ABC News has announced that senior journalist Sabra Lane will join its Hobart newsroom and present the Tasmanian 7PM News bulletin on Saturdays and Sundays.  

Lane joins weekday presenter Guy Stayner as the faces of the flagship bulletin. She will also contribute to the state newsroom’s reporting across all platforms, including analysis, features and in-depth Stateline interviews.   

Lane moved to Tasmania in 2020 and until December was presenter of audio current affairs flagship AM for nine years.  

Sabra Lane: “I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to present the weekend 7pm TV bulletin as it’s an important news source for all Tasmanians. 

“I moved to Tasmania in 2020 because it was my dream and it’s become my home. I’ve made many friends through ocean swimming, sketching and discovering the state, from Hobart to Boat Harbour, Binalong Bay, Orford and Cockle Creek. 

“Most Australians nominate local news as important to them. The Hobart ABC newsroom and offices in Launceston and Burnie are powerhouses of Tasmanian storytelling and many colleagues have become great friends.   

“As the media landscape continues to splinter I hope I’m able to help elevate Tasmanian stories, spotlight and hold those in power accountable for their decisions, as well as persuade more Tasmanians to tune in and make the ABC their main, trusted news source.”  

Lane has been covering federal politics in Canberra since 2008 and joined AM in 2017. Her other ABC roles have included being Chief Political Correspondent for 7.30 and for Radio Current Affairs. 

The KIIS Network and iHeartLIVE have once again redefined fan access, delivering one of the most coveted entertainment experiences of 2026, as just 100 lucky fans came face-to-face with global megastars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

The exclusive event, held at ARN’s North Sydney headquarters to celebrate the release of “Wuthering Heights”, was one of only three official appearances the pair made in Sydney, giving local fans rare, up-close access to two of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars.

Hosted by the KIIS Network’s Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small, the intimate Q&A offered fans candid insight into the film, with Robbie and Elordi sharing funny and surprising stories from the set, reflecting on their time in Sydney, and offering personal insights into their experiences making the film.

Robbie discussed the intensity of balancing her role as both lead actor and producer, while Elordi praised her leadership, describing her as “the world’s greatest boss.” They also revealed surprising details from filming on the Yorkshire moors, including having to create artificial mist due to unseasonably sunny weather conditions.

In a special moment that drew huge excitement from the crowd, Robbie and Elordi surprised the 100 KIIS listeners in attendance with tickets to see Wuthering Heights in cinemas, ensuring they were among the first in Australia to experience the film on the big screen.

The exclusive event highlighted ARN’s ongoing transformation into a full-fledged entertainment company, with iHeartLIVE bringing fans closer than ever to the world’s biggest stars.

With demand far exceeding availability, KIIS and iHeartLIVE once again proved their ability to deliver rare, up close experiences – turning moments usually reserved for industry insiders into memories for lucky audiences.

“Wuthering Heights”, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is now showing in Australian cinemas ahead of Valentine’s Day.

One of Australia’s most popular and high-profile comedic duos, The Inspired Unemployed, is bringing their podcast back in April to LiSTNR, Australia’s leading commercial podcast network. This return marks an exciting new chapter for Matt Ford and Jack Steele, renowned for their signature humour, authenticity, and relatable storytelling.

Since its launch, The Inspired Unemployed podcast has become a standout success in the Australian podcast landscape, building a fiercely loyal audience and creating a brand that spans audio, digital platforms, social media, brand partnerships and television. Known for their unfiltered banter, outrageous anecdotes, and genuine mateship, hosts Matt Ford and Jack Steele have translated their viral social media appeal into sustained brand growth and cultural impact.

After a brief hiatus since their last episode in August 2024, the duo are returning with fresh episodes and content under their new LiSTNR partnership.

The duo bring a global following, with a combined 4.2m followers engaging with their content across Instagram and TikTok. Their ability to connect through relatable humour and distinctly Australian storytelling has positioned the podcast, and their broader brand appeal, as a powerhouse that resonates strongly with younger demographics and mainstream audiences alike.

Matt Ford, creator and co-host said: “Honestly, we’re bloody pumped. Our podcast has always just been us talking rubbish and somehow people keep listening, which is unreal. Joining LiSTNR feels like a big step for the show and gives us the chance to make it even bigger. The support from listeners since day one has been insane, so we’re keen to keep doing what we do, just on a bigger scale.”

Jack Steele, creator and co-host said: “It still blows our minds that a podcast that started as two mates having a chat has grown into what it is now. The audience we’ve built is everything to us, and this move is all about giving them more, more episodes, more stupid stories, and more of the stuff they actually tune in for. We’re frothing to get stuck into this next chapter with LiSTNR and see where we can take it.”

Sam Cavanagh, Head of Content – LiSTNR Original Podcasts said: “We’re thrilled to welcome The Inspired Unemployed to LiSTNR. Matt and Jack have built one of Australia’s most recognisable and successful comedy brands. Their fiercely dedicated fanbase has waited patiently for the podcast to return, and we’re pumped to help them make this next season even bigger and better.”

With a proven track record, viral reach, and a fiercely loyal audience, The Inspired Unemployed podcast is set to expand its footprint under the new LiSTNR partnership, delivering the humour, chaos and authenticity listeners have come to love, while unlocking new commercial opportunities through LiSTNR’s world class AdTech Hub and cutting-edge technology.

The Inspired Unemployed will bring their podcast back on LiSTNR, with new episodes available from Wednesday April 1 on the free LiSTNR app, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) today announced the appointment of Helena O’Dowd as Head of Commercial Strategy. The new role is focused on the delivery of key industry-wide initiatives, driving audience and revenue growth across the sector as part of CRA’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

In this role, O’Dowd is responsible for understanding the needs of customers – consumers and clients – and developing solutions to address them at an industry level.

O’Dowd brings more than 20 years’ experience across marketing and media, connecting brands and audiences across multiple platforms.

Most recently, O’Dowd served as Nine’s Director of Growth and Retention, working across all facets of the business including 9Network, 9Now, Nine Publishing, Nine Radio, Stan, Domain, Drive and Pedestrian, as well as Nine’s external partners including the NRL, Tennis Australia, Rugby Australia, Australian Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee, and Paralympics Australia.

Prior to Nine, she held senior roles at OMD and EssenceMediacom.

Pictured: Helena O’Dowd, Head of Commercial Strategy, CRA

CRA CEO LizzieYoung said: “This is an exciting appointment for CRA and the entire industry. Helena’s understanding of the consumer marketing landscape, as well as commercial realities, make her exceptionally well placed to understand the challenges facing marketers today.

“We have incredible audience scale, data which demonstrates the power of audio and its ability to drive profitable growth for brands, and an innovation pipeline centered around our strategic priorities to grow audience and make audio easier to buy. This role with a dedicated customer focus in market complements our existing activities and the broader CRA team which supports our members – Australia’s commercial audio broadcasting sector.”

Head of Commercial Strategy, Helena O’Dowd said: “Looking at the landscape, audio is in growth, demonstrating that consumers are making it clear the role audio plays in their lives. I am excited to step into the world of CRA where collaboration and appetite amongst the industry and members to move at pace has been overwhelmingly positive; ensuring the future is bright for the category. I look forward to helping customers access some of Australia’s leading brands in a more seamless way to help solve business problems and deliver results”

O’Dowd’s appointment comes ahead of HEARD ’26 on 18 February, as 1,000 marketers, agency executives and creative leaders gather at ICC Sydney for the audio industry’s annual showcase.

2DayFM has announced the launch of 2Day Secret Set: a new live music concept delivering surprise, intimate performances from Australia’s biggest artists in unexpected locations across Sydney.

Led by 2Day’s Nath & Emma Breakfast Show, 2Day Secret Set ditches ticket drops, queues, and tour schedules, flipping the traditional gig on its head and bringing the music directly to listeners. Offering blink-and-you-miss-it moments, 2Day Secret Set will be defined by unexpected locations, surprise drops, and intimate venues.

True to the station’s commitment to play the hits before they hit and champion Australian artists, 2Day Secret Set removes the barriers between artists and fans, creating spontaneous and accessible live music moments. No stadiums, no velvet ropes, from Sydney’s north, east, west, and beyond, 2Day Secret Set delivers up-close and unexpected moments that turn everyday locations into an unforgettable live music experience.

Tomorrow, Friday 13 February, a cheeky Macca’s run is about to turn into a cheeky Macca’s rave. Kicking off the series is CYRIL, the Australian music producer who’s taken the world by storm, performing the first-ever 2Day Secret Set with a surprise Macca’s rave in the heart of the city. Taking over The Strand Arcade from 6 pm, access will be first-come, first-served.

CYRIL’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. With multiple ARIA Nominations, topping Spotify’s Australian Music Global Impact List and performing on the biggest stages globally, CYRIL has become one of Australia’s most exciting music prospects. A genuine rags-to-riches story, he has accumulated over 3 billion streams worldwide, worked with Teddy Swims, Ed Sheeran, David Guetta & more along with boasting a social media audience of more than 1,000,000 followers.   

Now, CYRIL is bringing his music directly to the people at the venue he loves most.

CYRIL said: “I’m really excited to be performing at McDonald’s for 2Day’s first Secret Set! Both 2Day and McDonald’s have played important roles in my journey. 2Day was one of the first radio stations globally to back me, and my Macca’s bucket hat holds a special place in my heart.”

Kiri Martin, Hit Network Senior Music Director / Event Partnerships & 2DayFM Assistant Content Director, said: “2Day Secret Set is all about stripping live music back to its most exciting elements – surprise, connection and incredible Australian artists. Led by Nath & Emma, this is 2DayFM doing what we do best, creating unforgettable moments and bringing the music straight to our listeners.”

David Morris, State Marketing Manager at McDonald’s Australia, said: “McDonald’s has always been about bringing people together over great moments, be it late-night feeds or live beats. Partnering with 2DayFM to turn a Macca’s restaurant into an unexpected live music experience is a fun and unique way to connect with fans, celebrate local talent like CYRIL, and create memorable moments right in the heart of the city.”

Fans at home won’t miss out, with CYRIL’s 2Day Secret Set to be heard on 104.1 2DayFM on Monday, 16 February from 12pm. More 2Day Secret Sets – including surprise artists and locations – will be revealed on air and across 2DayFM’s social channels in the coming weeks.

About The Hit Network

The Hit Network is Australia’s largest radio network, broadcasting across metro and regional markets via a unique collection of 50 FM and DAB+ stations. It features a vibrant ‘feel great’ music format, unmissable entertainment and Australia’s most recognisable personalities – including Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, Nick Cody, Abby Coleman, Matty Acton, Stav Davidson, Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little.

The Hit Network entertains more than 5.5 million Australians each week through flagship stations The Fox, B105, 2DayFM, SAFM, Mix94.5, and 47 Hit stations across the country. It also offers a diverse range of DAB+ digital stations, giving listeners even more ways to enjoy their favourite music and personalities. All of The Hit Network’s content is available live or on demand via the LiSTNR app.  

 In partnership with The Walkley Foundation, ARN has dedicated its annual scholarship for emerging journalists to Ali Drower, the late respected journalist.

Ali Drower was widely regarded as an accomplished journalist, presenter and news director who worked with ARN and other leading media organisations over the course of her career. She was always passionate about the power of local storytelling and was a strong advocate for regional journalism.

Following her passing in 2025, Ali is remembered across the media industry for her exceptional talent, generosity, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of news superstars.

The ARN Ali Drower Audio Scholarship honours Ali’s legacy by providing support to an emerging journalist seeking to advance their skills in broadcast journalism.

On announcing the dedication to Ali Drower, ARN’s Head of News & Information, Fiona Ellis-Jones said: “Ali Drower was a deeply respected journalist whose curiosity, insight and commitment to local storytelling shaped newsrooms across Australia. She had an exceptional ability to recognise potential – in stories, in communities and in the young journalists she mentored.

“Dedicating this scholarship in Ali’s name is a meaningful way to honour her legacy. It reflects everything she stood for – opening doors, nurturing talent and strengthening the future of audio journalism. We are proud to continue to support emerging reporters in the same spirit of generosity and excellence that defined Ali’s career.”

ARN initially launched the Audio Scholarship in partnership with The Walkley Foundation last year to offer early-career journalists a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced commercial newsroom environment, across both radio and podcasting.

The Walkley Foundation is synonymous with the highest standards of journalism in Australia, with ARN’s support the recipient of the scholarship will receive a $10,000 stipend during their 10-week placement and an exceptional opportunity to learn from ARN commercial newsroom leaders and sharpen their journalistic skills.

The 2026 winner will receive:

• 10-week placement in one of ARN’s newsrooms located around Australia, consisting of:
• • Introduction to FM news, including top audio brands KIIS and Gold
  • Introduction to iHeart news podcast “Your News Now”
  • Observe sourcing and reporting of breaking news
  • Learn how local newsrooms connect with communities
  • Write news bulletins in the commercial style
  • Gather interviews and cut audio grabs
  • Develop skills for using social media in a newsroom
  • Record news bulletins for your portfolio
• A stipend of $10,000 to support travel to the ARN location, living expenses and accommodation for the duration of the scholarship.

More details on the ARN Ali Drower Audio Scholarship can be found here, with applications due to open on 2 March.

KIIS and iHeartLIVE have launched their 2026 live events calendar in unforgettable fashion, delivering an exclusive backstage experience with global hitmakers OneRepublic, hosted by the KIIS Network’s Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small.

Ahead of the band’s highly anticipated Australian tour kicking off in Sydney over the weekend, Smallzy welcomed eight lucky KIIS listeners backstage at Qudos Bank Arena for the ultimate iHeartLIVE fan moment.

The intimate experience saw listeners take part in a private Q&A with OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, where he opened up about his career, collaborations and upcoming music. Fans were also treated to an exclusive stripped-back acoustic performance of some of the band’s biggest global hits, performed by Tedder on guitar, before enjoying a personal meet-and-greet and photo opportunity.

During the Q&A, Tedder shared candid insights into his career, revealing the biggest lesson he learnt about fame from Miley Cyrus, admitting his most nerve-racking collaboration was working alongside Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, and confirming he is currently working on new music with Australian electronic duo Empire of the Sun. Tedder also revealed OneRepublic recently shifted the release date of their upcoming album to avoid competing with a scheduled Harry Styles album launch.

The experience extended beyond the venue, with Tedder sharing highlights from the event with his near one million Instagram followers, further amplifying the reach of the iHeartLIVE brand and KIIS’ audience engagement.

The OneRepublic event marks the first of many exclusive iHeartLIVE experiences planned for 2026, continuing KIIS’ commitment to delivering once-in-a-lifetime access to global music stars for Australian fans.

The KIIS Network has officially taken iHeartLIVE to the next level – announcing one of the most exclusive and star-studded fan events Australia has ever seen.

Off the back of an already explosive start to the iHeartLIVE 2026 lineup, KIIS is upping the ante by securing two of the most in-demand stars on the planet – Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi – for a one-off, money-can’t-buy event celebrating “Wuthering Heights”, one of the most highly anticipated cinema releases of the year.

Global box office powerhouse. Fashion icon. Academy Award nominee. Margot Robbie is one of the most influential and obsessed-over stars in the world right now. Alongside her is Jacob Elordi—Australia’s own international breakout, whose meteoric rise has made him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men. Together, they are two of the most talked-about names in entertainment—and fans can’t get enough of them.

On Friday, 13 February, just 100 lucky fans will come face-to-face with the Hollywood heavyweights at as KIIS Presents iHeartLIVE with Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi, in collaboration with Universal Pictures Australia and Warner Bros. Pictures.

Hosted by the KIIS Network’s Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small, the intimate Q&A will strip away the usual fanfare—no red carpets, no flashing cameras, no press barricades. Just real conversation, behind-the-scenes insight, and unprecedented access to two global stars during one of their very few Australian-only appearances.

On the announcement, Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small said, “I am so excited to welcome Margot & Jacob home to my new home at KIIS for this intimate first of its kind event with iHeart. I’ve always been passionate about creating fan first experiences and this one is going to be truly special – we are getting listeners and fans closer to the stars than ever before in new bespoke ways!”

Head of KIIS Network, Derek Bargwanna said, “This is exactly what iHeartLIVE is about, giving fans moments they never thought they’d get. To have Margot and Jacob back home, at KIIS with just 100 fans, is special. These are the kinds of experiences KIIS and iHeart exist to create.”

With fan obsession at an all-time high and access this rare, iHeartLIVE with Margot Robbie & Jacob Elordi is set to become one of the most talked-about entertainment events of 2026, placing Australian fans in the room with Hollywood royalty with no filters, no barriers, and no price tag.

To win their way into the room for the most sought-after event of the year, fans can keep it on KIIS and listen to The Smallzy Show each day across the KIIS Network from 3pm and 7pm each day, or via the KIIS Club by registering online at KIIS.com.au.

For fans who miss out, highlights from the event and Smallzy’s interview with Margot and Jacob can also be heard on The Smallzy Show on February 13.

“Wuthering Heights”, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, will arrive in Australian cinemas on 12 February, offering audiences the ultimate romantic cinematic experience just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has registered updated rules for commercial radio broadcasters that include new requirements for content broadcast around school drop-off and pick-up times, and also for disclosing artificial intelligence use.

Under the Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026, radio stations will be required to let their audience know when a synthetic voice is being used to host a regularly scheduled program or news broadcast. This is the first time AI has been addressed in a broadcasting code of practice.

Broadcasters will also have to give special care when airing content between 8-9am and 3-4pm on school days, when children are more likely to be listening.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the new rules would allow audiences to make more informed decisions about their listening habits.

“Broadcasting rules must keep pace with technology and with community expectations. AI is a powerful tool that offers a lot of innovation for broadcasters,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

“However, listeners want greater transparency about when AI is being used. We welcome the commitments by the radio industry to address listener concerns.

“Listeners are also worried about inappropriate content at peak travel times when families listen together. 

“These new rules set clear time windows where broadcasters must consider whether their content is suitable for children, giving parents and carers greater confidence when tuning in,” she said.

The revised code, which was developed by industry group Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), also includes strengthened provisions around corrections for errors in news coverage and greater transparency in complaints reporting. 

A significant number of submissions to the review called for strengthened rules around the broadcasting of Australian music. The new code includes changes to the station categories that determine how much Australian music must be played to better reflect contemporary broadcasting practices and music genres. 

The ACMA will be working closely with CRA and the commercial radio industry over the coming 12 months to ensure stations are applying the new categories correctly and meet their longstanding Australian music obligations, including in relation to new Australian music.

As with all the provisions in the code, the ACMA expects that licensees with comply with their obligations to broadcast Australian music. 

“Commercial radio is an integral part of Australia’s media landscape and these rules will help strengthen trust between broadcasters and their audiences.

“We would also like to see broadcasters voluntarily extend the code safeguards to content available on their on-demand streaming services. If they do not, we expect that new regulations may need to be put in place so that listeners know what to expect no matter how they tune in,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

The Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026 will come into effect from 1 July 2026.

SCA announced the appointment of Matthew O’Reilly as Head of Broadcast Content – Audio, following his successful six month interim tenure. Alongside O’Reilly’s appointment, SCA has confirmed key senior roles reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthen its content leadership team.

In this role, O’Reilly is responsible for defining and delivering SCA’s broadcast content vision, partnering closely with the executive leadership team to align content with broader commercial objectives, and leading the high performing content teams across SCA’s Hit and Triple M Networks in metro and regional markets. 

A highly experienced content leader with a strong track record in driving audience growth and commercial success, O’Reilly has spent more than 15 years building high performing teams and developing top tier talent. He has held a number of senior content leadership roles across the Triple M Network, and was recently appointed into the interim Head of Broadcast Content role following almost three years as Triple M Metro Content and Content Director for Triple M Adelaide, where under his guidance the station has remained a consistent ratings leader, maintaining its position as one of the city’s most trusted and popular stations.

Following O’Reilly’s promotion, Jamie Angel has been appointed Head of Triple M Network in addition to his role as Triple M Brisbane Content Director, responsible for driving the network’s metro content strategy across local and national shows and music programming. With over 35 years’ experience in Australian radio, Angel is one of the industry’s most experienced and respected content leaders, he has held numerous senior content and on-air roles across the country, including at 2DayFM, Fox FM and B105. 

Jay Mueller will take on the role of Head of Development, in addition to his Triple M Melbourne Content Director role. The newly-created position will be responsible for developing programming and talent, both on and off air, leading succession planning across SCA and driving ways of working across SCA’s media content brands including Triple M, Hit, LiSTNR and Seven. Mueller has more than 25 years in broadcast and digital media across Australia and the United States and has held senior editorial and production roles across radio, television, sport and digital platforms, at SCA, the AFL, Seven Network and SEN. 

John Kelly, SCA’s Managing Director – Audio said: “These appointments reflect the strength of SCA’s radio expertise and our commitment to backing the best people in the industry. Matthew’s leadership, together with our senior content leadership team, has already driven significant transformation across the business. With exciting opportunities ahead and strong marketing support behind our brands, this team will be central to delivering creative, audience-focused content and driving sustainable growth for SCA, our audiences, and our partners.”

Matthew O’Reilly said: “I’m proud and humbled to officially lead our broadcast content teams into the next exciting phase at SCA. These appointments reflect the depth of experience and talent across our content teams. It’s fantastic to give opportunities to those within the business.

“With the combined passion of this team and the early momentum of the SCA and Seven merger, we’re well positioned to create, collaborate and grow in new ways. By leveraging our trusted talent, our local content advantage, and newly formed experienced content leadership team, we can deliver compelling shows, expand audiences and drive meaningful commercial outcomes.”

O’Reilly will report to John Kelly, Managing Director – Audio. As part of the senior content leadership team, Amanda Lee (Head of Hit Network – Metro), Jamie Angel, and Jay Mueller will report directly to O’Reilly.