After 26 years leading ABC Overnights, Trevor Chappell has announced he will leave the program at the end of July.

For more than two decades, Trevor has been the voice of the ABC’s graveyard shift, bringing company, comfort and joy to listeners through the quiet hours as presenter of Overnights.

Reflecting on his first moments on air, Trevor said: “My first shift was terrifying. Everything was scripted and organised to the minute, but there is no allowance for nerves. After a few early stumbles we finally took a call from Pamela, my first talkback caller, and from that moment everything was okay. The kindness and generosity of listeners made that first day, and the 26 years since, so rewarding and a joy.”

Like so many of his listeners since that first call, Trevor developed a personal connection with Pamela and even visited her during a trip to Queensland.

While most of us sleep, Trevor has built a loyal audience of night owls, including shift workers, insomniacs and Nyctophiles. It is a close and distinctive bond, formed in the dark and often shaped by conversations more open than those had in daylight.

Trevor said the connection with listeners grew over time: “I got to know people over a period of time. You get to know their history, what makes them laugh. You can muck around a bit and not be too serious. By having that relationship, it encourages more people to call in as well.

“It is impossible to do shift work for as long as I have without support at work and at home. From producers like Michael Pavlich and Mick James, alongside colleagues including Helen Richardson and John Standish, our regular callers and my partner Cathy at home, that support has made a 25-year career possible.”

To farewell his sleepless fans, Trevor will host an intimate Night at the Museum event and broadcast his Overnights program live from Melbourne Museum, from late night to early morning on Tuesday 28 July.

Audience members can find out more about and apply to attend the overnight broadcast inside Melbourne Museum here.

The event offers listeners the chance to experience the museum after dark and see live radio unfold against the backdrop of night turning into morning in Melbourne.

Lynley Crosswell, CEO & Director Museums Victoria said: “There are few voices Australians have spent more late nights with than Trevor Chappell.  We’re proud to host one of Trevor’s final broadcasts live at Melbourne Museum. Like the ABC, Museums Victoria exists to spark curiosity and connect people through a compelling story. We look forward to welcoming Trevor and his listeners.”

Trevor Chappell grew up in Western Australia and, after leaving high school, worked in a range of jobs across the state. His early roles took him from mines and wheat bins in the far north-west to building sites and a pub in Broome.

He began his radio career as a producer at Perth’s 6PR before returning to Melbourne in 1995 as a casual producer with the ABC. He spent four years as a producer and roving reporter for 774 ABC Melbourne and Victorian Regional Radio before taking on Overnights in 2000.

“For 25 years, Trevor Chappell has been a trusted companion to Australians through the quietest hours of the night,” said ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer. 

“His warmth, humour and genuine curiosity have made Overnights a place where listeners feel heard, connected and welcome. Trevor’s contribution to ABC Radio is remarkable, not only for its longevity but for the deep bond he has built with audiences across the country. We thank him for his extraordinary service and look forward to celebrating him with listeners as he signs off from the program.”

Trevor’s final program will be on Thursday 30 July. The ABC will announce the new Overnights presenter in the coming weeks.

Sports broadcaster and former ABC Bonner Committee Chair, Dr. Charlie King AM, has announced his retirement from the ABC, marking the end of a remarkable career dedicated to serving audiences in the Top End and across Australia.

Over more than three decades with the ABC, Charlie has been a trusted and respected voice, particularly for communities in the Northern Territory. His long-standing commitment to First Nations audiences and to local storytelling has left a lasting legacy across ABC Sport and beyond.

Charlie has been a central voice in Territory sport for decades, as presenter of the local Grandstand program and became the first Indigenous Australian to commentate at an Olympic Games at Beijing in 2008.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Charlie served as Chair of the ABC Bonner Committee for more than a decade, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s commitment to First Nations staff, culture and leadership. In 2019, Charlie was inducted into the AFL Northern Territory Hall of Fame (Media), recognised for his decades as a leading voice of Territory football and for his long‑running contribution to the growth of women’s football in the NT.

Also in 2019, he was named Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year, recognising not only his distinguished broadcasting career but his long‑standing advocacy against domestic and family violence. Through his NO MORE campaign, launched in 2006, Charlie has worked with sporting codes and communities across the NT to promote zero tolerance of violence, while also spending more than 20 years volunteering to support men in contact with the justice system. His work has been recognised with an Order of Australia.

Charlie said: “I have always been proud to work at the ABC. I grew up listening to the ABC, and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would go on to have such a long and rewarding career here. From the very beginning, I felt supported and welcomed as part of the ABC family.

“Being involved in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games was both a thrill and a great honour, experiences I will always cherish. As a Gurindji man, I was deeply aware of the responsibility I carried. I wanted to lead the way for more Aboriginal people to find their place at the ABC, and that motivated me to present myself in a way that reflected the importance and value of our presence in the organisation.

“I am particularly proud of the work of the Bonner Committee, what we achieved together and what continues to grow from that foundation. My time at the ABC also gave me the privilege to engage with communities on a wide range of issues beyond sport, and to help ensure that the voices of Aboriginal people were heard and respected by a broader audience.

“After many rewarding years, I leave with a deep sense of gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished together.”

ABC Director First Nations Strategy and Bundjalung woman Kelly Williams, said Charlie’s contribution to the organisation had been profound. “The ABC experienced significant change during Dr Charlie King’s tenure as Chair of the Bonner Committee.  As the ABC’s peak Indigenous advisory group, the Committee benefited greatly from Charlie’s leadership and counsel, which helped pave the way for many Indigenous employees to showcase their leadership.  In recognition of his outstanding service, Dr King became the first employee to be appointed a lifetime member of the ABC’s Bonner Committee.”

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks also paid tribute to Charlie’s career. “Charlie King leaves the ABC with a legacy defined by integrity, leadership and a deep connection to Top End communities. Through his journalism and service, including his tenure as Chair of the Bonner Committee, Charlie made a lasting and valued contribution. We thank him sincerely for his commitment and wish him every success and happiness in the future.”

Christmas has come early, with Santa Radio returning to LiSTNR for the first-ever Christmas in July celebration.

After becoming LiSTNR’s most-streamed music station last December, Santa Radio is back all month long with wall-to-wall festive favourites, because December simply felt too far away. The tree might be packed away, but the music isn’t.

Christmas in July has long held a special place in Australia, where the festive season’s traditional imagery of roaring fires, roast dinners, winter nights and cosy nostalgia can feel worlds away from a December spent in the heat of summer. With ABS data showing almost one-third of Australia’s population was born overseas, including around 2.4 million people born in Europe or North America, Santa Radio’s mid-year return taps into a familiar feeling for millions of Australians who grew up with Christmas as a winter celebration. 

Whether it’s a cosy night by the fire, a Christmas in July dinner with friends, a taste of home for those who grew up with a winter Christmas, or simply embracing a little festive nostalgia during Australia’s colder months, Santa Radio delivers all the Christmas music and none of the December stress.

Listeners can stream Santa Radio exclusively on LiSTNR throughout July, with the station also available on Foxtel, bringing Christmas Hits and Festive Feels to homes across Australia.

From modern classics by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Kelly Clarkson to timeless favourites from Bing Crosby and Brenda Lee, Santa Radio has curated the ultimate soundtrack for a mid-year festive celebration.

Lindsay Harapa, LiSTNR Senior Music Director – Digital Radio, said: “Last December, Santa Radio became LiSTNR’s most-streamed music station, and the response from listeners showed just how much Australians love embracing the festive spirit. Christmas in July has become part of the way many Australians celebrate winter, especially for those who grew up with Christmas as a cold-weather tradition. We thought, why wait another six months? Winter feels better with a little Christmas in July, and we’re excited to bring Santa Radio back for the very first time outside the traditional festive season. It’s all the Christmas music people love, without the December rush.”

Santa Claus, Head of Christmas Operations, said: “I’d barely finished putting the sleigh in the garage when people started asking when Santa Radio would be back. Mrs Claus tells me it’s important to take a break, but I simply couldn’t ignore all the Christmas lovers who thought December was too far away. The elves have dusted off the tinsel, Rudolph’s polished his nose, and we’re delighted to celebrate Christmas in July with everyone across Australia. Ho ho ho!”

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice, celebrate Christmas in July with Santa Radio, streaming now on the free LiSTNR app and available on Foxtel throughout July.

On Monday, July 6, Triple M will switch off the mics across all 49 stations nationally, from 6am to 6pm, to observe its eighth annual No Talk Day.

This year, Triple M is strengthening the impact of No Talk Day by partnering with three grassroots organisations making a real difference in communities across Australia: Are You Bogged Mate?, Find Ya Feet and TIACS. Together, they share a common goal – encouraging Australian men to prioritise their mental wellbeing, check in with those around them and start conversations that could change, or even save lives.

All shows, news, traffic updates and advertising across Triple M will pause for one simple reason: to give Triple M listeners the space to check in with themselves and each other.

Every day, an average of nine Australians die by suicide, and seven of them are men.* While the statistics are confronting, the message remains clear: talking saves lives.

For the first time, the No Talk Day message will extend well beyond a single day. Throughout July, Triple M and LiSTNR will shine a spotlight on mental health through dedicated content, stories and conversations, ensuring the momentum created on No Talk Day continues long after the microphones switch back on.

No Talk Day will also be supported by a dedicated collection of podcasts on LiSTNR, featuring powerful stories, expert insights and real conversations with our grassroot organisations, designed to encourage Australians to check in on themselves, their mates and their loved ones.

Whether it’s picking up the phone and calling a friend, going for a walk together, or reaching out for professional support, No Talk Day encourages listeners to take action and start a conversation. Throughout the day (6am–6pm), carefully curated music will be featured alongside powerful messages and personal stories from our featured mental health organisations.

Jamie Angel, Head of Triple M Network, said: “For eight years, No Talk Day has been about creating space for Australians to pause, reflect and connect. What began as a single day has become a powerful reminder that checking in with the people around us can make a real difference.

“This year, we’re proud to be working alongside Are You Bogged Mate?, Find Ya Feet and TIACS – organisations that are doing incredible work where it matters most, in local communities and on the ground with Australians who need support.

“Mental health isn’t something we should only talk about once a year. If No Talk Day inspires someone to check in on a mate, ask for help, or start a conversation they’ve been putting off, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

Triple M’s No Talk Day will be heard across all 49 stations nationwide and on the LiSTNR app from 6am to 6pm on Monday, July 6. 

Making mental health a priority is important at any time. For support, text or call TIACS on 0488 846 988 (Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Partner Organisations:

Are You Bogged Mate?

Find Ya Feet

TIACS

A note from CBAA’s CEO Jon Bisset

Community radio and TV exist because local voices, local news, and local music matter! The act of sharing and listening builds connection and understanding within our communities. More than 5.4 million Australians tune in every week to media made by and for their community. The voices, culture and perspectives of many Australians would go unheard without it – and that’s something worth protecting.

You have told us the operating environment isn’t getting easier, and that is borne out in the data. Digital platforms and the commercial motivation and data that drive them, like Spotify, social media, search and AI, have been reshaping how Australians find and consume media, and the pace of change is only accelerating. What worked five years ago may not work today. What works today may not work tomorrow.

Funding is tighter. The commercial and workforce pressures on local and independent content are real. Total sponsorship levels are trending down. Although we have attracted new investment from Government, it is not keeping up with the increase in costs.

It is not all downside. New technologies like AI bring genuine opportunities for productivity gains, and many stations are using it to streamline back-end work and save valuable hours to rededicate to business growth, community engagement or programming. Social media offers the opportunity to promote station services, people and programs to new audiences and to support fundraising and community engagement.

In our most recent member survey, 89% of stations reported high levels of satisfaction with CBAA, and our Net Promoter Score came in at +50, well above benchmarks for organisations similar to ours. Late last year, Associations Forum named CBAA Association of the Year. It reflects the contribution of our members and the capability of our staff.

We do not take the confidence of our members or the recognition from peers for granted. It tells us our strategy – putting members at the centre – is sound. And it motivates us to keep raising the bar. Key to this effort is the Community Broadcasting Roadmap 2033 – the sector’s shared framework for a sustainable and confident future. We are working closely with the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) to deliver this vision.

We have made a strong case for community broadcasting’s achievements. New research from Monash and Griffith Universities has put hard numbers to the contribution our sector makes (more than $153 million annually) to Australian music industries, playing 37% Australian music against a 25% code requirement. Spotify and TikTok aren’t going to champion emerging Australian artists. But community radio does, every day, and we know this is what many listeners want.

We added content that helps your stations stay relevant and distinctive. Community broadcasting can’t survive by filling time with a jukebox – any listener can find a personal playlist on Spotify. According to our surveys, news and local information are consistently the strongest motivation for listeners. From 1 July, we’re bundling the Community Radio Network’s 100+ diverse programs with National Radio News and BBC World Service, giving stations more quality content choices to supplement their own programming.

What happens in Canberra impacts your station. We are fighting hard to deliver a clearer, more flexible regulatory environment that reduces administration. The government’s Community Broadcasting Sustainability Review was the most significant policy process affecting the sector in years. Its findings – reforms to how Community Broadcasting Program grants work, modernisation of the Broadcasting Services Act, and a new First Nations Broadcasting Strategy – represent a real opportunity to reshape the sector’s future. The ACMA has already responded with new streamlined processes for license renewals for permanent and temporary licenses. For most stations, this means the days of 100-page applications are over. Changes to the Broadcasting Services Act are still ahead of us. You have told us what you want and we’re working closely with the Government to see it to fruition before the CBAA Conference.

The News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) is an important reform that aims to correct the imbalance of access to advertising revenue between digital platforms (like Google, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook) and news publishers. The Government’s proposed design excludes most community broadcasters – so we’re pushing for changes that deliver fair outcomes for all stations – no matter their size or whether journalism is undertaken by staff or volunteers. We’re actively pursuing new investment in local journalism, because the demand for community broadcasting as a trusted, diverse source of local news has never been stronger.

Everything CBAA does is guided by one question: does this make community broadcasters stronger and more successful? In the year ahead, our focus is on getting the sustainability review reforms across the line, securing new investment in local journalism, helping stations navigate the digital shift with confidence, and building the tools and resources that make the day-to-day easier for your team. This work includes developing enhanced AI tools in a way that specifically supports community broadcasters to find and access reliable information that your team can use with confidence. The aim is to lighten the load that falls on small teams and volunteers and reduce the risk of your teams finding inaccurate information on publicly available AI tools. Stay tuned.

There is a lot to look forward to. I hope to see many of you at the CBAA Conference in Geelong — to share, learn, and celebrate our impact through the annual Community Broadcasting Awards.

Have a question or need support with something? Reach out to support@cbaa.org.au or (02) 9310 2999 at anytime. 

PBS 106.7FM is seeking a part-time Marketing & Communications Assistant to join the team three days a week, working alongside the Marketing and Events Manager across the station’s digital communications, social media, web presence and fundraising campaigns. The successful applicant will occasionally be required to work outside standard business hours.

For 45 years, community broadcaster PBS 106.7FM has played an integral part in Melbourne’s diverse music community. With over 80 specialist music programs ranging from soul to indie to electronic to jazz, PBS is dedicated to amplifying under-represented music and supporting the local music community.

The successful applicant will be an excellent communicator with a background and passion for social media content, digital communications and publicity. They will be a confident writer for online audiences, able to manage competing priorities while keeping the bigger picture in view. A genuine feel for music culture and the non-profit sector, and an understanding of what community radio means to the people who love it, will be just as valued as technical skills.

Duties and Responsibilities
This role includes, but is not restricted to, the following duties and responsibilities. Tasks may be altered from time to time to meet organisational needs.

– Develop and deliver external communications across the station’s digital channels
– Coordinate web and social media promotion of the station, its fundraising drives, programs and events
– Write, design and schedule a weekly email newsletter
– Work with PBS departments to keep online communications current, accurate and consistent with PBS’ vision to amplify under-represented music and support the local music community
– Assist in the planning and execution of annual fundraising drive marketing
– Assist in producing the twice-yearly Waves magazine
– Keep across industry news, emerging social media platforms and trends, and how to best reach our community and beyond
– Other duties as required

How to Apply
Please send applications addressing the selection criteria, with CV, two referees (who won’t be contacted without the applicant’s prior knowledge) and a cover letter to Kristen Paterson at kristen@pbsfm.org.au by 9am Wednesday 15 July, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Click here to download the Position Description

• Mark Ritson on the global stage at Cannes Lions: reinforces audio‘s role as the campaign catalyst.
• First time the audio industries of Australia, the UK, Ireland and the US have come together to demonstrate the power of audio.

The peak audio industry bodies of Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland have added their voices to a single global argument – and taken the evidence to Cannes Lions. For the first time, Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), Radiocentre (UK), Radiocentre (IRE), and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB US) have joined forces to make the case for audio advertising as one global industry. These leading audio industry bodies brought Professor Mark Ritson to Cannes Lions to present new global evidence for audio’s role in the modern media mix.

The session, titled ‘The Secret to Profit and Trust: Audio,’ was hosted at LBB & Friends Beach and drew on the Effie x System1 global Databank of 1,262 campaigns spanning 17 years to prove how commercial audio lifts campaign performance. It played to a standing-room-only crowd of marketers, agency leaders and audio networks.

Audio works across key commercial levers

Campaigns with audio outperform those without audio on profit (+75%), trust (+81%), price insensitivity (+81%) and customer acquisition (+19%). Audio’s profit contribution also scales with media spend. Across 14 measures, the average uplift for all campaigns with audio was +22%, in comparison to campaigns without audio.

Audio nearly doubles profit for emotionally driven advertising

The data also makes the creative case. Audio nearly doubles the profit generated by emotionally driven campaigns, and its effect compounds when it is paired with distinctive brand assets and run consistently over time.

Global collaboration to amplify audio’s effectiveness

The original study was commissioned in Australia, where CRA analysed the Advertising Council of Australia’s (ACA) Effie data with independent marketing consultant Rob Brittain and Mark Ritson, who called it “beautiful data”. That modelling has now been taken to the world stage, tested against a new global databank from the UK, US, Europe and Ireland, and presented to an international audience of advertisers, agencies and audio networks.

Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer at CRA, said: “In a competitive landscape where advertisers need their campaigns to work even harder, the evidence again points to the power of audio. For brands, the Effie and System1 data is clear: audio drives significantly stronger profit, deeper trust and the price resilience that protects margins. That a case first built on Australian Effie data now holds across the UK, US and Ireland only shows how universal audio’s advantage is as a catalyst in the media mix.”

Professor Mark Ritson, global marketing consultant and founder of MiniMBA, said: “This is yet more beautiful data. The case for audio’s effectiveness is unequivocal; in every market we’ve studied globally: audio is the catalyst that makes your whole campaign work harder. For a relatively modest investment, it’s an unfair advantage hiding in plain sight. It’s the kind of evidence you cannot unhear.”

The presentation was followed by a discussion between Little Black Book’s Managing Editor AU/NZ Brittney Rigby and System1 Chief Growth Officer, Andrew Tindall.

On the findings, Andrew Tindall said: “Across the globe, the data consistently proves emotional audio campaigns roughly double their profit. Pair that emotion with distinctive sonic brand assets and run it consistently, and the effect compounds again. It’s simple, yet sound advice.”

Source: The Secret to Profit and Trust: Audio, presented by Mark Ritson at Cannes Lions, 2026. Based on the Effie x System1 Databank (1,262 UK, Ireland, Europe and US campaigns, 2007 – 2023).

About System1

System1 is The Creative Effectiveness Platform that harnesses the power of emotion to drive growth for the world’s leading brands. Its Test Your Ad and Test Your Innovation solutions quickly predict the short- and long-term commercial potential of ads and ideas, giving marketers confidence that their creative concepts will resonate with consumers and drive profitable commercial growth. Complementing these solutions is Test Your Brand, which measures the impact of ads and ideas on brand health. With a database of over 100,000 ads, System1 allows brands to compare their ads against competitors, while System1’s expert guidance helps brands improve the effectiveness of ads and ideas. System1 tests and improves creative effectiveness in 81 markets globally and has operations in the UK, Europe, North America, Brazil, Singapore and Australia. For more information, visit system1group.com or follow System1 on LinkedIn.

About Commercial Radio & Audio

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial radio broadcasters across Australia. CRA promotes the effectiveness of radio and audio to advertisers, manages audio research and insights, the metropolitan and regional audience measurement surveys, the official Australian Podcast Ranker, revenue reporting, industry innovation, industry codes and standards, and regulatory and legislative matters. CRA hosts HEARD, the audio industry showcase. CRA also collaborates with the broader digital audio ecosystem to grow the total market and provide services to the public and part public audio broadcasting services.

About Radiocentre UK

Radiocentre is the industry body for commercial radio in the UK. We work on behalf of more than 50 stakeholders who represent over 90 per cent of commercial radio in terms of listening and revenue. Our remit also encompasses all kinds of broadcaster-owned and operated audio, including podcasts and on-demand streaming services provided by commercial radio. Our mission is to get industry influencers and decision-makers to See Radio Differently. www.radiocentre.org

About Radiocentre Ireland

Radiocentre Ireland was established by RTE and IBI. It is managed by a Board which comprises of 3 representatives of RTE and 3 representatives from Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, the organisation representing Ireland’s 34 independent radio stations operating at local, regional and national level. In addition to John Purcell who is Chairperson, the members of the Radiocentre Ireland Board are: Representing RTE: Patricia Monahan; Debbie Kennedy, Gavin Deans. Representing IBI: Sean Barry; Chris Doyle; Fionnuala Rabbitt.

About the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB US)

RAB is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to advancing America’s radio broadcasters. In support of our members, RAB focuses on driving revenue by promoting radio in all its forms. RAB enhances professional skills with services, resources and continuous training opportunities while supporting programs to attract and retain talent across the industry.

Presented by Westpac

NOVA Entertainment has today announced that Australian born, global superstar Ruel will perform in Nova’s Red Room, presented by Westpac, on Thursday, 23 July at Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre.

This exclusive Nova’s Red Room will be a 13+ show, opening the doors to a new generation of music fans and giving younger audiences the chance to experience a live performance in the iconic, money-can’t-buy setting.

A natural fit for the inclusive event, Ruel has grown up alongside a dedicated fanbase, building a global following through honest songwriting, standout vocals and a catalogue of hits including ‘Painkiller’ and ‘Dazed & Confused’. Returning to Nova’s Red Room, his Melbourne show will give fans a rare opportunity to see one of Australia’s most influential young artists up close.

The event continues a standout year for Nova’s Red Room, following intimate live performances from Morgan Evans, Dasha, Jelly Roll and Keli Holiday, as well as the introduction of unique formats including Niall Horan’s Dinner Party, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for creating premium, artist-led experiences.

Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor, said: “Nova’s Red Room has built its reputation on putting fans closer to the artists they love, creating intimate, premium music moments with some of the world’s biggest names. Bringing Ruel back for a 13+ event feels like the perfect next chapter. He has grown up alongside so many of our listeners and opening the doors to younger fans for this show makes the moment even more special.”

Presented by Westpac, the event marks the brand’s first live music experience, extending its connection with young Australians into a new cultural space through one of the country’s most recognised live music platforms.

NOVA Entertainment’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nicole Bence, said: “Westpac are invested in meeting young Aussies where they are, and music is central to that. There are few deeper, more resonant connections than those made while seeing your favourite artist live for the first time. The investment of a blue-chip brand like Westpac into Nova’s Red Room is testament that, and we’re proud they trusted us for their first foray into music.”

Sydney-born singer-songwriter Ruel rose to global success from age 14, earning billion-plus streams, multiple platinum records and acclaim from artists including Elton John. With sold-out tours and a dedicated international fanbase, his latest album Kicking My Feet & Screaming showcases a confident new chapter, blending his signature vocals with honest, coming-of-age storytelling.

NOVA Entertainment today announced a major expansion of its content offering with the launch of Bush Deep, the network’s first-ever video-led series, created in collaboration with comedian Nikki Osborne and premiering on Tuesday, May 12.

The launch signals NOVA’s first step into video-first original storytelling, extending the network’s audio offering into a highly scalable, multi-platform format.

The new weekly comedy series is hosted by Osborne’s alter ego and social media sensation ‘Bushie’, with 30-minute episodes premiering on Osborne’s own YouTube channel, alongside the audio version available on all podcast platforms via the Nova Podcast Network.

Bushie is already a recognisable figure in her own right and, for many fans, even more familiar than Osborne herself. Wildly Australian, completely unfiltered and unapologetically bold, the character has even been compared to ‘Crocodile Dundee’.

Bush Deep follows Bushie as she travels across Australia in search of a good yarn, sitting down with celebrities and everyday legends alike. With equal parts chaos and charm, Bushie asks the questions no one else would dare to…and always with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

Boasting an online following of more than one million fans, Bushie brings her signature irreverence to a stellar lineup of guests throughout the series, including Larry Emdur, Manu Feildel, Steph Tolev, Colin Fassnidge, Osher Gunsberg and Colin Mochrie. No one is safe from her unique, hilarious brand of interrogation.

Said Osborne, “It’s my absolute dream to pick up where Dame Edna and Croc Dundee left off and now that I’ve got a powerful machine like NOVA behind me, well shoot, we might have a shot. Being the first video-led project with NOVA is a huge nod of respect and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I’ve convinced a lot of execs that I know what I’m doing and now I have to prove it.”

Network Director of Nova Podcasts Rachel Corbett said, “Bush Deep is a really exciting step for us as we start to build out video-first originals alongside audio. Nikki has created a character people genuinely love, so we’re looking forward to expanding that across platforms. Bushie is loose, chaotic and very funny, but Nikki’s always in control and that balance is what makes it so watchable. We can’t wait to see where this show goes.”

Nikki Osborne is an Australian comedian, actor, producer, content creator, national columnist and ratings-winning Nova radio host. She studied acting at university, directing at AFTRS, advertising at AWARD School, and through her production company is often engaged by brands to create viral content.

Osborne’s credits include appearances on Dancing with the Stars, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Hughesy, We Have a Problem, Just for Laughs Uncut, Jim Jefferies and Friends, The Big Trip, Celebrity Name Game, Celebrity Mastermind, Quizmania, Kinne and Drunk History. Acting credits include Ned, The Mystery of Natalie Wood and Hoges.

The GetUp ‘Save Our SBS’ campaign is an independent initiative. SBS is not affiliated with the campaign and any donations go to GetUp, not SBS. Consistent with our commitment to impartiality, SBS does not endorse, advocate or participate in third-party campaigns.