ARN today announced Pandora as the launch partner of iHeart Ruby Australia, with the two brands teaming up to create Charmed, a new video-led podcast hosted by social media personality and content creator Sam Todd.

Developed by iHeart Ruby Australia in partnership with Pandora, Charmed is an original podcast series exploring the worlds of collectables, uncovering the stories behind the things people treasure most. Warm, funny and a little bit obsessed, the series examines the emotional connections we form with everyday objects, from beloved childhood keepsakes to carefully curated collections, and what those attachments reveal about identity, memory and belonging.

Across the podcast series, Sam steps inside different worlds spanning pop culture, books, fashion, fandom, Disney, accessories, travel and makeup. Joined by a line-up of creators, personalities and pop culture enthusiasts including Martina Calvi, Katie Mildren, Art Simone, Chloe Hayden and Ali Smith, Sam will unpack the pieces they treasure the most and the memories and personal stories held within them.

The series also features Behind the Charm, exploring the inspiration and craftsmanship behind select Pandora charms and jewellery.

Produced across both video and audio, Charmed combines long-form storytelling with premium video and social-first content, reaching audiences across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart.

Jess Donovan, Pandora ANZ Marketing Director, said: “Pandora has always been about celebrating what you love, out loud and without apology, and Sam is one of the most passionate and joyful voices there is: enthusiastic, endlessly curious and completely herself. She embodies the fandom that makes Pandora such a powerful brand, where self-expression thrives and passions and fan worlds overlap. Charmed is a home for exactly that – no cynicism, just uninhibited joy, passion and delight. Podcasting lets us show up in the spaces where our community already gathers and with ARN and iHeart Ruby’s expertise, we are excited to be able to build on this world and can’t wait to see where the conversation goes.”

Shauna Anderson, ARN’s Director of Content – iHeart, said: “Pandora is the perfect inaugural partner for iHeart Ruby Australia. Charmed is exactly what Ruby was created to deliver: an original entertainment podcast built from a genuine connection between a brand, an idea and its audience. From the beginning, this has been a collaborative creative partnership. Rather than placing Pandora around existing content, we’ve worked together to develop a series that reflects the brand’s connection to memory, meaning and self-expression. It’s a great example of how branded content can evolve beyond sponsorship to become entertainment that audiences genuinely want to watch, listen to and share.”

The partnership is the first major original project to be produced through ARN’s iHeart Ruby Australia branded content studio.

iHeart Ruby Australia provides brands with an end-to-end solution spanning strategy, creative development, production, talent, distribution, promotion, social amplification and measurement – working with partners to create original IP designed to connect with modern audiences.

The partnership demonstrates Ruby’s approach to branded entertainment, bringing brands into the creative process from the outset to develop original content that can be distributed and amplified across audio, video and social.

Charmed launches Tuesday October 13, with new episodes available every week on iHeart and wherever audiences get their podcasts.

KIIS and iHeart are ready to deliver an unforgettable and intimate fan-first experience, announcing iHeartLIVE with Louis Tomlinson, an exclusive event celebrating the global superstar’s return to Australia for his highly anticipated How Did We Get Here? World Tour.

Announced yesterday on The Smallzy Show, the once-in-a-lifetime event will see a small group of 20 lucky superfans flown by Sydney Seaplanes to a top-secret location for an intimate meet and greet with Louis Tomlinson, creating memories for KIIS listeners that money simply can’t buy.

Hosted by Smallzy, the exclusive fan experience will feature an in-depth Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to hear directly from Louis about his journey from global phenomenon to acclaimed solo artist, the stories behind his music, and the road that led him to this moment. Fans will also have the chance to take photos with Louis and ask their own questions in an intimate setting.

Live during The Smallzy Show, host Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small said “The next artist that you are going to get up close and intimate on the iHeartLIVE Stage has accumulated 3.1 billion streams on Spotify, they have toured the world countless times, were in one of the biggest bands of all time, and they are now the next big international act to take over… Guys, are we ready to get Louis Tomlinson as our next artist to take over iHeartLIVE?”

Louis Tomlinson added “It all sounds very fun, I’m, I’m looking forward to it…It’s nice to actually have a conversation with people. I get that sometimes people might have like two or three questions that they really want to ask, and I do get that, but it’s also nice to get to know people, have a bit of a conversation with them like that.”

With a career spanning chart-topping success as part of One Direction and a celebrated solo career, Louis Tomlinson has become one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. Known for his authenticity, songwriting and unwavering connection to fans, he continues to sell out arenas worldwide while earning critical acclaim for his music.

Listeners can win their way into iHeartLIVE with Louis Tomlinson by tuning into The Smallzy Show across the KIIS Network and through iHeart and KIIS Club promotions. The exclusive fan experience will also be recorded and shared across The Smallzy Show, giving listeners around the country a front-row seat to the unforgettable event.

Louis Tomlinson makes his highly anticipated return to Australia later this month as part of his ‘How Did We Get Here?’ 2026 World Tour. Further information on the tour and ticket details can be found here.

The NRL season might be over, but Triple M isn’t putting the footy away just yet. Following a huge 2026 NRL season, Triple M is taking its rugby league coverage to the world stage, with the2026 Rugby League World Cup kicking off on Thursday, 15 October.

From the moment Australia takes on New Zealand in the tournament opener, Triple M will bring its trademark commentary, analysis, and personality to the international competition. Coverage will continue through to the women’s and men’s finals on Sunday, 15 November.

In a network-first initiative, fans can pair Triple M’s commentary with Seven’s live vision of the action on 7plus, combining the network’s distinctive call with the live match broadcast for a new way to experience the tournament.

Triple M’s coverage lineup includes Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin, Emma Lawrence, James Graham, Luke Keary, Aaron ‘Woodsy’ Woods, Anthony Maroon, Elliot Lovejoy, Josh Reynolds, and Wade Graham, alongside more of the voices that make Triple M’s rugby league coverage unmissable.

NRL Daily will become Rugby League World Cup Daily for the duration of the tournament, continuing to deliver the latest news, analysis, and talking points. Host Charlie White will also make his commentary debut for an international match.

The World Cup coverage follows a dominant 2026 NRL season for Triple M, with the network finishing as the Number 1 audio broadcaster across the code.* Triple M’s NRL coverage reaches 517,000 listeners each week in Sydney and Brisbane alone, with the network now taking its established rugby league coverage to an international audience.

Ewan Giles, SCA Head of Sports Content – Audio, said: “Triple M is not slowing down with the end of the AFL and NRL seasons, with a jam-packed schedule across spring and summer. With Triple M Racing hitting the ground running and now the Rugby League World Cup, we’re our listeners’ one-stop shop for all the action.

“We’re really excited to launch our brand-new streaming proposition for listeners, who can now pair Triple M’s commentary with Seven’s footage of the game on 7plus. This is a great example of the clear synergies between Seven and Triple M, presenting fantastic opportunities for listeners, advertisers, and clients alike.”

Triple M’s coverage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup will be available live across the Triple M Network and LiSTNR.

Source: *GfK Radio 360 Ratings. Metro Survey 6, 2026.Sydney – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1800-2000, Saturday 1200-1700, Sunday 1200-1600.Brisbane – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1800-2000, Saturday 1200-1700, Sunday 1200-1600.  P10+.  Cume Reach / Market Share %

About Triple M: 

For more than 40 years, Triple M has been one of Australia’s most recognisable radio brands, providing listeners with a unique blend of Greatest Hits, Sport, and Comedy. With 49 stations nationwide – including six digital stations – Triple M is renowned for delivering music’s greatest hits, alongside iconic talent and standout shows that lead the way in sport and entertainment. 

Reaching more than 4.9 million radio and on-demand listeners each week, Triple M is home to some of the country’s most respected sporting legends, beloved comedians, and music personalities, including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Luisa Dal Din, and Jack Archdale – to only name a few! Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.  

Sarah Macdonald will return to 702 ABC Sydney in March 2027, taking on one of the station’s most loved programs as the new presenter of Afternoons.

A familiar and much-loved voice for Sydney audiences, Macdonald returns to the ABC, where she built a strong connection with listeners across Weekend Nightlife, Evenings and, from 2023 to 2024, as presenter of Mornings.

Afternoons holds a special place in the hearts of 702 ABC Sydney listeners. The program was hosted by broadcaster James Valentine, who died earlier this year after 25 years of keeping the Afternoons audience company with his warmth, intelligence and unmistakable curiosity.

Macdonald said she was honoured to join a program with such a deep connection to its audience.

“James was my friend and a legend in my lunchtimes as both listener and colleague.  I am both emotional and thrilled to carry on his legacy. I have missed the ABC listeners’ wit and wisdom. I thank them for their support, and I look forward to hanging out again. I will do my best to inform, entertain and be with listeners as we together try to make sense of the big and the small issues in life.”

Manager 702 ABC Sydney Nick Lowther said he was thrilled to welcome Sarah back to the station. 

“Sarah is one of those broadcasters who builds a genuine, lasting bond with her audience, and that connection is at the heart of what makes 702 and ABC radio special. She has an instinct for the conversations people want to have, and a warmth that comes through every time she’s on air. Her return to the ABC is a genuinely joyful moment for our listeners across Sydney and New South Wales, and I know they will welcome her to the afternoon program that means so much to them.”

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said Macdonald’s return was a fitting next chapter for Afternoons and for 702 ABC Sydney audiences.

“We’ve heard just how much 702 ABC Sydney listeners have missed Sarah, and I’m delighted she has agreed to return” Latimer said. “There’s something special about Sarah taking on Afternoons.  She knew James well, she knows the audience, and she understands what the program means to them. I’m really looking forward to hearing her make Afternoons her own. 

“I want to thank James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson, who have built a warm and engaging connection with the Afternoons audience. They have carried the program with great care during a difficult period, and I’m very grateful for their commitment.”

James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson have become much-loved presenters on 702 and will remain regular voices on the station. James will continue presenting Afternoons until Sarah begins in March.

Craig Reucassel will continue on Breakfast in 2027, with Hamish Macdonald continuing on Mornings and Thomas Oriti continuing in Drive.

More details about the 2027 702 ABC Sydney lineup will be announced later this year.

Program or issue	Station/licensee	Description	Outcome	Report published
Licence condition	Meander Valley Community Radio Inc.	Encourage community participation in operationsEncourage community participation in programming	Did not breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2 to the BSA.Did not breach paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-767)	7 October 2026

 From couture and celebrity culture to contested marks and country life, No Utes in the Valet is bringing its uniquely Australian mix of style, sport and seriously good banter to the iHeart Podcast Network, officially partnering with ARN’s digital arm.

Hosted by celebrity stylist and TV Presenter Elliot Garnaut and four-time AFL premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith, No Utes in the Valet sits at the intersection of style, sport and pop culture, delivering conversations that span fashion, footy, entertainment and everything in between.

Dropping every Monday, No Utes in the Valet is the fast-talking, fashion-meets-footy podcast nobody asked for but somehow has something for absolutely everyone. Country-born Isaac and city-bred Elliot bring their wildly different perspectives to the microphone, creating a dynamic fuelled by cultural contrast, genuine friendship, sharp observations and the kind of sibling-like banter that has become the show’s signature.

From dissecting the business of the Oscars red carpet and whether sport is becoming entertainment, to AFL Grand Final week, Brownlow fashion, Kylie Minogue, Australian Fashion Week and the global spectacle of the NFL or celebrity and business culture, No Utes in the Valet has carved out its own lane.

The partnership announcement follows last week’s news that Elliot and Isaac will join KIIS 1011’s new Breakfast show alongside Ash London, launching Monday 26 October, further strengthening their growing presence across ARN’s audio network.

Since launching just over 12 months ago, No Utes in the Valet has cultivated a loyal and highly engaged audience and with the support of iHeart, the podcast is set to accelerate its growth, expand its reach and connect with even more listeners across the KIIS and iHeart ecosystem.

Speaking on joining iHeart, Elliot Garnaut said: “What started as a small chat between friends has grown exponentially into something that has become a central figure of the Aussie zeitgeist. We are so excited to be partnering with iHeart to take No Utes to more audiences and of course promise the signature chaos and Enlightenment along the way. We can’t wait!”

Isaac Smith added: “Elliot and I started No Utes in the Valet because we couldn’t stop talking about sport, fashion, culture and everything else going on around us – so it’s pretty surreal to see where it’s taken us. We’re excited to keep bringing the banter, new co-hosts and the big conversations and probably a few questionable opinions along the way.”

As part of the partnership, ARN will support advertising sales for the podcast and support audience growth across the iHeart ecosystem, building on the strong community already surrounding the show.

Head of iHeart Strategic Partnerships and Product Corey Layton said: “We’re thrilled to welcome No Utes in the Valet to the iHeart Podcast Network. Elliot and Isaac have created a genuinely unique show uniting sport, culture and style across audio, video and socials. Their chemistry is undeniable, and we’re excited to help grow the audience even further while connecting brands with their passionate and loyal community.”

New episodes of No Utes in the Valet are released every Monday morning and will continue to be available across all major podcast platforms, including the free iHeart app, and supported by video content on YouTube and iHeart channels.

• Southern Cross Austereo: #1 Network 25-54 metro – 42 surveys in a row
• Triple M: #1 Network Men 25-54 – 30 surveys in a row
• Hit Network: #1 Network Women 25-54 – 6 surveys in a row
• Brisbane: Triple M: #1 FM station, #1 Breakfast, B105: #2 FM station, #2 Breakfast
• Triple M Adelaide: #1 station and #1 Breakfast
• Triple M: #1 AFL and NRL broadcast

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has strengthened its leadership in the key 25-54 demographic, recording its 42nd consecutive ‘Audience That Matters’ win in GfK Survey 6, 2026, and delivered significant growth across the country’s most competitive radio markets. 

When combined with ACE Radio, the Hit and Triple M networks secured a combined 37.5% commercial share for the ‘Audience That Matters’. SCA is Australia’s number 1 audio broadcaster now reaching 9.26 million Australians.*

Today’s survey results were driven by continued leadership across both networks, with Triple M winning Men 25-54 for the 30th consecutive survey, while the Hit Network secured its sixth consecutive win among Women 25-54.  

Triple M delivered strong results across the country, with Breakfast growth across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, alongside a clean sweep as the Number 1 audio broadcaster for both AFL and NRL in 2026 following the conclusion of the respective finals series. 

In Adelaide, Triple M’s Roo, Ditts & Loz continued their extraordinary run as the city’s Number 1 Breakfast show, recording their 28th win in the past 29 surveys on a 14.3% share – more than two share points clear of any competitor (Roo, Ditts & Loz have also achieved 31 of 32 outright FM wins). The Rush Hour with JB & Billy retained the Number 1 Drive position in Adelaide for a fourth consecutive survey. 

Triple M Melbourne grew, recording the biggest share increase in the market, rising 1.2 share points to 7.3% (10+). Following the success of Triple M Fest, Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie was the biggest mover among Breakfast shows, increasing 1.1 share points to 6.5%.  In Perth, Xav & Katie rose to Number 2 in Breakfast on a 12.2% share (up 0.8 share points), with 92.9 Triple M recording its strongest Breakfast audience since Survey 8, 2020 with 246,000 listeners. 

Triple M’s growth continued across Brisbane, where SCA’s duopoly saw Triple M and B105 take the Number 1 and Number 2 FM station spots and Breakfast shows. Triple M is Brisbane’s Number FM 1 station on 11.3% share (up 0.4 share points), with Marto, Margaux & Dan taking the top spot in Breakfast on 13.6% (up 1.9 share points), while B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt is Brisbane’s Number 2 Breakfast show with a 12.5% share. 

The Hit Network also delivered growth in key priority markets, with Fifi, Fev & Nick on Melbourne’s 101.9 The Fox and Nath & Emma on Sydney’s 2DayFM both increasing their Breakfast share.

Fifi, Fev & Nick grew to a 9.2% share, up 0.3 share points, with The Fox also increasing its share across every major daypart – Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons and Drive. In Sydney, Nath & Emma increased their share for a fourth consecutive survey to 4.9%, following their content arcs, including a successful Guinness World Record and Really Cool Ride to School community initiative.

Matthew O’Reilly, SCA’s Head of Broadcast Content, said: “The Hit and Triple M Networks are heading into the final survey period of the year with real momentum. We’re seeing growth across all key markets, reinforcing the value of staying consistent, backing great talent, and giving our shows time to build.

“In Sydney, that patience continues to pay off. Nath & Emma on 2DayFM and Beau Ryan, Cat & Woodsy on Triple M both grew their Breakfast share this survey. We’ve backed these teams, and it’s great to see more Sydney listeners coming along for the ride.

“Brisbane is once again an SCA town in Breakfast, with our duopoly sitting at Number 1 and Number 2 FM. Marto, Margaux & Dan have taken Triple M to the top spot, with B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt right behind. We’re pleased to see the great content in Melbourne be rewarded with solid momentum, as both The Fox and Triple M grow in Breakfast and across major dayparts in one of the country’s most fiercely competitive radio markets. 

“In Adelaide, Roo, Ditts & Loz remain unbeatable – 28 wins from the past 29 surveys is an extraordinary run, complemented by The Rush Hour with JB & Billy at Number 1 in Drive. In Perth, Mix94.5 is the Number 2 station and Xav & Katie has Triple M at Number 2 in Breakfast.

“The story for us all year has been consistency. We know who we are, we know what our audiences want and we have strong teams around the country delivering it every day. As we head into the final survey periods we’re not taking our foot off the pedal.”

John Kelly, Southern Cross Media Group’s Managing Director, Audio, said: “Today’s results reinforce the strength of Southern Cross Austereo, delivering one of our best commercial share results among the audience that matters most to advertisers, 25–54s.

“Across the Hit and Triple M Networks, our unrivalled scale and reach across metro and regional Australia puts us in an incredibly strong position. We’ve never been better placed to connect brands with audiences, combining the power of live, local radio with major events and content like The Underdogs, Triple M 1000 and our recently announced racing broadcast, Triple M Racing.

“We’ve remained focused on what we do best: delivering great content, building loyal audiences and creating meaningful opportunities for our commercial partners. That consistency is paying off, and with strong momentum across the business, we’re heading into the final stretch of the year with plenty of confidence.”

Source: GfK R360 Metro Survey #6 2026.  P10+/P25-54/M25-54/F25-54, Mon-Sun ROS/Mon-Fri 05.30-09.00/Mon-Fri 9.00-Midday/Mon-Fri Midday-16.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-19.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00, Market Share %/Commercial Share %/Cume Reach (000’s)/Cume Reach (%).  *National Reach Source:  GfK R360 Metro Survey #6 2026, Canberra Survey #3 2026, Gold Coast/Newcastle Survey #2 2026, Xtra Insights SCA Regional Markets Surveyed as at 8/10/2026, P10+, Mon-Sun ROS, Cume Reach. AFL Source: GfK Radio 360 Ratings. Metro Survey 6, 2026. Melbourne – Thursday 1800-2230, Friday 1800-2230, Saturday 1130-2230, Sunday 1300-1930. Adelaide – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1730-2200, Saturday 1100-2200, Sunday 1230-1900. Perth – Thursday 1600-2030, Friday 1600-2030, Saturday 0930-2030, Sunday 1100-1730. P10+ / P 10-69 / P25-54. Cume / Market Share %.  NRL Source: GfK Radio 360 Ratings. Metro Survey 6, 2026.Sydney – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1800-2000, Saturday 1200-1700, Sunday 1200-1600.Brisbane – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1800-2000, Saturday 1200-1700, Sunday 1200-1600.  P10+ / People 10-69 / People 25-54 .  Cume Reach / Market Share %

About Southern Cross Media Group 

Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) (Southern Cross) is one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence across broadcast television, audio, publishing and digital. 

SCA’s audio assets include the LiSTNR digital audio app, offering free and compelling digital audio content including SCA’s FM, AM, and DAB+ radio stations, live AFL, NRL, and international cricket coverage, over 50 music playlists, local news and over 800 podcast titles from leading Australian and global creators. With more than 2.5 million signed-in users on the LiSTNR app and with a total LiSTNR Audience Network that reaches an estimated ten million* people each month.  

SCA owns 104 radio stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio under the Triple M and Hit network brands and provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations, with more than 9.2 million listeners across the Hit and Triple M networks nationally. 

It’s the ultimate watercooler debate, the source of countless pub arguments, and a question that has never truly been settled: what is the greatest song of all time?

Now, Triple M is turning to the people trusted to make the call, the music loving public of Australia, with the inaugural Triple M 1000 countdown.  

Starting today, the six-week voting window opens, giving Australians the chance to pick their favourite songs of all time, any decade and any genre. Simply use the free LiSTNR app, and enter up to ten tracks to help shape the most authoritative and definitive countdown in Australian radio history. 

Before the countdown begins on Monday, November 23, Triple M’s announcers will be shamelessly rallying behind their personal favourites, launching on-air campaigns for their top picks, and fiercely debating why their chosen tracks deserve the crown. They won’t be alone; legendary artists and musicians will also be dropping in throughout the voting period to share their own picks, and the fascinating and sometimes wild, behind-the-scenes stories that made those songs famous. 

Jamie Angel, Head of the Triple M Network, said: “At Triple M, we live and breathe music, and we’ve spent decades proudly championing live music and the legendary tracks that have shaped our lives. But we’re also not afraid to stir the pot a little. Everyone has a passionate, completely unshakeable opinion about what the best song ever written is. We want to hear them all, even the wildly wrong ones. 

“The Triple M 1000 gives the keys of the station to our listeners to settle the score once and for all. Does this mean you might hear a few surprises along the way, well we certainly hope so. It depends entirely on you.”

Aside from championing your favourite track, there are 50,000 other reasons to cast a vote. One lucky music lover will walk away with a massive $50,000 cash prize, drawn at the end of the countdown. The Triple M 1000 will blast across the airwaves for two epic weeks, culminating in a huge final day on Saturday, 5 December.

Key dates for the Triple M 1000

• Voting period:                        Tuesday, October 6 to Sunday, November 15
• Vote counting begins:           Monday, November 16
• The Countdown begins:        Monday, November 23
• The Grand Finale:                  Saturday, December 5

As inaugural partners for Triple M 1000 Countdown, Einhell Professional, McDonald’s, Penrite and Sleeping Duck will be integrated across the entire multi-platform campaign on air and via LiSTNR. 

The Triple M 1000 will be supported by a fully-integrated marketing campaign which was produced in-house at SCA. Mick Molloy and Beau Ryan front the campaign in which the pair realise that finding the greatest song of all time is a much bigger job than they thought. The TVC teaser first ran during the AFL Grand Final on Seven, and the campaign will roll out from today across the Seven Network, Triple M, LiSTNR, out of home, digital and social to encourage participation across voting and countdown phases.

Australians can cast their vote via the free LiSTNR app.

About Triple M: 

For more than 40 years, Triple M has been one of Australia’s most recognisable radio brands, providing listeners with a unique blend of Greatest Hits, Sport, and Comedy. With 49 stations nationwide – including six digital stations – Triple M is renowned for delivering music’s greatest hits, alongside iconic talent and standout shows that lead the way in sport and entertainment. 

Reaching more than 4.9 million radio and on-demand listeners each week, Triple M is home to some of the country’s most respected sporting legends, beloved comedians, and music personalities, including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Luisa Dal Din, and Jack Archdale – to only name a few! Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.  

CommSec has partnered with Southern Cross Media Group and News Australia to launch The CommSec Desk,a new cross-media initiative designed to help Australians better understand the forces shaping their financial lives.

Developed alongside WPP Motion Entertainment, at the centre of the partnership is the launch of The CommSec Desk, a new financial news platform that embeds CommSec’s share market experts within the daily news cycle across Seven, SCA, and News Australia.

The collaboration marks a new approach to media partnerships, bringing together three of Australia’s major media organisations. By leveraging their strength and reach across news, television, radio, digital audio, podcasts, video, and social media, The CommSec Desk will deliver CommSec’s financial expertise across each platform, creating a seamless flow of share market insights throughout the day.

Designed for a complex financial landscape in which Australians navigate an unprecedented volume of financial information and opinion, the partnership meets Australians where they are – from morning market updates on the daily commute, to afternoon trading news and closing market analysis.

News Australia will provide context, interpretation and daily market relevance through its digital news and publishing ecosystem. SCA will embed CommSec into Australians’ daily audio routines across broadcast radio, while Seven will provide mass-scale visibility for CommSec experts and financial analysis within its broadcast and digital news environments.

Together, the three networks create a connected journey across the day, from morning share market updates and news coverage, through to radio, afternoon news updates, live television crosses, and the evening market wrap.

The partnership will also extend into CommBank’s owned ecosystem through CommBank Connect, allowing relevant The CommSec Desk content to reach audiences throughout their financial journey and creating a connection between media engagement and deeper consideration.

The CommSec Desk is powered by Gillian Bowen, Head of Media and Markets, James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist, Steven Daghlian, Equity Market Commentator, Laura Besarati, Equity Market Commentator, and James Tao, Equity Market Commentator.

Ultimately, the collaboration represents a shift from a traditional media campaign towards a connected media ecosystem built around a shared purpose: helping Australians understand what’s happening today, and what it means for tomorrow.

Stephen Norton, CommSec Chief Operating Officer said: “Markets can be fast-moving, noisy and complex, and trusted expertise can help Australians make sense of what is happening.

“Every day. CommSec provides timely, trusted share market insights to help people cut through the noise, build their knowledge and make sense of the developments that could matter to them – so if they choose to invest, they can invest smarter.

“The CommSec Desk brings that expertise to more Australians in a new way, making timely market insights accessible through the news and media they already consume– whether they’re experienced investors or just starting out.”

Natalie Harvey, Southern Cross West Media’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Financial news impacts every Australian, whether they consider themselves an active investor or are simply keeping an eye on household budgets. By bringing CommSec’s share market specialists into the daily 7NEWS news cycle, we can make complex market data and economic trends more accessible to millions of viewers, while giving CommSec a consistent presence around the financial stories that matter to Australians.

“Audio also plays a vital role in bringing market context into Australians’ daily routines. Across SCA’s national networks, The CommSec Desk will deliver market commentary throughout the day, giving CommSec the opportunity to connect with audiences in a different context while providing listeners with a familiar and accessible window into what is happening across global and domestic markets.”

Lou Barrett, News Australia’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Our partnership with CommSec brings together trusted journalism and credible share market commentary to support the daily news cycle. By combining the expertise of both teams, we can provide news.com.au readers with the latest share market news, trends and updates in a clear and accessible way helping them stay informed and better understand the developments shaping the economy and their financial lives.”

Lisa Squillace, General Manager of WPP Motion Entertainment, said: “Modernising and deciphering the noise around the share market is what The CommSec Desk is all about.  I am delighted that for the very first time we can join the largest newsrooms in the country. The CommSec Desk is truly a market first, holding a seat at the very table that Australians news headlines are developed every single day.”

The implementation of The CommSec Desk began last week, with the partnership rolling out across SCA, Seven, and News Australia.

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About Southern Cross Media Group 

Southern Cross Media Group (ASX: SXL) is one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence across broadcast television, audio, publishing and digital.

The company owns some of Australia’s most renowned media businesses and platforms, including Seven, 7two, 7mate, 7flix and 7Bravo; 7plus; 7NEWS.com.au; LiSTNR; the Hit and Triple M radio networks; The Nightly; The West Australian; The Sunday Times; and PerthNow.

Commercial radio reaches 12.7 million Australians weekly across the five metropolitan markets — up 2.8% year on year — according to the GfK Metro Survey 6, 2026 results released today.¹ Weekly metro audiences have now held above 12 million for more than four years.²

Commercial radio’s audience grew year on year across every demographic, daypart and place of listening. Australians are also spending more time each week with commercial radio.¹

Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), said: “Australians are giving commercial radio more of their time, and audiences are growing at every age and wherever they listen. It’s the only commercial media that’s 100% locally owned and operated, delivering consistent, trusted and measurable scale. Where audiences spend their time, brands should spend theirs. And when brands invest in local media, they’re backing Australian jobs, Australian voices and Australian stories.”

Looking ahead, summer shifts in listening are worth planning for. Weekly listeners aged 25 54 lift 7% across summer³, and time spent listening is up 7% on weekend breakfast³. More Australians are spending more time with free, local radio. That’s where brands are heard.

GfK Metro Survey 7, 2026 results will be released on Tuesday 24 November 2026. GfK’s 2027 radio ratings survey schedule is available here.

Sources:  1. GfK Radio 360 Ratings, SMBAP S6 2026. All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, Cume (000s), unless otherwise stated. All numbers refer to commercial radio results unless otherwise stated. Historical results available on request. Age demographics: 10-17, 18-24, 25-39, 40-54, 55-64, 65+ 2. GfK Radio 360 Ratings, SMBAP S5 2022 – present. All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, Cume (000s) 3. GfK MediaWatch Panel, SMBAP, P10+, commercial radio, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, listening for 1 min or more within defined period. Weekly reach & TSL, Pre-Summer (26 Oct – 29 Nov 2025) vs Summer (30 Nov 2025 – 31 Jan 2026).