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:
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.
The ABC welcomes the renewal of Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy funding announced by the Australian Government in tonight’s Federal Budget.
The additional $14 million investment over two years will help maintain the ABC’s expanded services across the region, supporting the creation of trusted content, regional media partnerships and stronger connections with audiences throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Since 2022 the ABC has used funding provided under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy to achieve significant outcomes for Australia’s engagement and influence in our region, including:
Doubling ABC Radio Australia’s FM footprint in the Pacific
Doubling Pacific-focused radio content
Establishing the Pacific Local Journalism Network. This delivers high-value reporting from the region, including on The Pacific news and current affairs program on ABC Australia television, Pacific Beat on ABC Radio Australia and digital platforms
Creating two tailored ABC Australia television streams for Asia and the Pacific with time zone-aligned scheduling and tailored content for each region.
Expanding ABC Asia and ABC Pacific digital and social content
Launching Asia News Week, a weekly pan-Asian news and current affairs program
Signing more than 20 content-sharing agreements with national broadcasters across Asia and the Pacific. This will significantly extend the reach of trusted Australian content and embed it within local media ecosystems across the region
Delivering media capacity-building programs, including online learning resources and support for media partners in Timor-Leste and Indonesia
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the renewed funding recognised the ABC’s unique role in advancing Australia’s engagement within our region.
“Since the launch of the government’s Pacific Engagement initiatives in 2022 the ABC has welcomed the opportunity to expand our reach, deepen audience engagement and support local media capacity across the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Marks said.
“We look forward to continuing this important work in advancing the region’s access to reliable trusted information, growth in media, skills and improvement in information distribution infrastructure, to benefit audiences in the region and deliver strong value for public investment.”
ABC Head International Claire Gorman said the funding would help sustain the ABC’s reach and impact at a time of growing regional competition and misinformation.
“In an uncertain geopolitical environment, trusted media is critical,” she said. “This renewal allows the ABC to keep engaging audiences across the region, share the story of modern Australia and bring important stories back to Australian audiences from our neighbours.
“We look forward to growing the ABC’s soft power impact in this increasingly complex world.”
L-R (top row): Amrita Sur, Esperence Nyiramugisha, Jai, Georgia Williams, Pablo Wild, Leisa Reichelt and Maria Kllogjri; (bottom row): Madeleine Adams, Micah Kickett, Felicity Weaver, Liam D’Silva, Sasha Parlett, Michael Cross, Jenna Coghill and Serafina Paletto.
The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has announced the latest recipients of its 2026 scholarship program. The scholarships provide vital financial and practical support to help students from all walks of life access AFTRS’ world-leading screen and audio education.
Delivered in partnership with the AFTRS community, industry leaders, and alumni, these scholarships prioritise access and equity, and are a powerful investment in the future of Australian storytelling.
Offered every three years, the Australia for UNHCR Beddie Scholarship has been awarded in 2026 to Esperance Nyiramugisha. This prestigious award, now in its third iteration and valued at over $80,000 for 2026, is open to applicants from a refugee background pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production at AFTRS.
Esperance, 19, who was born in a Rwandan refugee camp to Congolese parents and came to Australia as a child, said receiving this scholarship was “such an honour”.
“It gives me the chance to study and tap into my creativity without the worry of financial constraint,” she said. “I’m so grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship and I’m excited to see what opportunities it opens up for me.”
The Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship – made possible through the generous support of the Gentle Giant Media Group and the Onbass Foundation – returns for its sixth year in 2026 and has been awarded to First Nations student Georgia Williams (Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production), who has relocated to Sydney from Cowra, NSW.
Georgia said: “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity this scholarship has unlocked for me. Without it I don’t think I’d be able to pursue my passion and acquire the skills I need for the industry.”
The two annual Women in Cinematography Scholarships, sponsored by SONY, and the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship are now in their fourth years. The recipients of the Women in Cinematography Scholarships in 2026 are Jenna Coghill and Serafina Paletto (both Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production). The recipient of the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship is Felicity Weaver.
Jenna said: “As I enter my final year of studying the BA at AFTRS, I’m incredibly grateful for the support this scholarship will provide. It represents the opportunity for women and gender diverse creatives to move past barriers and trust in our voices behind the camera. Seeing the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Cinematography this year was a powerful reminder that the industry is evolving and scholarship opportunities like this help the next generations carry that progress even further.”
Serafina said: “The Women in Cinematography Scholarship provides not only financial support, but the creative encouragement to commit to my voice as a cinematographer. I’m driven to create work that feels intimate, grounded and emotionally resonant. With the support of AFTRS and SONY, I feel empowered to take creative risks and focus on visual storytelling without limitation. This scholarship not only enables women to refine their craft, but also contributes to a more diverse and representative future of cinematography.”
Felicity said she was genuinely moved to receive a scholarship given in honour of the “great broadcaster” Glenn Daniel.
“This scholarship represents more than financial support. It has given me the confidence to back myself, in the ideas I already have and the ones still forming,” she said. “To my donor: never underestimate the impact of what you have given. A scholarship does not just fund study, it tells someone their potential is worth believing in.”
The First Nations Scholarships – supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust – provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and are awarded to one or more recipients each year based on creative excellence or equity. In 2026 the scholarships recognising creative excellence have been awarded to Master of Arts Screen: Directing student Sasha Parlett, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting student Micah Kickett, and Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production student Pablo Wild. The HOYTS Group First Nations Scholarship will provide living expenses in 2026 to Jai (surname withheld), who was also the recipient of 2025 Scholarship, to enable him to continue his studies in the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production program.
Micah said: “To be supported and recognised as an Indigenous student at AFTRS means not only will it assist financially, but will continue to drive my motivation and determination to complete the course. It is very humbling to know that scholarships such as these are available for Indigenous students in supporting their journey throughout the AFTRS courses, which gives an additional incentive to the student to pursue their career interests.”
Pablo said: “Receiving this scholarship is both a validation of my potential and a responsibility to take my work further with intention. It gives me the opportunity to fully immerse myself at AFTRS, where I’m excited to collaborate with other creatives, refine my directing voice, and strengthen how I translate complex ideas into compelling visual storytelling. I’m genuinely grateful to the donor for investing in emerging storytellers. This kind of support has a lasting impact, and I intend to make the most of it through the stories I create.”
The Anita Jacoby Trailblazer Scholarship recipient is Maria Kllogjri (Master of Arts Screen: Business). This scholarship, established last year, seeks to empower outstanding female-identifying or gender-diverse applicants from across Australia who demonstrate remarkable leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit – and is made possible through the generous support of acclaimed television producer and journalist Anita Jacoby.
Maria said: “Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful recognition at an early stage of my journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the support, and excited by the opportunities it opens to further develop my skills and contribute to the screen industry.”
AFTRS Craft Excellence Scholarship supports female-identifying applicants who demonstrate excellence in craft in the disciplines of cinematography, sound, documentary, and editing in the Master of Arts Screen program. This year’s recipient is cinematographer Amrita Sur.
Amrita said receiving this scholarship was “truly life-changing”.
“As a woman entering an incredibly challenging field like cinematography, having my work recognised through this scholarship has strengthened my determination to keep pushing creative boundaries,” she said. “It means the world to know there are people who support emerging artists stepping into this space – who see what we stand for, and recognise our hard work, talent, and potential to grow as collaborators and storytellers.”
The Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship has been awarded to Madeleine Adams who, as part of her Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting studies, will have the opportunity to do a work placement at Sunshine Coast radio stations MixFM and SeaFM.
Madeleine said receiving the scholarship had boosted her confidence in her broadcasting abilities and validated her passion for storytelling: “Not only has it alleviated some of the financial stress of studying full-time, but it has given me a foot in the door via a week of placement at MixFM and SeaFM following the completion of my graduate diploma at AFTRS. I hope to honour Glenn Wheatley and his entrepreneurial spirit and will take this recognition with me throughout my studies and into the radio and podcasting industry.”
The ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship recipient is Leisa Reichelt, who has made a late career switch from customer research to study her passion for broadcast. The CRA Regional Radio Scholarship recipient is Michael Cross, from Illawarra on the NSW South Coast.
Leisa said: “After a long career in customer research, I applied not quite sure I deserved a place here, or that making a career pivot at this stage made any sense. Winning this scholarship was the moment I stopped questioning that, and started believing I could turn a passionate side-quest into my next career. Having people who know this industry look at what I bring and say ‘yes, you’ gives me confidence to take risks I could easily talk myself out of.”
Michael said: “It is such a wonderful opportunity to be studying at AFTRS and the CRA Regional Radio Scholarship is great financial support to allow me focus on my studies.”
Dr Nell Greenwood, CEO of AFTRS, said: “Our deepest thanks go to the companies and individuals who continue to support AFTRS year after year and whose generosity makes these scholarships possible. Scholarships are transformative: they open doors, relieve pressure and allow students to fully commit to learning their craft. Over time, we have seen how this support not only changes individual lives, but strengthens the entire screen sector by enabling new voices to enter, contribute and lead.”
More than 30 scholarships are offered at AFTRS each academic year.
ARN has announced that Pete Deppeler will join The Christian O’Connell Show, Australia’s first national commercial breakfast radio program on ARN’s GOLD Network across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Known and loved by Australian audiences as “Intern Pete”, Deppeler joins the show after more than a decade as a key part of KIIS Breakfast. He has built a loyal following for his quick wit, relatable humour and unmistakable on-air style, and is best known for his high-energy, unpredictable segments that have made him a distinctive figure in breakfast radio.
Across his career, Deppeler has been a familiar presence on major red carpets and press junkets, interviewing some of the world’s biggest names including Will Smith, Angelina Jolie and Dolly Parton, as well as members of the Royal Family. Other highlights include high-adrenaline segments such as skydiving and swimming with sharks.
Christian O’Connell said: “Pete is one of the most genuinely loved voices in Australian breakfast radio, and he’s chosen this as his next chapter. He’s an extraordinary talent who’s ready to evolve, and I couldn’t be prouder that he’s chosen the Bright Side of the Dial to do it on.”
Deppeler will join Christian’s team in an on-air role as roving reporter and senior producer, at a pivotal time for The Christian O’Connell Show as it continues its national growth and builds audience momentum in 2026.
“I’ve admired Christian’s work for years, going right back to his broadcasting days in the UK,” Peter Deppeler said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this incredible show with Christian and the team right across Australia. I love radio and everything this medium offers. I want to thank ARN, the incredibly talented KIIS team and everyone who’s supported me over the years. And now – onto GOLD. Let’s go!”
Deppeler’s final day on KIIS Breakfast will be on Friday May 22, before making his on-air debut with The Christian O’Connell Show on Monday May 25.
You can listen to The Christian O’Connell Show 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.
From Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026, communities across Australia will come together to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.
This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, honours the contributions of volunteers and encourages people across Australia to make 2026 a year of meaningful involvement, in ways that work for them.
For community broadcasters, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, on air, behind the scenes and in local communities. Community broadcasting continues to thrive because of the dedication, skills and passion of volunteers across the sector.
Stations are encouraged to use the official National Volunteer Week resources from Volunteering Australia to celebrate and thank their volunteers throughout the week. Resources include social media graphics, posters, logos and promotional materials to help stations recognise the contribution of volunteers in their communities.
Help spread the word by playing the National Volunteer Week 2026 Community Service Announcement on your station. It is a great way to recognise volunteers in your local community and encourage listeners to get involved.
ARN is supercharging the growth of iHeart in Australia, announcing two senior appointments to drive the expansion of the platform and deliver world-class entertainment for audiences across audio, video, social, and live experiences.
Highly respected editorial and digital content leader Shauna Anderson has been appointed Director of Content – iHeart, with leading music and entertainment strategist Elle Bowles joining as Senior Manager – iHeart LIVE. Together, the appointments mark a major step in ARN’s strategy to build iHeart into Australia’s most connected entertainment platform.
iHeart is the world’s largest free audio streaming platform with 100 million songs, 450,000 playlists, and 250,000 podcasts. A cornerstone of ARN’s entertainment strategy and one of Australia’s most powerful digital entertainment ecosystems, iHeart brings together live radio, music, playlists, podcasts, streaming, video, social, and premium live experiences – reaching 7.8 million podcast listeners each month, delivering more than 25 million monthly downloads, and connecting with 5 million registered users in Australia.
Reporting to ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub, Anderson will lead iHeart’s content strategy, responsible for the development of iHeart original podcasts, identifying and developing emerging talent, expanding iHeart’s branded content capabilities, and accelerating ARN’s video and digital content strategy across platforms.
Bowles will report to Anderson with responsibility for iHeart LIVE, delivering premium, money-can’t-buy experiences for fans and brands – from intimate artist performances and creator-led conversations to cultural events and exclusive moments designed to live far beyond the room.
ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub said: “These are two hugely important appointments for ARN and for the future of iHeart. We are building something much bigger than a streaming platform or podcast network. iHeart is a true entertainment super platform creating deeper connections with audiences at scale.”
Anderson is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished content leaders, bringing more than 20 years’ experience across television, digital publishing, and premium content strategy.
Commenting on her new role, Shauna Anderson said: “Creating content that genuinely connects with audiences has always been in my DNA. I am excited to be joining ARN at such a pivotal time for iHeart and lead the team that will supercharge it to deliver a world-class platform for our mass audience and our commercial partners.”
Bowles has spent more than two decades working across major music brands and live entertainment events and has fostered deep connections with artists and promoters.
Elle Bowles said: “Creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for fans is something really special, and I’m incredibly excited to push how we bring those experiences to life in new ways for both audiences and partners. I’m looking forward to being part of a team dedicated to delivering world-class iHeart LIVE experiences for fans and for our commercial partners.”
iHeart LIVE has already delivered a series of standout experiences this year with some of the world’s biggest artists and talent, including a complete cross-platform iHeart LIVE experience with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. With more than 20 events planned across 2026, Bowles will build on this momentum to grow ARN’s premium live entertainment offering, unlocking new opportunities for audiences, artists, and brands.
Both Anderson and Bowles are based in Sydney and have commenced with ARN.
