ARN’s iHeart is ready to kick off the World Cup with the launch of a bold new original vodcast, The Failed Footballer, hosted by former pro-turned-content creator Olan Tekkers.

Launching this Friday 5 June, the video-led podcast series will deliver a fast, fan-first take on the tournament – blending Tekkers’ social-native perspective with live, on-the-ground reporting from ARN journalist John Bric, who will be in the US across the World Cup.

Dropping twice weekly throughout the competition, The Failed Footballer will track every major moment, match and knockout twist as it happens – built for how fans consume football in short, reactive, video-first and always on content.

Episodes will mix quick turnaround takes with weekly feature interviews, with early guests including former Socceroos Mile Sterjovski and Andrew Redmayne, Matildas player Charlize Rule, and SBS World Cup Fever hosts Santo and Ed. Each episode will be created as a full vodcast experience, optimised for both audio and visual audiences.

With more than 450,000 followers, Tekkers brings a highly engaged Gen Z audience to the project, placing the show at the intersection of football culture, personality-led content, and social-first storytelling.

As part of ARN’s growing entertainment ecosystem, the podcast will be distributed across all major platforms, supported by vodcast content on YouTube, social cutdowns across iHeart channels, and live crosses across the KIIS Network.

On launching ‘The Failed Footballer’ Olan Tekkers said, “This World Cup is going to be massive, and I wanted to create something that feels like how fans actually experience football now the reactions, the conversations and the big moments as they happen in real time.”

iHeart Director of Content Shauna Anderson added “The Failed Footballer is a strong example of how we’re evolving iHeart’s original podcast slate – identifying distinctive talent, building formats that resonate with a new generation, and expanding our content across audio, video and social platforms. Olan brings an authentic voice that connects with a new generation of sports fans and we’re looking forward to working with him over the 2026 World Cup.”

The launch builds on ARN’s commitment to expanding iHeart Originals, following increased investment in premium, high-engagement content announced at their Upfront 26 event.

The Failed Footballer launches tomorrow on Friday 5 June and is available via the free iHeart app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Affairs:

SBS wishes to clarify its position on definitions of antisemitism and its approach to assessing complaints alleging antisemitism.

SBS is an independent public broadcaster with a Charter focused on strengthening social cohesion, supported by robust editorial standards which are set out in the SBS Code of Practice. Careful consideration is given to the terminology and language used across SBS content, including in relation to any definitions of antisemitism.

SBS acknowledges there are diverse definitions of antisemitism and does not adopt, endorse or reject any one organisation’s definition – whether from governments, advocacy organisations or peak bodies. SBS’s role is to report on these issues in a balanced, factual and impartial way.

SBS’s editorial guidance presently reflects antisemitism in its broadest terms as prejudice or discrimination against Jewish people. The guidance includes a range of reference material, including the IHRA definition, providing context and reflecting the complexity of the issue.

Where definitions or claims of antisemitism are relevant to a story, SBS reports them, attributes them, and explains any differing views with context so audiences can make up their own minds. This approach is informed by SBS’s editorial independence and applies consistently across a range of terms and issues.

Complaints made to the SBS Ombudsman are assessed against the SBS Code of Practice. This includes SBS’s obligations relating to accuracy, impartiality and balance, and section 5.1 which states that SBS will “seek to counter attitudes of prejudice against any person or group” and will avoid content that clearly condones, tolerates, or encourages prejudice and discrimination, taking into account the context in which the material is presented.

These principles remain at the heart of SBS’s purpose and commitment to strengthening social cohesion. SBS remains dedicated to serving and representing Jewish Australian stories and perspectives across its platforms in a way that is respectful, accurate and inclusive.

The ABC has emerged as the standout winner at the inaugural Australian Audio Awards, taking home 11 awards, more than any other network, at the ceremony held at Carriageworks in Sydney last night.

Breakfast with Sonya Feldhoff and Jules Schiller on 891 ABC Adelaide won Best Breakfast Show in the highly competitive large market category. The program was shortlisted alongside 2SER Breakfast, 3AW Breakfast with Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft, Ben Fordham Live and the Tim Webster Breakfast Show, underscoring the strength of the field and the significance of the win for Sonya, Jules and the 891 ABC Adelaide team.

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said: “In just two years together on Breakfast, Sonya and Jules have built a show that feels warm, smart and deeply connected to Adelaide. This award is a wonderful recognition of what they bring to audiences each morning, and of the broader 891 ABC Adelaide team behind them.”

triple j took home four awards, including Best Non-Commercial Program – Large for Drive with Abby & Tyrone. It’s fitting recognition for one of triple j’s great partnerships and comes ahead of their move to the Breakfast slot in July.

Anika Luna won Best Australian Music Show or Music Programmer for Home and Hosed on triple j, recognising her work championing Australian artists and connecting audiences with the best new local music.

The special mid-year Hottest 100 of Australian Songswhich formed part of triple j’s 50^th birthday celebrations won the People’s Choice Award for Radio and was also awarded Best Station Promotion, celebrating the campaign that had audience participation on a national scale and brought multi-generational music lovers together for a journey through more than 50 years of the Australian songbook.

 “triple j has had a fantastic night. Drive with Abby & Tyrone have built a show with real energy and connection, Home and Hosed continues to champion Australian music in a meaningful way, and the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs shows just how powerfully triple j can bring audiences together and create historic listening experiences.” Latimer said.

ABC Queensland Northern Drive presented by Adam Stephen from the ABC Far North Queensland bureaux won the Best Non-Commercial Program, medium.

The ABC’s strength in podcasting and on demand audio was also recognised. 

One of Australia’s most celebrated presenters, Marc Fennell added to his trophy cabinet with a win for Best Podcast Host or Presenter in the major category for breakout ABC Radio National history podcast No One Saw It Coming.

All in the Mind from ABC Radio National presenter Sana Qadar won Best Health and Wellness Podcast in the major category, recognising its groundbreaking exploration of mental health, psychology and wellbeing.

Take 5 presented by Zan Rowe on Double J was also recognised in Best Interview Podcast in the major category. The program returned for another season in March, turning musical memories into thoughtful conversations with a range of well-known guests.

For our little listeners, Gardening Australia Junior from ABC Kids listen won Best New Podcast in the major category and Bluey: Listen Along also from ABC Kids listen won Best Children’s Entertainment Podcast, recognising the podcast that extends one of Australia’s most loved children’s brands into audio.

Congratulations to all our winners and nominees in the 2026 Australian Audio Awards presented by Mumbrella, Radioinfo and RadioToday.

AFTRS congratulates the Class of 2025, who officially marked the completion of their studies at the School’s Graduation Ceremony on Friday 29 May. 

Held at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium at UNSW, the event celebrated the achievements of 134 graduating students across the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, Master of Arts Screen, and Master of Arts Screen: Business.

Here are some of the highlights of AFTRS student work from the 2025 cohort. Watch this space – you’ll see more of these emerging creatives in the years ahead.

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCREEN: PRODUCTION 2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YYhvbUbwrxE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

MASTER OF ARTS SCREEN 2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iRkIWFp9h7o%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

MASTER OF ARTS SCREEN: BUSINESS 2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=WQGn7KzoE5k%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN RADIO AND PODCASTING 2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=TBvZ9SYiScA%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

If you missed the ceremony, watch the live recording here. For the full breakdown of the ceremony and pics from the event see: 2026 Graduation Ceremony: AFTRS celebrates Class of 2025.

AFTRS 2025 Graduates

Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production

Awdesh Al-Zebaree

Kristin Beukes

Faith Birkett

Sophie Blanch

Chanel Bocman

Christina Booth

Lara Brighton

Joseph Brocklehurst

Ruby Brookes

Alejandro Burns

Alec Carter

Elle-Jae Charalambu

Louis Cheval

Xavier Cutts

Kurt Davis

Christopher Deigan

Spencer Dejanovic

Gustav Devylder

Carl Edillo

Saskia Faniis

Emma Fletcher

Jordan Fox

Jake Frazer

Alexander Gascoigne

Kavyaaba Gohil

Poppy Grant

Chiara Hochstadt

Yuecong Huang

Lauren Hulley

Pascal Hutchinson

Aliyah Issa

Hugo Johannsen

Emma Jonas Moralee

James Jordan

Tyler Kang

Gilda Khoshkhoo

Beatrice Lane-Smailes

Keona Lau

Bailey Lock

Jaxx Koda Loui

Meisha Lowe

Byron Luckey

Tuan Linh Mai

Zabi Malik

Alexander Maxwell

Madison McCreath

Emmanuel Menon

Chiara Metters

Akaysha Morgan

Haylee Muir

Finbar Murphy

Skye Netting

Jonathon Nilsson

Kyan Paltoft

Daniel Paramor

Tyler Pease

Charles Perkins

Harry Peters

Paris Piccolo

Taku Rogers

Tegan Geelie Rose

Chloe Russell-Alexander

Una Sawers

Sebastian Smith

Jemma Tainsh

Alec Tanner

Amelie Twyford

Imogen Tyler

Louis Vahl

Vincent Vangi

Charles Varcoe

Zachary Viney

Emily Weeks

Annika Willcocks

Luca Yi

Finley York

Petra Young

Advanced Diploma in Arts Screen: Production

Mitchell Nielsen

Timothy Sanford

Diploma in Arts Screen: Production

Harvey Abrahams

Alexander Burke

James Doust

Jermal Ibrahaim Hass

Nicholas Moroney

Alexander Newson

Simona Tizzone

Master of Arts Screen

Sophie Aitken

Lauren Berry

Eduardo Castro

Sarah Chahine

Rikkili Clark

Liam Coleman

Genevieve Douthwaite

Nikita Dunovits-Ferrier

Alexandra Farr

Luke Horsley

Waseem Iqbal

Ren Jiang

Lucien Jones

Charlotte Layfield

Zac Loy

Daniel McGarry Gallagher

Chhayly Moek

David Priestly

James Pucci

Jeremiah Puni

Luis Rumbolo

Nicola Sercombe

Laura Turner

Nicholas Warburton

Paige Webster

Sarah Whyte

Gabriel Wright

Jordan Yankov

Graduate Diploma in Arts Screen

Anneke de Bruin

Georgia Connick

Marlene Cummins

Ashlee Robertson

Jenny Sun

Graduate Certificate in Arts Screen

Karly Marks

Master of Arts Screen: Business

Nazareth Alfred

Wayne Camilleri

Sebastian Chan

Sarah Goodes

Natalia Hughes

Samantha Laughton

Maria Francisca Luis Braithwaite

Natalie Lynch

Bardia Moradbakhsh Kermani

Gilda Rosskamp

Graduate Certificate of Arts Screen: Business

Sean Croyston

Georgia Mappin

Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting

Lachlan A’Court

Kyle Bachner

Aspen Beilharz-Smythe

Rachael Bourke

Molly Brookman

Alana Calvert

Lee-Ying Chan

Catarina Fraga Matos

Rebecca Graham

Lindsey Gray

Leroy Jones

Annabelle Moore

Marni Newman

Nathan Roach

Dianne Spillane

Karl Svikis

Sunshine Wood

Graduate Certificate in Radio and Podcasting

Katherine Lawrence

Tina Michaelides

ARN has appointed leading media and commercial executive Melissa Verner Green as Director of Sales – Melbourne, strengthening the company’s national sales leadership as it continues to expand its commercial offering.

Melissa brings more than two decades of experience across Australia’s media, digital, technology and advertising sectors, with a proven track record of delivering commercial growth and building some of the industry’s most significant agency and platform partnerships.

Her career includes senior leadership roles at Fairfax, ARN, SCA, NOVA and Meta.

For the past 10 years, Melissa has been a senior member of the team at Meta Australia. For more than a decade, she has been working at the intersection of commercial strategy and digital transformation, leading large-scale adoption of AI-driven marketing, first-party data integration and developing measurement solutions with Australia’s largest media agencies and clients.

ARN Chief Sales Officer Richard Hunwick said: “Melissa’s appointment brings world-class capability to the business. Melissa is one of the most respected commercial leaders in media. The market knows her well, and we are delighted to welcome her back to ARN. Her passion and deep domain experience in radio, and her depth of digital experience is a powerful combination. Her unique skill set will be an enormous asset to our team and our clients.

“She has a proven track record of driving growth at scale, from leading complex partnerships to bringing new technologies and commercial models to market. That experience will be incredibly valuable as we continue to build a more integrated entertainment offering.”

Melissa Verner Green said: “Over the last 10 years, I’ve immersed myself in how brands, agencies and platforms connect in a digital world, but radio is my first love and now feels like the perfect time to step back in and bring my two worlds together.

“ARN’s plans using radio, live streaming, podcasting, social and digital video are exciting, and representing the KIIS, GOLD and iHeart brands through this next phase of growth is a fantastic opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”

Melissa’s appointment reflects ARN’s continued investment in senior talent as it scales its commercial offering across broadcast, streaming, podcasting, digital and live experiences.

Based in Melbourne, Melissa commenced with ARN today.

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks has announced the appointment of Simon Robinson as Director of News & Current Affairs.  

Simon is currently Executive Editor of Reuters, based in London. As the deputy at one of the world’s largest and most influential news organisations, Simon helps lead a global newsroom of approximately 2,600 journalists across more than 150 countries and has oversight of editorial output and digital publishing.  

Simon, who began his career in Australia, brings deep experience in reporting, investigations and large‑scale newsroom transformation. As a foreign correspondent for more than two decades, he reported from dozens of countries across four continents. As an editor, he has overseen award‑winning coverage on Iran, Russia, corporate taxation and migration, and played a key role in reimagining the modern global news wire. 

Simon Robinson:  

“I am thrilled and honoured to be named the ABC’s Director of News & Current Affairs. As a passionate believer in the power of fact-based, independent journalism, I believe the ABC plays a pivotal role in providing Australians with the reliable reporting we all need. I grew up listening to and watching ABC News. It seemed ever present in my childhood home. On a personal note, I am delighted this role brings me home, among family and friends.” 

Hugh Marks:  

“Simon Robinson is one of the most experienced and respected newsroom leaders in global journalism. His track record leading large, complex news operations and his deep commitment to fact‑based reporting make him an outstanding choice to lead the ABC’s News division.” 

Simon will start with the ABC in September. 

ARN is pleased to announce the promotion of Donna Gordon to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Donna has joined ARN’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to ARN Chief Executive Officer Michael Stephenson.

In her new role, Donna will lead ARN’s marketing strategy across its portfolio of brands and platforms, driving audience growth, brand performance and commercial impact as the business continues its evolution into a modern entertainment company spanning audio, visual, social and live experiences.

Donna brings more than 20 years’ experience across marketing and communications, working with some of Australia’s most recognised media and entertainment brands. She has been a vital part of ARN for over 15 years, most recently serving as Head of Marketing, where she led integrated consumer and trade marketing strategies.

Michael Stephenson, CEO of ARN, said: “Donna has been an important part of ARN team for many years, her passion for our brands, audiences and partners is second to none. As we continue our complete business transformation, having a clear, insight‑led marketing strategy is critical. Donna brings deep experience, energy and a strong commercial mindset, and I’m delighted to welcome her to the Executive Leadership Team.”

Donna Gordon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on this role at such an exciting time for ARN. The opportunity to lead our marketing strategy across audio, digital, social and live experiences, and to work with such talented teams, is one I’m really looking forward to as we continue to grow and evolve our brands.”

Donna’s promotion reflects ARN’s ongoing focus on strengthening brand, audience and growth functions across the business, ensuring the company is well positioned for the next phase of transformation.

CRA members capture 30% of total digital audio market

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) members delivered digital audio revenue growth of 9.9% to $25.2 million for Q1 2026, versus the broader digital audio market which grew 8.3% to $83.6 million for the quarter. CRA members hold 30% of the digital audio market, according to the IAB Australia Internet Advertising Revenue Report (IARR) for Q1 2026.

Total radio revenue for Q1 2026 was $257.0 million, down 1.9% YOY. Metro broadcast revenue totalled $141.8 million (-3.5% YOY) and regional revenue recorded $90.0 million (-2.4% YOY), reflecting soft market conditions and a subdued advertising environment driven by escalating geopolitical instability and weakened consumer confidence throughout the quarter.

Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer at CRA said: “Our entire industry is focused on making audio easy to plan and buy, ensuring we invest in the tools that deliver the precision, transparency and scale advertisers expect of digital media. CRA Audio ID is live and trading – enabling brands to optimise reach and frequency through access to premium inventory across ARN, Nova Entertainment, Southern Cross Austereo and Tapt Media.

“We know when budgets are under pressure audio consistently delivers. For every dollar invested in radio, brands see two dollars back. Allocating just 11% of media spend to audio can double campaign effectiveness. Outside of the capital cities, campaigns with regional audio can unlock 33% more effectiveness than those without it. When times are uncertain, people turn to what they trust. For millions of Australians, that’s audio – and it’s a medium advertisers can count on too.”

Sources: 1. CRA revenue results were compiled by media analytics firm Milton Data. 2. IAB Australia Internet Advertising Revenue Report (IARR), Q1 2026. 3. 2025 Nielsen Global Annual Marketing Survey: Nielsen Global Compass MMM Benchmarks (USD$). 4. Advertising Council Australia’s (ACA) Effectiveness Database (2018–2025).

 ARN and the GOLD Network have launched Save Our Pub, a national, audience-led content initiative driven by The Christian O’Connell Show, celebrating the vital role local pubs play in Australia while rallying support for venues doing it tough across the country.

With principal partner XXXX on board, Save Our Pub calls on Australians to nominate the local pubs they believe deserve to be recognised and supported – the places where friendships are formed, milestones are marked and communities come together.

Over the coming weeks Christian O’Connell, known for his warmth and storytelling, will spotlight the stories behind these much-loved pubs – the people who run them, the locals who support them and the challenges they face – with five pubs across Australia each receiving a $5,000 boost.

Built on audience-led storytelling, the six-week initiative is a true cross-platform experience, extending across GOLD’s national network alongside digital, social, out-of-home, and on-ground activations – reinforcing ARN’s strategy to build scalable moments that live beyond radio.

ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub said: “Save Our Pub is a perfect example of how we’re building modern content experiences – radio‑first ideas that are designed to connect across audio, video, social and real life. At its heart, it’s about people, community, and shared stories.”

XXXX has partnered with the campaign as a natural fit for its commitment to celebrating connection, community and the role local pubs play in bringing people together, with the partnership brokered by EssenceMediacom.

Karen Sterling-Levis, Lion Core Beer Brand Director said: “XXXX has always stood for easy going good times shared with mates, and pubs are where those moments come to life every day. We’re proud to support this exciting project that recognises the important role the “local” plays in creating connection, community, and memorable moments – over a cold beer, of course.”

Jenni Lees, Director of Integrate by ARN, said the partnership demonstrates how brands can play a meaningful role in audience‑led content.

“The most effective partnerships today aren’t about interruption; they’re about enabling action. Save Our Pub shows how brands can support ideas that audiences genuinely care about, while still delivering scale and impact.”

Originally unveiled as part of ARN’s 2026 Upfront slate, Save Our Pub reflects ARN’s continued shift toward large-scale, culturally relevant ideas that connect brands with consumers across audio, video, social and live experiences.

Nominations for Save Our Pub open today via the GOLD website.

The Christian O’Connell Show can be heard from 6-9am weekdays on GOLD101.7 in Sydney, GOLD104.3 in Melbourne, GOLD DAB+ in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane and via the free iHeart app.

ARN has announced two senior leadership appointments, strengthening its strategic and commercial foundations as it continues its evolution into an entertainment business.

The appointments of Scott Lyons as Director of Strategy and Janine Chambers as Head of Commercial Finance reflect ARN’s focus on long-term value creation, disciplined decision-making and sustainable growth across audio, digital and live entertainment.

Scott Lyons, reporting to Chief Financial Officer Alexis Poole, will lead ARN’s enterprise-wide strategy agenda, partnering with the Executive Leadership Team to accelerate strategic execution and support ARN’s evolution into Australia’s leading digitally driven entertainment business.

Janine Chambers has been appointed Head of Commercial Finance, overseeing end-to-end commercial finance partnering across Sales, Marketing and Content. She will strengthen forecast discipline, margin management, governance and investment decision-making, supporting ARN’s focus on profitable digital growth and operational efficiency.

ARN Chief Financial Officer Alexis Poole said: “As ARN continues its evolution into a scaled entertainment business, strengthening our strategy and commercial foundations is critical. These appointments reinforce how we make decisions, prioritise investment and build sustainable, long-term value across the organisation.”

Lyons joins ARN from Foxtel Group, where he held senior strategy and commercial roles across Kayo Sports, BINGE and Hubbl, with responsibility spanning revenue growth, pricing, performance and long‑term value creation. He brings deep experience in analytics, market intelligence and growth strategy across major consumer and digital businesses.

Scott Lyons said: “I’m excited to join ARN at such an important point in its evolution. The business has a powerful combination of leading content, audience scale and growing digital capability, and I’m looking forward to helping drive the next phase of strategic growth.”

Chambers brings more than 20 years’ experience across media and publishing in Australia and the UK. She joins ARN from IPG Mediabrands, where she was most recently Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and has previously held senior finance leadership roles at News Corp Australia, working closely with executive teams on transformation, capital investment and operating model change.

Janine Chambers said: “I’m thrilled to be joining ARN at such an exciting time.  The shift from radio network to entertainment company is moving at pace and I’m looking forward to supporting Alexis and the team to make the most of the opportunity ahead.”

Lyons and Chambers have both commenced their roles with ARN.