Proposed legislation for a News Bargaining Incentive has now been finalised by the Federal Government, and is expected to be introduced into Parliament early in the Spring session. While the proposed legislation is a positive step for smaller, independent media outlets there are still opportunities for improvement to capture more community broadcasters.

Following is a media release issued by Democracy Counts featuring quotes from CBAA’s Head of Advocacy and Communications Reece Kinnane and the Local and Independent News Association’s Executive Director Claire Stuchbery.

CBAA Media contact:

Reece Kinnane, Head of Advocacy and Communications, CBAA

reece.kinnane@cbaa.org.au  | +61 420 525 526
 

---

 
MEDIA RELEASE

News Bargaining Incentive marks a new chapter for democracy in the digital age

21.08.26

The passage of legislation that will see global tech giants help fund Australian journalism is a positive step to foster Australians’ access to factual news and information.

Key points:

• The News Media Bargaining Bill 2026 and associated News Journalism Payments Bill 2026 passed the Senate yesterday afternoon
• Democracy advocates and representatives of local and independent media successfully pushed for some changes to encourage the benefits flow beyond the big media companies
• However, they say more should be done to strengthen media diversity, including supporting news publishers serving regional towns, special interest, and CALD communities

Claire Stuchbery, Executive Director of the Local and Independent News Association, said:

“Ensuring the sustainability and diversity of Australian newsrooms, big and small, is crucial for the health of democracy.

“It is vital that the stories that impact the places where we live and work are amplified. This is how we understand and navigate our own communities.

“The News Media Bargaining legislation recognises the immense public value of news and the people who produce it.

“We’re pleased to have successfully argued for amendments to more equitably support newsrooms right across the media ecosystem.

“We will continue to work with the government on further measures needed to support a growing local and independent media industry.”

Reece Kinnane, of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, said:

“Australia is leading the way through innovative reforms to tackle the damaging social impacts of the digital age.

“This package will strengthen Australian media and secure the supply of diverse public interest journalism on major digital platforms.

“We continue to hold concerns that many community media outlets will fall through the cracks in the NBI’s design and urge the Government to remain vigilant in monitoring the impact of the scheme on outlets that miss out.

“We expect large media companies will be the main beneficiaries and therefore ask the Government to continue its proactive approach to media reform with policy and funded-programs that target new support to small, independent media outlets.”

Media enquiries: Iona Salter, 0413 185 634

Democracy Counts is a growing alliance of organisations and Australians who care about the way democracy functions in Australia. Partners include the Centre for Public Integrity, Digital Rights Watch, the Local and Independent News Association, Sentiment and the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom. The campaign is powered McKinnon, an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empower better governments for a stronger Australia.

Community radio is the backbone of new Australian music. Now, community radio has been backed to continue and grow their great work for new Australian music with a significant new investment from Music Australia.

450 community radio stations are powered by up to 18,000 volunteers who love sharing Australian music with more than 5 million listeners every week. Between them, stations broadcast over 390,000 hours of Australian music a year — more than any other media in the country.

The recent Community Music Radio: Building the Music-Media Ecosystem (2023–2026) study by Monash University and Griffith University found community radio generates an estimated $38.9 million in airplay value each year, plus a further $14.7 million in flow-on ticket, merchandise and music sales for Australian artists.

New grants to grow your station’s music impact

Music Australia is backing stations to build on this work, with $1.71 million in small grants now available through the new Community Radio Hubs program.

The grants are designed for stations with a strong track record of supporting local musicians and promoting new Australian music. Successful stations will use the funding to deliver six music development events or activities, giving local artists more opportunities and audiences more ways to discover new Australian music.

Up to 35 stations can receive funding, helping grow their role as local music hubs and strengthening connections between artists, audiences, live music venues and the wider community.

How to apply

Community Radio Hubs is supported by Music Australia and delivered in partnership with the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF). If your station has a strong track record of championing new Australian music and local acts, you can apply for a grant through the CBF Grants Portal.

With 2026 comes another round of finalist announcements for the CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards, this year taking place at the CBAA Conference awards gala in Geelong on Saturday 24 October.

We’ll be posting finalist announcements on the CBAA Facebook page throughout next week according to the schedule below, and we’ll post a full list of finalists on our website on Friday 4 September, noting that the following three categories will be announced on the night: 

• Community Broadcasting Honour Roll 

• Tony Staley Award 

• Michael Law Award 

If you’re attending the conference make sure you’re registered for the Gala Dinner to see the awards in person, it’s a separate registration and cost so check in with ICMS at cbaaconf@icms.com.au if you didn’t opt in during registration.

And whether you’re among the finalists or not we’d like to thank you for your entry and wish you all the best for future awards seasons! 

Day	Category	Time (AEDT)
Monday 31/08/26	Best Program: Music	10am
	Best Program:  New	12pm
	Best Program: News & Current Affairs	2pm
	Best Program: Talks	4pm
Tuesday 1/09/26	Excellence in Special Events & Outside Broadcasting	10am
	Excellence in Fundraising	12pm
	Small Station of the Year	2pm
	Excellence in Production	4pm
Wednesday 2/09/26	Excellence in Australian Music	10am
	Excellence in Community Engagement	12pm
	Excellence in Disability Content & Engagement	2pm
	Excellence in Sponsorship	4pm
Thursday 3/09/26	Excellence in Indigenous Content & Engagement	10am
	Excellence in Multicultural Content & Engagement	12pm
	Outstanding Presenter	2pm
	Outstanding Presenter News & Current Affairs	4pm
	The Troy Garner Award – Best Program: Sports	6pm
Friday 04/09/26	Outstanding Technical Contribution	10am
	The Jane Brownrigg Award – Outstanding Volunteer Contribution	12pm
	Outstanding Youth Contribution	2pm
	Outstanding Station Leadership	4pm

Following an investigation, we issued Nathan Rose Pty Ltd with an infringement notice: https://acma.cmail19.com/t/d-l-wwdjlk-tlhiuitutu-r/ under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 on 29 May 2026.
We issued the infringement notice on finding reasonable grounds to believe Nathan Rose Pty Ltd engaged in the unauthorised operation of an FM transmitter in the low power open narrowcasting (LPON) band on 9 July 2025, in contravention of subsection 46(3) of the Radiocommunications Act.
The evidence gathered in the investigation indicates Nathan Rose Pty Ltd operated the transmitter at a location that was not authorised under a licence.
LPON licensees must only operate LPON stations as authorised by their licence. For more information about the operation of LPON stations, please see our LPON licence conditions guide: https://acma.cmail19.com/t/d-l-wwdjlk-tlhiuitutu-y/. 

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), in partnership with Triton Digital, has released the July results for the Australian Podcast Ranker. The Ranker is the country’s only official, third-party verified podcast measurement system, governed by a cross-industry Steering Committee and backed by strong collaboration across commercial, independent, and non-commercial publishers. It sets the benchmark for podcast data in Australia.

Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA said: “When a majority (55%) of Australians are consuming podcasts every month, consistent and verified measurement is essential.¹ The Ranker gives publishers, agencies and brands the trusted, independent data that turns a growing medium into a confident investment.”

Who’s Listening, What’s Trending?

Black Friday is Australia’s biggest retail fortnight, and podcast listeners are the audience brands need to reach before it begins. More than half of podcast listeners bought something online in the last month. 61% of Society & Culture listeners purchased clothing or fashion items. For home and hardware brands, 40% of True Crime listeners and 37% of News listeners visited a hardware store last month. Looking ahead, 31% of Health & Fitness listeners, 29% of Comedy listeners and 30% of True Crime listeners are planning a furniture purchase in the next 12 months. These audiences aren’t waiting for Black Friday to start thinking about spending. They’re already listening and planning their next purchase. The only question is whether your brand is in their ears before the deals drop.²

Australian Podcast Ranker top five genres July 2026
Genre		Monthly Listeners
1	News	4,514,628
2	Society & Culture	3,827,849
3	Sports	3,463,908
4	True Crime	2,551,911
5	Comedy	2,513,162

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcasts July 2026
Podcast		Producer	Monthly Listeners
1	Mamamia Out Loud	Mamamia	950,673
2	Hamish & Andy	LiSTNR (SCA)	878,712
3	ABC News Top Stories	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	468,815
4	News24 Update	News Corp Australia	458,272
5	Conversations	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	391,694

Sources: 1. The Infinite Dial 2026, Edison Research. Data referring to Australians aged 10+ unless otherwise stated.  2. Triton Digital Demos+ Australian Survey Data (Q3’24 – Q2’26). All percentages represent composition of each genre’s monthly P18+ podcast audience.

About the Australian Podcast Ranker: The Australian Podcast Ranker is a monthly snapshot of the top 300 podcasts listened to by Australians, and the top 300 Australian podcasts. The Australian Podcast Ranker is an industry initiative commissioned by CRA and published by Triton Digital. Results comply with IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines.

1+2	ABC News Top StoriesAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	781,067	2,510,510
2	Hamish & AndyLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	776,321	1,494,248
3+2	Mushroom Case DailyAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	670,856	3,347,945
4	Mamamia Out LoudMamamia	Mamamia	537,240	1,736,690
5+1	ShamelessShameless Media	Shameless Media	501,218	941,357
6+2	ABC News DailyAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	405,614	1,166,444
7+4	Life UncutARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	403,547	934,960
8+5	Sky News Australia UpdateNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	402,605	747,825
9+1	ConversationsAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	364,916	2,078,768
10+2	Squiz TodaySquiz Media	Squiz Media	354,670	714,247
11+5	Dear RachelleNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	348,822	721,413
12	The DailyNew York Times	ARN / iHeart	343,245	1,027,094
13-4	The ImperfectsLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	334,132	588,837
14	Dan Does FootyDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	331,065	458,173
15-8	The Kyle & Jackie O ShowARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	330,913	1,117,180
16+4	Happy Hour with Lucy & NikkiLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	293,676	498,751
17+8	The Mushroom CookNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	288,885	874,468
18+4	The Daily AusARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	285,399	668,217
19+2	SEN BreakfastSports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	272,203	1,156,330
20-1	7amSchwartz Media	Schwartz Media / NOVA Entertainment	264,288	742,426
21+9	I Catch Killers with Gary JubelinNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	258,432	659,101
22+5	Australian True CrimeBravecasting	Acast	256,218	751,616
23-6	It’s A Lot with Abbie ChatfieldLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	251,855	463,562
24-9	Full StoryGuardian Media Group	Guardian Australia / Acast	251,383	679,562
25-1	No FilterMamamia	Mamamia	245,347	652,146
26+9	The UpdateNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	240,401	463,222
27+12	Global News PodcastBBC	ARN / iHeart	238,798	812,733
28+8	If You’re ListeningAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	235,185	751,221
29-11	Politics NowAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	229,124	790,100
30+1	True Crime ConversationsMamamia	Mamamia	226,641	518,919
31+1	On Purpose with Jay ShettyARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	221,296	449,759
32+1	Stuff You Should KnowARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	219,837	840,849
33+4	The FrontNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	217,766	497,334
34	Triple M Footy AFLLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	210,382	410,582
35+5	The QuickyMamamia	Mamamia	207,428	811,768
36+9	MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious StoriesWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	188,079	512,649
37+1	ABC SPORT DailyAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	185,430	290,129
38+5	MorbidWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	176,257	430,458
39+27	KICPODLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	175,883	294,590
40+4	The BriefingLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	172,381	562,460
41+14	Armchair Expert with Dax ShepardWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	170,101	368,484
42+11	Nine NewsNine Radio	Nine	166,241	310,559
43-1	The Howie GamesLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	165,747	369,544
44+6	She’s On The MoneyARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	162,272	385,996
45+6	Backstage with Cooper & Matty JohnsJohns Media	NOVA Entertainment / Johns Media	161,228	260,372
46+2	everybody has a secretShameless Media	Shameless Media	150,671	234,878
47+9	Smosh Reads Reddit StoriesAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	149,728	286,490
48-2	The Mushroom Trial: Say GraceNine Radio	Nine	148,929	350,294
49-2	Ben Fordham LiveNine Radio	Nine	147,744	292,199
50+11	CommSec Market UpdateLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	138,051	317,865
51+6	Dyl & FriendsClubby Sports	Clubby Sports / ARN / iHeart	135,819	242,137
52+7	Triple M Rocks Footy NRLLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	131,058	271,380
53+5	No Such Thing As A FishAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	129,321	340,672
54	The Rush Hour with JB & BillyLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	128,199	234,328
55+8	WhateleySports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	125,268	617,704
56+25	InheritedShameless Media	Shameless Media	125,084	203,001
57+3	RedHandedWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	123,442	264,429
58+99	The Grade CricketerDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	123,188	226,814
59-31	SBS News In DepthSpecial Broadcasting Service	Special Broadcasting Service	121,891	411,338
60+2	Life and Crimes with Andrew RuleNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	118,250	257,339
61-35	BronwynNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	116,173	235,826
62+13	7News HeadlinesARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	114,774	217,657
63+2	Levels PodcastDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	112,543	149,030
64+22	All In The MindAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	106,893	341,212
65+13	Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’ReilyLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	104,878	216,730
66+2	No One Saw It ComingAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	103,061	306,637
67	The Ezra Klein ShowNew York Times	ARN / iHeart	102,826	174,524
68-19	Everyone Has An ExMamamia	Mamamia	102,429	222,328
69	The Morning EditionNine Publishing	Nine	101,485	264,910
70+15	SBS News UpdatesSpecial Broadcasting Service	Special Broadcasting Service	100,924	330,321
71+5	My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia HardstarkARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	99,775	272,829
72+1	Darling, Shine!LiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	98,658	149,553
73-6	Late Night LiveAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	95,347	595,917
74+50	Diddy on TrialBBC	ARN / iHeart	93,949	281,306
75+7	TED Talks DailyARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	89,117	416,573
76+3	Dr Karl PodcastAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	87,533	235,824
77	Fitzy & Wippa with Kate RitchieNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	86,202	147,670
78+2	AMAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	85,542	271,272
79+14	Outspoken the PodcastARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	83,654	155,130
80+7	The SpillMamamia	Mamamia	83,290	273,732
81+2	The FinNine Publishing	Nine	81,167	114,987
82+6	Ladies, We Need To TalkAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	80,697	222,669
83+7	High ScrollersNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	80,467	143,322
84+5	Behind the BastardsARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	76,770	172,517
85+6	Chat 10 Looks 3DM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	76,765	127,229
86+6	ChanticleerNine Publishing	Nine	76,403	107,587
87+8	Roy and HG – Bludging on the BlindsideAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	76,329	188,258
88+13	What’s That Rash?Australian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	75,682	254,313
89+23	Radio National BreakfastAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	74,849	393,853
90+15	Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish MacdonaldAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	74,342	222,037
91+9	Murder With My HusbandARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	72,540	151,833
92+27	Today in FocusGuardian Media Group	Guardian Australia / Acast	72,082	180,374
93-22	Witness: William TyrrellNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	72,067	134,446
94+8	Do You F*cking Mind?LiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	71,154	137,922
95+74	The Gangster’s GhostNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	70,927	123,317
96+14	MrBallen’s Medical MysteriesWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	69,819	171,970
97+12	The Footy with Broden KellyClubby Sports	Clubby Sports / ARN / iHeart	67,611	120,263
98	Health ReportAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	67,202	333,552
99+4	The Kick it Forward PodcastClubby Sports	Clubby Sports / ARN / iHeart	65,653	93,305
100+42	The Tim Dillon ShowAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	65,076	88,098
101+6	Aunty Donna PodcastLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	64,661	142,621
102+6	Cautionary Tales with Tim HarfordARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	64,353	117,604
103+48	Just For GirlsNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	64,338	92,587
104-8	The Truth About AmyARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	64,082	126,668
105+15	FEAR & GREED | Business NewsNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	63,427	253,303
106-32	Style-ishShameless Media	Shameless Media	63,391	88,531
107+8	Not StupidAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	61,934	146,173
108+30	Life MattersAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	61,739	270,300
109+18	Australian Birth StoriesDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	60,968	126,861
110+6	Crime InsidersLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	60,882	144,130
111-14	MIDMamamia	Mamamia	60,539	157,830
112+17	From The NewsroomNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	59,719	91,844
113+43	Secrets We KeepLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	59,645	128,978
114+11	Good Weekend TalksNine Publishing	Nine	59,215	75,723
115	Big Business with Brittney SaundersNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	59,013	100,179
116+16	True Crime with Kendall RaeAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	57,924	124,002
117+20	Fast Five by Fear and GreedNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	57,587	97,392
118+17	Two Doting Dads with Matty J & AshARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	55,687	99,162
119+14	Motley Fool MoneyLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	55,632	120,149
120+77	3AW Breakfast with Ross and RusselNine Radio	Nine	55,622	120,741
121-8	Football WeeklyGuardian Media Group	Guardian Australia / Acast	55,485	118,684
122+21	Everyone RelaxLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	54,800	130,724
123	You’re Dead to MeBBC	ARN / iHeart	54,378	120,268
124-25	Background BriefingAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	54,182	160,566
125	Carrie & TommyLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	53,053	84,886
126+22	British ScandalWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	52,496	135,012
127+20	Six Tackles With GusNine Radio	Nine	52,465	77,707
128+6	Quick SmartAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	51,604	93,640
129+11	Big IdeasAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	50,881	186,593
130+14	You BeautyMamamia	Mamamia	50,817	217,814
131+19	NRL 360News Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	50,799	90,048
132+4	The Psychology of your 20sARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	50,750	89,980
133+8	3AW is FootballNine Radio	Nine	50,474	173,474
134	BetrayalARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	49,992	128,193
135-17	Smallzy’s SurgeryNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	49,660	51,629
136-14	Betoota TalksDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	48,349	72,888
137+12	UnravelAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	47,616	214,324
138+7	The Money Puzzle, with James KirbyNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	46,875	89,677
139+23	3AW Mornings with Tom ElliottNine Radio	Nine	46,157	104,953
140+27	AmericastBBC	ARN / iHeart	46,095	94,424
141+17	The Sounding BoardSports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	45,057	103,434
142-58	StalkedBBC	ARN / iHeart	44,995	78,798
143-22	HackAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	44,515	128,005
144+40	Murder, Mystery & MakeupAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	44,270	101,886
145+30	It Could Happen HereARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	44,112	99,985
146+7	We Don’t Have Time For ThisWe Don’t Have Time For This	We Don’t Have Time For This	43,752	86,672
147-8	SportsdaySports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	43,644	147,125
148-37	PMAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	43,225	105,171
149+12	Cancelled with Tana MongeauAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	42,636	68,192
150+4	TradiesClubby Sports	Clubby Sports / ARN / iHeart	42,577	76,156
151+25	Snapped: Women Who MurderWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	42,420	109,680
152+3	What The Duck?!Australian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	41,316	144,331
153+13	Mick in The Morning with Roo, Titus and RosieLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	41,310	106,115
154+35	The Documentary PodcastBBC	ARN / iHeart	41,055	180,678
155+13	Matt & Alex – All Day BreakfastLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	40,913	88,209
156	Science FrictionAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	40,403	111,265
157+25	Against The OddsWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	40,042	109,371
158+23	Imagine ThisAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	39,966	442,142
159-31	Revisionist HistoryARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	39,841	91,884
160+31	In Our TimeBBC	ARN / iHeart	38,880	81,366
161+2	The Broski Report with Brittany BroskiAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	38,845	64,679
162	The Why Files: Operation PodcastAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	38,587	97,741
163+7	Nothing To WearMamamia	Mamamia	38,120	101,997
164	Somehow Related with Dave O’Neil & Glenn RobbinsNine Radio	Nine	37,963	90,395
165-1	The Science ShowAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	37,826	124,139
166	The Missing MatterPodshape	Podshape / NOVA Entertainment	37,722	69,346
167+16	Something To Talk AboutNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	37,374	67,738
168+32	Willow Talk Cricket PodcastLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	37,341	59,618
169+16	Real FootyNine Publishing	Nine	37,172	66,145
170	Smoke Screen: Deadly CureARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	36,899	82,887
171+9	Drive with Joel & FletchSports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	36,716	143,716
172	But Are You Happy?Mamamia	Mamamia	36,683	82,315
173+13	The Bulwark PodcastAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	36,349	108,301
174+14	Eddie and JimmyNine Radio	Nine	36,170	70,038
175	The World TodayAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	36,048	93,651
176	ABC AFL DailyAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	35,949	92,727
177-6	The Jess Rowe Big Talk ShowLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	35,837	68,314
178-18	Matty & CronkNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	35,634	55,900
179+15	How To Fail With Elizabeth DayARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	35,583	70,096
180	HeavyweightARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	35,441	72,050
181-4	NightlifeAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	35,324	239,142
182	ScamfluencersWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	34,894	69,777
183+10	How I Built This with Guy RazWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	34,467	88,273
184+14	Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh SzepsDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	34,456	64,012
185	F1: Beyond The GridAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	34,382	58,976
186+9	Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date UpdateARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	34,252	172,529
187-14	The SuperCoach AFL PodcastNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	34,063	54,788
188	Chinese-ishSpecial Broadcasting Service	Special Broadcasting Service	33,552	35,261
189	Hard ForkNew York Times	ARN / iHeart	33,438	49,146
190+6	F1 NationAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	33,295	51,801
191	Desert Island DiscsBBC	ARN / iHeart	32,985	74,436
192	Black BoxGuardian Media Group	Guardian Australia / Acast	32,725	60,420
193	This Is Actually HappeningWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	32,701	73,668
194	Saturday ExtraAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	32,670	144,641
195	The Final Word Cricket PodcastARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	32,663	82,758
196	Weekend One on OneSpecial Broadcasting Service	Special Broadcasting Service	32,581	43,374
197	Rear VisionAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	31,971	92,309
198	Australian PoliticsGuardian Media Group	Guardian Australia / Acast	31,488	51,605
199	Deep CoverARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	31,368	71,125
200	Racing Pulse with Michael FelgateRSN Racing & Sport	RSN Racing & Sport	31,226	146,558
201	The Hard Ball Gets AFL ShowWest Australian Newspapers	West Australian Newspapers	31,066	50,693
202-15	The CircusDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	30,974	38,974
203-31	Football DailyBBC	ARN / iHeart	30,908	111,131
204	American ScandalWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	30,856	83,061
205	REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke LamanaWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	29,885	62,658
206	The HeadlinesNew York Times	ARN / iHeart	29,782	54,840
207	Squiz KidsSquiz Media	Squiz Media	29,394	107,812
208	AIN’T THAT SWELLDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	29,318	51,679
209	CredlinNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	29,315	66,639
210	NewshourBBC	ARN / iHeart	29,228	116,899
211	Mornings with Mark LevyNine Radio	Nine	29,002	65,122
212	SwindledARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	28,797	50,797
213	Aware and AggravatedAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	28,710	75,118
214	Morning Glory with Matty JohnsSports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	28,666	46,668
215	SBS Cantonese – SBS廣東話節目Special Broadcasting Service	Special Broadcasting Service	28,452	119,295
216	Jase & LaurenNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	28,402	95,215
217	True Crime All The TimeWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	28,323	57,748
218	Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra JudgeARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	28,258	86,235
219	200 PLUSClubby Sports	Clubby Sports / ARN / iHeart	28,123	43,306
220	Breakfast with VossySports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	27,975	109,659
221	Paul Murray LiveNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	27,617	64,392
222	Stuff They Don’t Want You To KnowARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	27,610	92,581
223	Drive with Jacqui FelgateNine Radio	Nine	27,494	55,240
224	Business WarsWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	27,483	81,461
225	The Economy, StupidAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	27,221	62,625
226	The MinefieldAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	26,983	64,369
227	World Of SecretsBBC	ARN / iHeart	26,772	77,016
228-49	Blink | Jake Haendel’s StoryARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	26,729	52,948
229	Browny’s PodcastNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	26,720	41,558
230	167 PodcastDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	26,609	33,651
231	The Spy WhoWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	26,483	59,165
232	LegacyWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	26,412	62,276
233	Double A Chattery with Amanda Keller and Anita McGregorARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	26,120	53,549
234	The Nutrition CouchARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	25,794	48,452
235	Malevolent Mischief: True Stories of HorrorARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	25,729	46,967
236-44	The Teacher’s PetNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	25,481	52,225
237	Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Cat and WoodsyLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	25,359	40,440
238	Law ReportAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	25,193	63,329
239	Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy FamiliesARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	25,149	103,779
240	Cricket Et AlDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	25,119	45,039
241	Motive & MethodNine Radio	Nine	25,001	42,197
242	Breaking Points with Krystal and SaagarARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	24,952	56,987
243	15 Minutes with the BossNine Publishing	Nine	24,943	40,167
244	Hamish & Andy’s Remembering ProjectLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	24,668	71,208
245	The Grandstand Cricket PodcastAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	24,461	41,306
246	ok storytimeARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	24,456	79,351
247	The Lady VanishesARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	24,352	72,748
248	Skye & CallumNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	24,297	30,798
249	The Daily StoicWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	24,284	79,928
250	Serialously with Annie EliseAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	24,106	61,057
251	JAM Nation with Jonesy & AmandaARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	24,010	138,309
252	Well.Mamamia	Mamamia	23,872	43,836
253	This Is ImportantARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	23,806	42,184
254	Fifi, Fev & Nick – 101.9 The Fox MelbourneLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	23,740	38,763
255	Crunch TimeSports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	23,656	58,828
256	Mad About YouNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	23,495	32,997
257	FOX FOOTY PodcastsNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	23,419	54,299
258	The OpinionsNew York Times	ARN / iHeart	23,229	36,031
259	The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie SantosARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	23,227	43,550
260	The Late Braking F1 PodcastARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	23,210	36,364
261	ABC RewindAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	23,151	73,450
262	BINGEDARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	23,120	45,727
263	The Minds of Madness – True Crime StoriesAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	23,075	46,976
264	The Rise & Conquer PodcastARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	23,034	46,186
265	The Generation Why PodcastWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	22,978	49,753
266	The Christian O’Connell ShowARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	22,941	82,824
267	The Bolt ReportNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	22,859	51,803
268	Crime in FocusLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	22,818	51,591
269	Something Was WrongWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	22,587	68,681
270	The Buck Up with Kate Langbroek and Nath ValvoARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	22,567	42,154
271	ExpanseAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	22,531	66,953
272	Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4BBC	ARN / iHeart	22,486	45,631
273-108	Shandee’s StoryNews Corp Australia	News Corp / NOVA Entertainment	22,361	46,128
274	Triple M Breakfast with Roo, Ditts & LozLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	22,355	35,539
275	Giddy Up with Gareth HallSports Entertainment Network (SEN)	Sports Entertainment Network (SEN)	22,321	95,692
276	The Daily Show: Ears EditionARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	22,160	63,282
277	Car Trip TriviaNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	22,060	65,796
278	Odd LotsARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	21,741	59,223
279-80	Insiders PodcastAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	21,658	46,691
280	Dino DomeAustralian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	21,632	222,620
281	F1: Chequered FlagBBC	ARN / iHeart	21,519	41,180
282-156	Eyes On Gilead: A Handmaid’s Tale PodcastSpecial Broadcasting Service	Special Broadcasting Service	21,339	53,546
283	Interesting Times with Ross DouthatNew York Times	ARN / iHeart	21,247	28,921
284	The National BriefingLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	21,138	56,624
285	Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen YangARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	21,078	31,787
286	The InterviewNew York Times	ARN / iHeart	20,906	25,912
287	Smosh MouthAudioboom	ARN / iHeart	20,466	39,046
288	The Junkees – Dave O’Neil and Kitty FlanaganNine Radio	Nine	20,448	46,447
289	Secrets of the UnderworldPodshape	Podshape / NOVA Entertainment	20,341	39,411
290	Take 5Australian Broadcasting Corporation	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	20,323	42,459
291	History DailyWondery	LiSTNR (SCA)	20,313	65,213
292	The Chrissie Swan ShowNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	20,310	69,783
293	Punters PoliticsDM Podcasts	LiSTNR (SCA)	20,094	27,992
294	6 Minute EnglishBBC	ARN / iHeart	20,028	49,540
295	SBS Vietnamese – SBS Việt ngữSpecial Broadcasting Service	Special Broadcasting Service	20,019	91,494
296	Head GameNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	20,008	33,348
297-180	MAFS Funny PodcastNOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment	19,984	32,100
298	Two Good SportsARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeart	19,866	35,177
299	Politics Weekly AmericaGuardian Media Group	Guardian Australia / Acast	19,660	29,459
300	A Life of GreatnessLiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA)	19,644	38,167

---

POWERED BY TRITON DIGITAL’S PODCAST METRICS AND DEMOS+

Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics measurement service is certified by the IAB Tech Lab as complying with Version 2.2 of the IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines.Demos+, produced in collaboration with Signal Hill Insights, is a combination of survey data from a representative yearly survey of 12,000 monthly U.S. adults aged 18+ who listen to podcasts and Podcast Metrics download data.

HISTORICAL PODCAST RANKINGS
Triton Digital has retired the monthly publication of the Australian Top Publishers and Top Sales Representation rankers. The last active reporting period was May 2025.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN PODCAST RANKER

The Australian Podcast Ranker lists the Top 300 podcasts from participating publishers that are consumed by listeners located in Australia. The All-Australian Top 300 Podcast Ranker lists only the Top 300 podcasts commissioned by an Australian publisher, consumed by listeners located in Australia.

The Australian Podcast Ranker is based on a calendar month reporting period. The entities listed are ranked by Monthly Listeners in accordance with the latest IAB Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines. If you wish to sort by downloads, you can click on the “Downloads” column to re-sort amongst the existing data.

For podcasts with multiple categories in the RSS feed, we display and filter by only the first category.

DEMOS+ TOP INDEXING PROGRAMS BY AUDIENCE COMPOSITION

• The Demos+ Top Indexing Programs by Audience Composition lists podcasts that have a high percentage of their audience that falls within a particular audience characteristic. There are 40 audience characteristics, each with its own list of 50 podcasts.
• Among podcasts that Triton measures, the top 300 ranker podcasts ranked by average monthly users for the 6-month time period are eligible to appear in these lists. For each audience characteristic, the top 50 podcasts out of the 300 listed are presented. These 50 podcasts have the highest percentage of their audience that falls within that audience characteristic, as measured by Triton Digital Podcast Metrics Demos+. Triton Digital Podcast Metrics Demos+ utilizes both datasets: the Podcast Metrics IAB-certified download data and the Demos+ survey data. As a result, only participating entities that opt in for measurement are included.

The Ranker is commissioned by Commercial Radio & Audio and includes the participation of the following publishers and sales representation: Acast, Adore Beauty, Al Jazeera, ARN/iHeartPodcast Network Australia, Audioboom, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, DM Podcasts, Guardian Media Group, Hidden Brain Media, HODD Media, Johns Media, Kinderling Kids Radio, LiSTNR (SCA), Motorsport Podcast Network, New York Times, News Corp Australia, Nine, Nova Entertainment, Podshape, Ranieri & Co, RSN Racing & Sport, Schwartz Media, Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), Squiz Media, The Australia Institute, The Bye Round, The Chaser, The Washington Post Podcast Network, TOFOP Productions, Wavelength Creative, We don’t have time for this, West Australian Newspapers.

METRIC DEFINITIONS

• Listeners – A ‘listener’ is a single user who downloads content for either immediate or delayed consumption. Listeners are identified by a combination of IP address and user agent in accordance with the IAB filtering rules described in the IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines v2.2.
• Downloads – A ‘download’ is a unique file request that was downloaded. Downloads include complete file downloads, progressive downloads, as well as partial downloads in accordance with the IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines v2.2 filtering rules (i.e. spiders and bots, data centers, one-minute of content minimum download, etc.). This process filters multiple requests from the same IP address, user agent, episode and date.
• Publisher – An entity that represents a group of podcasts that it either commissions, produces itself or acts as the primary representative for that content in Australia.
• Rank
  •  “Debut” indicates that the show is new to the ranker, making its debut for the first time in the last 13 months.
  •  “Return” indicates that the show has returned to the Top 200 after having not appeared in the previous reporting period(s).
• Index (Monthly Podcast pop 18+) – Compares % of a podcast’s audience against the overall Australian monthly podcast listener population (age 18+). Eg: Index 125 “Genre X is 25% more likely than average monthly podcast listener to do purchase a new car.”

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Sydney, 14 August 2026

METRO MARKETS:

Sydney Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Melbourne Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Brisbane Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Adelaide Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Perth Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

REGIONAL MARKETS:

Canberra Survey 2, 2026

Gold Coast Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

Newcastle Survey 2, 2026

Archive:

Archive of Previous Surveys

The following is SBS’s opening statement delivered by Tanya Denning-Orman, SBS Director, First Nations, for the public hearing of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Racism, Hate and Violence Directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, held in Melbourne on Thursday 6 August 2026.

Thank you Chair. 

I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Traditional Custodians of this Country where we’re gathering, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation I honour their connection to and care for these lands, waterways and sky Country. I recognise them as the first peoples of this place, and pay respects to Elders past and present. 

I also want to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander here today, and all those who have shared their experiences with the Committee as part of this Inquiry.

My name is Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman from Central and North Queensland and Director, First Nations, for SBS.  

I’ve worked in media for more than 30 years, including with NITV since its inception almost 20 years ago. During that time I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact of racism, the challenges facing our journalists and communities, and the difference trusted First Nations media makes.  

I’m joined by my colleagues Clare O’Neil, Director of Corporate Affairs and John Paul Janke, National Indigenous Affairs Editor and host of The Point.

This Inquiry comes 35 years after both the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the National Inquiry into Racist Violence found that negative and inaccurate media representation of First Nations people contributes to a social climate that tolerates racism and violence. 

Those same conditions have intensified, fuelled by a digital environment where misinformation, disinformation, racism and hate can spread at unprecedented speed and scale.

Trusted First Nations media is not simply important. It is an essential part of Australia’s response. 

This is the environment NITV was established to help change, and this purpose has never mattered more. 

NITV proudly delivers content made by, for and about First Nations people, giving primacy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, interests and perspectives in a media landscape where those voices have too often been overlooked or misrepresented.

And as part of the SBS network, we educate and inform all Australians to promoting understanding of and respect for First Nations cultures, knowledges and histories – including with multicultural communities, in more than 60 languages. 

None of this happens without our people. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander journalists don’t just report on racism, hate and violence. They witness and experience it, every day, simply doing their jobs. 

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the pioneering work of those who came before us, including the late Rhoda Roberts AO, SBS’s inaugural Elder in Residence, who transformed Australia’s media and arts. It is now our responsibility to ensure the fires they lit continue to burn for generations to come. 

We welcome questions from the Committee.

SBS and NITV’s submission to the Inquiry is available here.

Southern Cross Media Group Limited (ASX: SXL) (“SCA”) has announced the appointment of Adrian Goss to the executive leadership team as General Counsel. Goss will lead the Group’s legal strategy, corporate governance, enterprise risk, and commercial legal operations when he commences in October.

Goss joins SCA with more than 25 years of legal, governance, and executive leadership experience spanning audio, television, print, and digital media. A seasoned media executive, he brings a deep, international track record in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and strategic M&A across the UK and Australian markets.

Most recently based in London, Goss is currently serving as Vice President, Legal & Governance at Bauer Media Group, where he led the legal and governance function across the group’s European audio markets. Previously he spent over 15 years at Are Media, culminating in his role as General Counsel, Company Secretary, and General Manager of Corporate. 

Commenting on his appointment, Goss said: “I’m looking forward to joining Southern Cross Media Group and working alongside the talented team at such a pivotal time in its history. The opportunity to bring together my experience across audio, digital, publishing and television to lead the legal and governance strategy of a business with such significant reach and potential is enormously exciting.”

Further strengthening its corporate leadership and regulatory capabilities, SCA has also announced the promotion of Kaycie Bradford to the newly created position of Government & Regulatory Affairs Director, effective 26 October.

In her new capacity, Bradford will lead SCA’s strategic engagement with government, industry regulators and bodies (including ACMA, CRA and Free TV) and key policy stakeholders to navigate and shape outcomes across the evolving media landscape.

Bradford brings more than 15 years of experience across media, corporate communications and government. A former television and radio journalist with 7NEWS and Southern Cross Austereo, she most recently served as Seven’s Corporate Communications Director. Her  government background includes serving as Chief of Staff to the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Resilience and Flood Recovery during the 2022 flood emergencies, as well as Director of Communications to the NSW Treasurer. 

Chief Financial Officer, Scott Butterworth said: “Throughout the global search, Adrian impressed us with his sharp commercial acumen, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of the media landscape. I’m confident he will be a valuable addition to our leadership team and a trusted partner to leaders across the organisation.

“Equally, Kaycie has done an outstanding job leading our communications strategy, and her public policy and government experience makes her ideally suited to lead our regulatory agenda during this pivotal time for Australian media.”

Both Adrian Goss and Kaycie Bradford will report directly to Chief Financial Officer Scott Butterworth.