ABC Radio Australia’s Politok has won Best International Podcast at the 2026 Asia Podcast Awards, recognising the program’s in-depth coverage of political decisions shaping the Pacific.
The annual awards event celebrated 26 winners this year across 23 categories, representing major and independent podcast publishers from the Indo-Pacific region.
Hosted by Papua New Guinean journalist and presenter Scott Waide, Politok launched in mid-2024 on ABC Radio Australia. With three series already available and a fourth to air in October 2026, the podcast and radio program continues to examine the political, social and economic forces impacting communities across the Pacific.
In each episode, Scott pulls back the curtain and investigates a specific topic by speaking with regional leaders, public servants, aid workers, academics and everyday people. Politok goes beyond the headlines and with a distinctive Pacific lens, the program covers issues such as food insecurity, climate change, the rise of AI, foreign deals and fly-in fly-out aid culture.
As the former-Deputy Regional Head of News at Papua New Guinean television network, EMTV, Scott brings a wealth of regional expertise after working extensively for over 25 years in news reporting and digital storytelling across the Pacific.
Scott shared his appreciation for the recognition. “This award means a lot and reflects the trust that our listeners place in Politok in putting a spotlight on the policies and decision-making that impacts their communities.We have been very fortunate to speak with so many people from across the Pacific who have helped us create an open space that asks the big questions.”
ABC International Manager of Audio Output and Strategy, Justine Kelly said: “We are incredibly proud that Politok has received international recognition for creating powerful conversations around the issues affecting the Pacific. ABC Radio Australia’s strength lies in amplifying Pacific voices and stories and in just two years Scott and the team have built a trusted program that provides context, analysis and discussion on issues that matter most to the region, empowering audiences and keeping them informed.”
Radio Skid Row 88.9FM is a not-for-profit, community radio station based in Marrickville, inner west Sydney. Our focus is amplifying the voices of diverse and marginalised individuals with a strong emphasis on supporting social justice and human rights.
The Radio Skid Row team includes the Station Manager, a board of directors and a passionate group of volunteers and valued broadcasters who serve their communities and listeners.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Communications Officer is a casual role working closely with our Station Manager to promote Radio Skid Row’s diverse programming, fundraising activities, broadcaster activities and other community events.
Your role will ensure all our stakeholders remain engaged and informed.
We are seeking a candidate with strong writing capabilities, an eye for visual design, and the capacity to work in accordance with Radio Skid Row’s core values and priorities.
The role will suit someone passionate about supporting a grassroots community organisation through thoughtful and effective communications.
The role is 10 hours per week, including occasional weekend work to support events and spend time at the station to engage with broadcasters.
Members of Black, Indigenous and Ethnic communities, looking to develop their communication experience within a community organisation are encouraged to apply.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and maintain a communications plan with the support of the Station Manager.
Write and create content for social media, including videos and images (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).
Work closely with volunteers to lead, coordinate, and support communications across the organisation.
Manage the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform to communicate with broadcasters, stakeholders, and supporters via emails and newsletters.
Manage the Radio Skid Row website and the Omny Studio platform.
Work closely with the Fundraising Coordinator during campaigns.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Understanding of community radio and grassroots media, with awareness of/or experience in a non-profit or community organisation.
Experience working collaboratively as a supportive and reliable member of a team in an ever-changing environment.
Demonstrated skills in writing clear, engaging communications and social media copy for diverse audiences.
Experience using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop and Premiere Pro) to create accessible, engaging content.
Experience with web content management systems, including WordPress.
Understanding of and/or experience with data management in a CRM.
High proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Gmail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven capacity to communicate respectfully and effectively with internal stakeholders and external community members.
High level of social and cultural awareness, with strong interpersonal sensitivity and respect for difference.
Willingness and ability to learn new technologies and platforms.
Looking for a flexible part-time role where no two days are the same?
SWRFM is seeking an enthusiastic and organised Administrative & Sponsorship Assistant to join our team at the Blacktown Showgrounds studios. This unique role combines administration, sponsor relationship management, customer service, and the opportunity to be involved in exciting new initiatives including podcast studio operations.
Whether you’re returning to the workforce, looking for family-friendly hours, or keen to gain experience in community media and radio broadcasting, we’d love to hear from you. Full training will be provided, with opportunities for growth as SWRFM continues to expand.
16 hours per week | Flexible 3-day roster | $34 per hour + Super
Applications close 5:00pm, 30 September 2026. Interested applicants should email their application to office@swr999.com.au.
For further information about the role, responsibilities, and selection criteria, click here.
ARN has strengthened its senior leadership team in Brisbane, appointing highly respected media executive Todd Dickinson to the newly created role of General Manager ARN Brisbane and Director of Sales.
The appointment marks a strategic investment in ARN Brisbane, with Todd joining in a senior market leadership role with a clear focus on accelerating commercial growth, market engagement and business performance.
In addition to operational and P&L responsibilities, Todd will have responsibility for driving revenue growth across broadcast radio, digital audio, video, and integrated solutions. He will serve as ARN’s senior representative in the market, building relationships with clients, agencies, industry partners, Government, and the broader Brisbane business community.
Todd brings more than 20 years of commercial and operational leadership experience across media and advertising. Most recently, he held the dual roles of Managing Director, Queensland and Sales Director, Queensland at Seven West Media, where he led statewide operations and delivered sustained commercial growth, market share gains and organisational transformation.
Experienced sales leader Emily Buckby will return to her role as Director of Sales in Brisbane following her parental leave, she will be a part of the Brisbane leadership team and report directly to Todd.
Michael Stephenson, ARN CEO said: “Todd is a highly respected leader with excellent relationships across the Brisbane market. His record speaks for itself. He has a proven track record of creating and leading high-performance teams and delivering outstanding commercial results. His combination of sales, operational and market leadership experience makes him the perfect person to lead our Brisbane business.”
“This new role demonstrates how important Brisbane is to our business, strengthens our presence in the market and provides local leadership for our Brisbane team.”
Todd Dickinson said: “I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to join ARN and help build a modern entertainment business in Brisbane. To be asked to contribute to a team that is so highly respected is a privilege. It’s clear there is enormous potential ahead for ARN in our great city.”
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Michael, Rob, Emily and the Brisbane team and I can’t wait to get started.”
Todd will commence in the role on 14 September 2026 and report to Chief Sales Officer, Robert Iannazzo and CEO Michael Stephenson.
There’s always more to a story than the headline. In an exclusive six-episode podcast series, LiSTNR and the Seven Network are taking AFL fans behind the scenes of the stories shaping the game with The Breakers, hosted by 7News’ Mitch Cleary, Xander McGuire, and Tom Morris.
Launching today (Wednesday, 9 September), The Breakers lifts the lid on the world of footy journalism, exploring how information is verified, sources are developed, and stories are broken, while discussing the personalities, pressures, and competition behind one of Australia’s most fiercely contested media beats.
The series launches just as the AFL news cycle enters its peak through the AFL finals series, Grand Final week and the frenetic post-season trade period. Listeners will gain an insider’s perspective from three of the game’s top reporters: Mitch Cleary, Xander McGuire, and Tom Morris.
Regularly at the centre of the footy news cycle and bringing breaking news as it happens, all three hosts bring extensive experience across Seven’s AFL coverage and The Agenda Setters.
7NEWS chief football reporter and regular guest on The Rush Hour with JB & Billy, Mitch Cleary brings more than 15 years’ experience breaking footy stories, while Xander McGuire prominently features across Seven’s AFL and 7NEWS coverage, regularly appears on Triple M’s Mick in the Morning, and hosts 105.1 Triple M Melbourne’s Deadset Legends. Tom Morris brings extensive experience as an AFL journalist and 7NEWS’ Chief Cricket Reporter, having also worked with Fox Footy, the Nine Network, and SEN.
Sometimes, the story behind the headline is as interesting as the yarn itself. Combining 7NEWS AFL journalism with LiSTNR’s on-demand audio platform, The Breakers takes footy fans beyond the headlines. The podcast will be featured in LiSTNR’s 7AFL podcast feed, which also hosts every episode of The Agenda Setters, exclusive interviews, and iconic segments like ‘Roaming Brian.’
Xander McGuire said: “We spend a lot of time chasing the next story so it’s pretty rare for us to get the chance to stop and talk about how the story actually came together. The Breakers gives us the opportunity to unpack the calls, the decisions, and the process of how these stories are made, and I think footy fans will get a genuine insight into what happens behind the headlines.”
Chris Jones, Southern Cross Media Group’s Director of Sport – TV, Audio and Streaming, said: “There’s a huge appetite among footy fans to understand what happens behind the stories they consume, particularly as the AFL news cycle continues to move faster. The Breakers gives three of our gun AFL journos the opportunity to take listeners inside that process and have an honest conversation about the craft of breaking and reporting stories. It’s a high energy show including segments like unintentional cutting, story time, nugget and the media performer of the week. Bringing that perspective to LiSTNR and the 7AFL YouTube is a genuinely exciting proposition.”
Listen to The Breakers with Mitch Cleary, Xander McGuire, and Tom Morris on the 7AFL podcast feed on LiSTNR, and watch it on 7AFL and 7NEWS Australia YouTube, each week from 9 September.
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.
ARN today announced the appointment of Robert Iannazzo as Chief Sales Officer, bringing more than 20 years of commercial radio experience and media leadership to the role.
Robert is a highly regarded industry leader with extensive experience building high-performing teams, growing revenue and market share, and leading commercial transformation across radio, television and digital media. He has held senior roles in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth at ARN and SCA across sales, strategy and business operations.
He most recently served as Executive General Manager for Adelaide and Western Australia at Southern Cross Austereo, where he led sales, content and operations teams across both markets and was accountable for revenue, sales leadership and market strategy.
The appointment marks a return to ARN for Robert, who previously held senior sales leadership roles with the business in Melbourne.
As Chief Sales Officer, Robert will lead ARN’s national sales team and commercial strategy across broadcast radio, streaming, podcasts, digital audio, video and integrated client solutions. His focus will be on increasing Metro radio revenue share, strengthening customer and agency partnerships, driving revenue growth and ensuring ARN’s commercial proposition takes full advantage of its expanding content, data and digital capabilities.
ARN Chief Executive Officer Michael Stephenson said: “Robert has a deep understanding of radio, he has a proven track record of building high-performance teams, growing radio market share and delivering results in competitive media markets.
“Robert’s leadership and experience will be critical as we focus on growing our metro radio revenue share ensuring we unlock the full value of our audience, content and commercial assets.”
Robert Iannazzo said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to ARN, having started my broadcasting career at Gold104.3 in Melbourne many years ago. ARN is exceptionally well positioned to lead the future of audio, and I’m looking forward to working alongside Michael and the wider ARN sales team along with our customers and agencies to build on that momentum.”
Robert will replace current Chief Sales Officer Richard Hunwick, who will step away in the new year.
Michael Stephenson said: “I want to thank Rich for everything he has done at ARN. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Rich for the last 20 years, he is one the most senior and most respected media leaders in the country, he has been at the very centre of our business transformation, and his input has been invaluable.”
Richard Hunwick said: “Over the last 18 months it’s been a privilege building the foundation of something very special here at ARN, and with the exceptional team now in place I believe the business is ready to accelerate into the next phase. I’m excited to see how far Stepho and Robert will take the business next year, I will be cheering them on.”
Robert will be based in Sydney and will commence in the role on Monday September 28th. Richard will remain in Sydney and leave ARN in January.
New research has quantified the significant social value community broadcasting creates for communities across Australia.
The Social Return on Investment in community broadcasting report finds that $63.9 million invested in the community broadcasters included in the analysis creates an estimated $485.4 million in social value. On a conservative basis, that means every $1 invested creates $7.59 in social value, with the report modelling a potential range of $7.59 to $10.15.
The value created across community broadcasting
Social Return on Investment (SROI) measures the broader social, economic, and environmental value created by an activity. The report found positive social returns across specific communities within the sector where sufficient data was available to calculate an SROI:
Christian community broadcasting: $8.70 in social value for every $1 invested, with a modelled range of $8.70 to $11.54.
Disability community broadcasting: $7.30 for every $1 invested, with a modelled range of $7.30 to $9.97.
Ethnic and multicultural community broadcasting: $4.59 for every $1 invested, with a modelled range of $4.59 to $6.26.
The report notes that these figures should not be treated as a direct comparison between different parts of the sector. Differences in operating models and available data affect the results, and the overall value identified by the research is likely to be understated.
Across the research, some of the strongest outcomes are experienced by listeners. Community broadcasting was found to support connection and representation, mental wellbeing and reduced isolation, participation in civic life, and stronger connections to communities.
While an SROI ratio could not be calculated for First Nations media, the research highlights its importance in sharing trusted local information, celebrating culture, sharing perspectives and giving communities a voice. It supports previously identified outcomes including stronger communities, strengthened culture, communication, and meaningful employment and participation.
Supporting the goals of Roadmap 2033
Led by Christian Media and Arts Australia (CMAA) this research aims to demonstrate and celebrate the impact of community broadcasting. The findings provide important new evidence to support Roadmap 2033 and its vision for community broadcasting to be at the heart of every community.
The research demonstrates how community broadcasters reach people who can be overlooked by public and commercial media, amplify grassroots voices and create spaces for connection through shared interests, circumstances, values and cultural identity. It also identifies community broadcasting’s broader contribution to a more inclusive, cohesive, and diverse society.
Read the report
The research provides new evidence for broadcasters, funders and policymakers of the contribution community broadcasting makes to Australian communities and the value generated by investment in the sector.
The project was part-funded through a grant from the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF), alongside philanthropic support secured by CMAA, with project support provided by the CBAA. The independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation was conducted by Think Impact.
The CBAA is calling for nominations for people interested in serving as a Director of the Board.
Nominations close at 5.00pm AEST on Friday, 25 September 2026.
There are four (4) Member Elected Director positions up for election this year.
The Board has traditionally met six times a year, with a mix of face to face and virtual meetings.
The CBAA meets board members’ travel and accommodation costs.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be a person nominated by two (2) Permanent Community Broadcasting Members or Temporary Community Broadcasting Members of the CBAA.
Nominees are expected to have a commitment to the ideals of community broadcasting, a solid knowledge of and interest in the development of community broadcasting as a national sector and commit to representing the interests of the whole sector – not just their station or a special interest group.
How to nominate
Nominees for all positions must contact Liz Freestone, liz.freestone@cbaa.org.au to obtain the nomination form (Nomination for the CBAA Board) and return the completed form via email no later than 5.00 pm AEST on Friday, 25 September 2026.
The 2026 CBAA Annual General Meeting will be held at 4:30pm AEDT in Geelong, Victoria on Friday, 23 October 2026.
Nominations close 28 days before the AGM and nomination forms must be completed correctly, containing a written profile (in third person) of no more than 150 words and attach a headshot photograph.
The profile and photograph will be included in the election documentation that will be distributed by 2 October 2026. Nominees will also have an opportunity to record a brief introductory video.
Nominations will be checked to ensure they are valid nominations from eligible voting members.
More information
Further information is available to download below. Any questions on CBAA Board Membership can be directed to EA to the CEO, Liz Freestone on 02 9318 9602 or via email (liz.freestone@cbaa.org.au).
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has solidified its national leadership of the ‘Audience That Matters’, recording its 41st consecutive survey win for People 25-54 in today’s GfK Survey 5, 2026.
The strength of SCA’s live and local strategy is reflected across key markets, with Brisbane delivering a complete SCA station and Breakfast show duopoly while Triple M Adelaide continues its remarkable run as the market’s Number 1 station and Number 1 Breakfast show. Sydney is also showing strong momentum, with 2DayFM delivering the market’s biggest share and cume increases across Breakfast and the workday.
These results continue SCA’s momentum across the Hit and Triple M networks, reaching 9.18 million Australians nationally across its P10+ audience* and delivering a 36.3% commercial share among People 25–54 in partnership with ACE Radio.
The Hit Network has seen share increases in Breakfast across key markets, including Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. In Sydney, 2DayFM’s Nath & Emma had the biggest share jump in market, growing 1.1 share points (to 4.7% share) and 79,000 listeners (up to 389,000), following major show moments: Really Cool Ride to School and Bring Back the Cross. SAFM’s Bel, Bernie & Emma G held strong in Adelaide on 8.7% share (up 0.1 point).
B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt is the Number 1 Breakfast show in Brisbane with a 14.2% share (up 0.3 points). The great results continue in Brisbane with Triple M’s Marto, Margaux & Dan the Number 2 Breakfast show, demonstrating the strength of the duopoly.
Triple M has been led by consistent results across AFL and NRL broadcasts, maintaining its position as the Number 1 audio broadcaster across all metro markets. Triple M has grown its NRL audience to 484,000 listeners (up 29,000) and continues to resonate with AFL audiences with 768,000 cume ahead of finals to come in September.**
Triple M has won a 29th consecutive survey for Men 25-54, with its strong programming on display around the country. Triple M Adelaide has achieved its biggest ever audience (10+), since records began in 2004, with 341,000 listeners. The station is headlined by Roo, Dittz & Loz, who continue their juggernaut run, winning 27 of the last 28 surveys and increasing to a 15.2% share (up 0.4 points). With exclusive footy interviews and the city’s insider for footy news, Roo, Dittz & Loz’s resultsexemplify the importance of live, local, and engaging content.
Triple M’s Xav & Katie has been given a boost as Perth’s Number 1 Breakfast show for P25-54 on a 21.2% share (up 2.6 points), and the Number 2 Breakfast show 10+ on 11.4% share (up 1.2 points). Footy audiences continue to listen through to Drive, as The Rush Hour with JB & Billy grows to a 9.7% share – complimented by their Number 1 Drive result in Adelaide.
Matthew O’Reilly, SCA’s Head of Broadcast Content, said: “Consistency builds momentum, and Survey 5 demonstrates the impact of that approach across SCA’s Hit and Triple M networks. We’ve well-established our network’s market leadership in the Audience That Matters, and that leadership is on full display as Triple M wins a 29th consecutive survey for Men 25-54 and the Hit Network secures a fifth consecutive survey for Women 25-54.
“There are strong results right across the country, including another dominant performance from Triple M Adelaide and audience growth across all day parts for Triple M Perth. The common thread is consistency: great talent, strong local content and teams who know their audiences. We’ll keep backing them and building from here.
“Brisbane is another great example of what consistency can deliver, with our duopoly back in full force: B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt are Number 1 in Breakfast and Triple M’s Marto, Margaux & Dan at Number 2.
“It’s also particularly pleasing to see the progress in Sydney. Nath & Emma have delivered the biggest Breakfast increase in the market, growing both share and audience, while 2Day FM recorded the largest share and audience growth of any Sydney station. We’ve backed our teams, stayed focused on the strategy and given our shows the time and support to build — and we’re seeing that translate into results.”
John Kelly, Southern Cross Media Group’s Managing Director, Audio, said: “Survey 5 delivers proof that our long-term live and local strategy is paying off across the network. By backing our talented teams and maintaining consistency, we continue to maintain our commercial advantage in the 25–54 demographic – strengthened by a 36.3% commercial share when combined with ACE radio – delivering the audience that matters to our agency and commercial partners.
“Reclaiming a strong Number 1 and Number 2 duopoly position in Brisbane, alongside ongoing growth for Triple M Perth and SAFM Adelaide, highlights the unparalleled reach of our Hit and Triple M combined footprint while our deliberate investment in long-term show development is driving momentum in Sydney. Even in a dynamic commercial environment, our live and local strategy and ability to engage Australia’s most valuable consumer demographic provides our advertisers with scale, impact, and certainty.”
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.
Triple M Fest is back for 2026 – and this year with an extended lineup and heading into the night! International rockers Bush will headline Triple M’s live music event, alongside Australian rock favourites The Superjesus and You Am I, at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on Thursday 24 September.
Following the success of last year’s capacity crowd for the inaugural event, Triple M Fest will expand into the night for the first time, bringing together live radio, live music, and some of Triple M’s biggest names for a full day of entertainment, before Bush take to the stage to close out the festivities.
The day will begin with the beloved Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie broadcasting live from the Corner Hotel from 6am, alongside live performances from The Superjesus.
The live action continues with Deadset Legends with Kate McCarthy, Xander McGuire and Isaac Smith, followed by a special edition of The Grand Final Rub with Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas and Jack Heverin.
Then, crowd favourites The Rush Hour with JB & Billy will take over Drive, with You Am I performing live before Bush headline the event into the night.
The extended evening format coincides with Bush’s Australian tour this month with fellow rockers Shinedown, bringing one of the world’s biggest rock bands to the Corner Hotel as Melbourne gears up for the AFL Grand Final.
Jay Mueller, 105.1 Triple M Melbourne Content Director, said: “Triple M Fest is exactly what Grand Final week in Melbourne should sound like – great footy chat, live music, and the biggest personalities coming together in one place. With Bush, The Superjesus, and You Am I performing, and our biggest shows broadcasting live from the Corner Hotel, it’s going to be an awesome way to celebrate Grand Final weekend.”
Listeners can tune in to 105.1 Triple M for their chance to win tickets to Triple M Fest or register to win via the Triple M website.
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.
