking a candidate with strong writing capabilities, an eye for visual design, and the capacity to work in accordance with Radio Skid Row’s core values and priorities. This role would suit someone passionate about supporting a grassroots community organisation through thoughtful and effective communications.
This role is 10 hours per week and may include occasional weekend work within allocated hours.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and maintain a communications plan with the support of the Station Manager.
Write and create content for social media, including videos and images (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).
Work closely with volunteers to lead, coordinate, and support communications across the organisation.
Manage the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform to communicate with broadcasters, stakeholders, and supporters via emails and newsletters.
Manage the Radio Skid Row website and the Omny Studio platform.
Work closely with the Fundraising Coordinator during campaigns.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Understanding of community radio and grassroots media, with awareness of/or experience in a non-profit or community organisation.
Experience working collaboratively as a supportive and reliable member of a team in an ever-changing environment.
Demonstrated skills in writing clear, engaging communications and social media copy for diverse audiences.
Experience using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop and Premiere Pro) to create accessible, engaging content.
Experience with web content management systems, including WordPress.
Understanding of and/or experience with data management in a CRM.
High proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Gmail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven capacity to communicate respectfully and effectively with internal stakeholders and external community members.
High level of social and cultural awareness, with strong interpersonal sensitivity and respect for difference.
Willingness and ability to learn new technologies and platforms.
NOVA Entertainment today announced that Nova Drive co-host Joel Creasey will launch his own radio show across the Nova Network, which is set to make its debut in April.
The new show marks an exciting new chapter for the hugely talented comedian and co-host of the Nova Network’s highly successful Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel Drive show.
Joel’s brand new national show will broadcast live at lunchtime on weekdays, where he is set to bring his signature quick wit, high energy and unmistakable flair to a fresh lunchtime audience.
Said Joel, “I’m doing a Ginger Spice and made the decision to go it solo! (I’ve waited over 20 years to say that!). Scintillating references like that and oh-so-very-much-more you can expect from The Joel Creasey Show launching Australia-wide across the Nova Network! It’s been an utter joy to be a member of the national Drive program for the past five years, and an honour to play a part in such a legacy show.
“I’ve learnt so much from Tim and Ricki-Lee and am so excited for us and wish them all the best (for their early alarms, that is, did you really think I’d be getting up at that time?!). As someone whose GIG it is to GIGGLE – and share that with our listeners – some of my greatest, bellyaching laughs have been with Tim and Ricki-Lee which I will forever cherish. And previously, of course, with the gorgeous Kate Ritchie.
“I’m off to the boardroom (*note to self: find out where the boardroom is) for the next little while to concoct something very special which, yes, I’m aware is cliche promotional slang. But if you’re familiar with my work, life, lunacy and sheer chaos that seems to follow me, strap in for a wild ride! Chat shortly, yeah? Zigah-zigah, Australia!”
Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor added, “Joel has been instrumental to the success of Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel, which has consistently held the number one spot in its timeslot. We’re thrilled to announce this new show. Joel is an immensely talented broadcaster and comedian, and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase his talents in an entirely new part of the day. We’re excited to add another world class talent to our new weekday line-up.”
NOVA Entertainment CEO, Peter Charlton said, “Nova has proven, with the success of The Chrissie Swan Show, an ability to create new appointments-to-listen in the workday. Joel is an enormous talent and this new lunchtime show highlights our commitment to great content for listeners and new commercial opportunities for brands.”
Further details about The Joel Creasey Show will be announced in due course.
NOVA Entertainment today announced brand new line-ups for their Sydney Breakfast and national Drive shows on the Nova FM Network, launching Monday, February 9.
Nova 96.9’s new Sydney breakfast show will be Ricki-Lee & Tim, hosted by chart-topping recording artist and television presenter Ricki-Lee and award-winning radio broadcaster, Tim Blackwell.
A consistent number one show in their current Drive timeslot, Ricki-Lee and Tim are set to build on the incredible legacy of Nova FM Sydney breakfast shows, delivering a live show from Sydney, for Sydney, every weekday from 6am to 9am.
An exciting new Nova Network project for hugely talented Drive co-host and comedian Joel Creasey will also be revealed on-air today on the Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel Drive show.
Also launching on February 9 is Nova’s new national Drive show, Fitzy, Wippa & Kate. Hosted by three of Australia’s most loved personalities, Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald, Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Kate Ritchie, the show will be broadcast live from 4pm to 6pm every weekday across Australia.
Following on from record audience results in 2025 for their current Sydney Breakfast show, all three presenters have hosted Nova’s national Drive show during their extensive careers, captivating audiences Australia-wide.
Following the Drive show each weekday, Ricki-Lee & Tim will also be on-air from 6pm for an hour-long national show, underscoring Nova’s commitment to delivering premium content across the entire day.
On her new role on Nova 96.9’s Sydney Breakfast show, Ricki-Lee said, “I’ve had so much fun working with Tim and Joel over the past few years and I am constantly blown away by how much people love our show all around the country. Stepping into Sydney Breakfast is a huge honour, and I can’t wait to wake up with Sydney and start every day making the people of this beautiful city smile – and to do it alongside one of my best friends makes it even sweeter. Tim and I are so ready for this. I can’t wait!”
Tim Blackwell added, “It’s been a dream of mine to host Sydney Breakfast my entire career. The fact I get to create a new show, in Sydney, for Sydney, with my best mate and wake up with the greatest city in the world every morning is a privilege that I don’t take for granted.”
Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor said, “Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel have been a consistent number one show in their timeslot, and now is the right moment for a new sound for Sydney. Ricki-Lee and Tim are perfectly positioned to bring something exciting to Sydney Breakfast. They’re two of the best in the business and will continue to build on the incredible legacy of previous Nova Sydney breakfast line-ups, while delivering an exciting new show for Sydneysiders that’s live and local, every day.”
On the new Drive show, Taylor added, “Fitzy, Wippa and Kate are a powerhouse combination and their chemistry, humour and heart resonate deeply with audiences. They’ve delivered excellent results together and this move to Drive allows us to share their magic with all of Australia.”
On joining Nova 96.9’s new Drive show, Kate Ritchie said, “I’ve absolutely loved my time with the boys on Sydney Breakfast and I’m thrilled we now get to share our show with all of Australia. My morning alarm is ready and waiting to be set for packing school lunch and doing drop-off again with the beauty of entertaining our loyal listeners on their drive home. It’ll be an exciting evolution for all of us”
Added Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, “Fourteen, fifteen, who knows how many years we’ve been doing breakfast? I was roughly aged twelve, Fitzy’s voice hadn’t even dropped when we started and Kate is still the rose between two very rough thorns, But the time has come to share the love with the rest of the country. So this odd throuple is packing up the family and moving to a national Drive show. Come with us, it will be fun.”
Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald said, “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved with our audience in Sydney over the past 15 years, but equally excited to open up to our national family. It gives us an opportunity to travel around to see everyone and more importantly, claim all interstate trips as ‘work events’”.
NOVA Entertainment CEO, Peter Charlton said, “A key ingredient of NOVA’s success has been consistency, so we’ve made these changes with consideration and a long-term view. This evolution is all about continuing to give our incredible talent the perfect platforms to deliver great content, market-leading audiences and trusted environments for our advertising partners.”
