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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Communications, The Hon Anika Wells MP, of the Albanese Government’s intention to table legislation supporting the sustainability of commercial, community and national broadcasting.

The proposed reforms include a prominence framework to ensure Australian radio services remain easy to find on smart speakers and will reduce the regulatory burden for regional and remote commercial broadcasters to drive investment into the sector.

CRA CEO Lizzie Young said: “Global platforms have reshaped the industry without the obligations or accountability Australian radio broadcasters have faced for decades. Today’s announcement marks a turning point: a significant step towards the sustainability of commercial radio – Australia’s only 100% locally-owned and operated commercial media channel.”

“We’re free to access, local and trusted by 15 million listeners every week.¹ Yet we compete on an uneven playing field against the global tech platforms that take a disproportionate share of local advertising dollars and control distribution channels to our audience.

“That’s the imbalance the proposed reforms start to address. We thank the Minister for the engagement to date, and we look forward to the Government progressing this important work.”

Minister for Communications, The Hon Anika Wells MP said: “The Albanese Government values a vibrant and diverse media landscape, and we want to ensure our commercial, community and national broadcasters remain sustainable into the future.

“These reforms respond to changes in the way Australians consume and engage with broadcast media and make our laws more appropriate for the 21st century media environment.

“We will continue to work with broadcasters on reforms that enable them to deliver quality content to Australian audiences right around the country efficiently and sustainably.”

Pictured (L to R):  John Kelly (Managing Director, Audio – Southern Cross Media Group), Tom Malone (CEO, Tapt Media), Lizzie Young (CEO – Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA)), Peter Colosimo (COO, NOVA Entertainment), The Hon Anika Wells MP (Minister for Communications), Ben Campbell (Chief Digital & Technology Officer, ARN), Peter Charlton (CRA Chair – CEO, NOVA Entertainment), Anna Ryan (Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs – CRA), Eleni North (Chief Legal and People Officer – Tapt Media), and Mark Taylor (CEO – ACE Radio). 

Source: 

1.  The Infinite Dial 2025, Edison Research. Data referring to Australians aged 10+ unless otherwise stated.

Sydney, 6 August 2026

METRO MARKETS:

Sydney Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Melbourne Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Brisbane Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Adelaide Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

Perth Radio 360 Survey 4, 2026

REGIONAL MARKETS:

Canberra Survey 2, 2026

Gold Coast Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

Newcastle Survey 1, 2026

Archive:

Archive of Previous Surveys

Ten years after pulling off five unforgettable raves in five days after graduating triple j Matt Okine and Alex Dyson are bringing Australia’s biggest party BACK: with a responsible twist. 

This October, 5 Raves in 5 Days returns as a five-city national tour. Celebrating Australian music and the revamp of the Matt and Alex podcast on LiSTNR – with refreshed show artwork, new segments, and the same trademark comedy that listeners love – the tour honours the generation that grew up listening to the duo and caters to anyone who thought their best raving days were behind them. 

Joining Matt and Alex on stage will be a rotating lineup of Australian artists, and special guests, with stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne – the duo ignoring doctor’s orders for gentlemen of their vintage and scheduling the parties across five consecutive nights.

The legionnaire hats are out of retirement, the tune rags are being dusted off, and the glow sticks are on pre-order. The only difference: ear protection, comfortable footwear, and a very sensible 10:30pm finish so veteran ravers (like Matt) don’t have to pay the baby sitter overtime. 

The tour marks an exciting new chapter for the Matt and Alex podcast, a staple on LiSTNR since 2020. Alongside a refreshed name and look, listeners can count on everything they’ve loved for nearly two decades – from iconic parodies to sharp comedy and the everyday adventures of two mates embracing adulthood.  

At the heart of 5 Raves in 5 Days is a celebration of Australian music. Each city will feature its own lineup of homegrown artists and special guests, with the full tour lineup to be unveiled throughout August and September exclusively on the Matt and Alex podcast.

Alex Dyson, co-host of LiSTNR’s Matt and Alex, said: “For far too long raves have been the domain of the young and energetic. We want to prove that while millennials might not be able to own a house, we still 100% own the dancefloor.”

Matt Okine, co-host of LiSTNR’s Matt and Alex, added: “Book the babysitter, grab a new pair of speed dealers from the servo sunnies rack and prepare yourself for ‘5 Raves in 5 Days’. We’re pumped to be announcing some unbelievable acts to join us on tour.” 

5 RAVES IN 5 DAYS

• Thursday, October 29 – Crowbar Brisbane 
• Friday, October 30 – Manning Bar, Sydney
• Saturday, October 31 – Amplifier Bar, Perth 
• Sunday, November 1 – Jive, Adelaide
• Monday, November 2 – 170 Russell, Melbourne 

Tickets for 5 Raves in 5 Days are now available at 5raves5days.com.au. Catch Matt and Alex every weekday on LiSTNR, for artist announcements, lineup clues, special guests, and opportunities to win tickets to 5 Raves in 5 Days.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is Australia’s leading audio brand, creating and curating audio content Australians want to hear and connecting with audiences through the Total LiSTNR Audience Network, reaching an estimated ten million people each month*. The LiSTNR app offers free, compelling digital audio content, including SCA’s FM, AM and DAB+ radio stations, live AFL, NRL and international cricket coverage, more than 100 music playlists, local news, and over 800 podcast titles from leading Australian and global creators. With more than 2.7 million signed-in users, LiSTNR has a deep understanding of Australians’ listening behaviour. 

*The Total LiSTNR Audience Network includes radio streaming, podcasting and music consumption both on and off platform – Triton Streaming Metrics, Triton Podcast Metrics, and Edison – June 2026

Running through an AFL banner to the roar of thousands is a dream shared by countless young footy fans. This Thursday night, that dream will become a reality for 16 Melbourne children. These children, who have spent much of their lives on the sidelines, will experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment as part of The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick’s ‘The Underdogs’.

Returning for its third AFL edition, The Underdogs brings together children who have experienced exclusion from sport due to illness, bullying, or hardship and gives them the opportunity to experience everything that comes with being part of a football team.

This year’s edition of The Underdogs will be the biggest yet. In partnership with the Western Bulldogs and the Seven Network, the team will play the curtain-raiser ahead of Thursday night’s AFL clash against North Melbourne, running out in front of a packed Marvel Stadium and a huge national television audience, on Seven and 7plus Sport.

From pulling on their own guernsey to running onto the ground to a roaring crowd, and for many, belonging to a team for the first time, it’s a powerful moment reminding every child that they belong.

For many participants, The Underdogs has become much more than one unforgettable night. Children from previous editions have formed lasting friendships, rediscovered their confidence, and returned to school and community sport with a renewed sense of belonging.

For the past three weeks, Fifi, Fev & Nick have been introducing Melbourne to the members of this year’s team, sharing the remarkable stories behind each child nominated by their parents and guardians. 

(Pictured: The Underdogs run onto the MCG in 2025, Credit: AFL Photos)

Fifi Box, co-host of The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick, said: “The Underdogs is one of the most special things we’ve ever done on the show. We’ve seen first-hand how much this experience can change a child’s confidence and sense of belonging. Seeing them run onto the field, hear the crowd cheer and realise they’re a member of our team is a moment we will never forget.”

Brian Taylor, Seven Network commentator, said: “Since the very first Underdogs in 2023, our commentary team has had the privilege of watching Fifi, Fev and Nick create unforgettable moments for some truly deserving kids. We can’t wait to welcome this year’s team to Thursday Night Footy and share their incredible experience with viewers on Seven and 7plus.” 

The Underdogs continues a blockbuster year of major events for The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick, alongside Fev on Your Footy Team, Fifi Box’s One Night Only, and several live and local shows for Brekky in the Burbs. These unforgettable moments showcase the show’s unique ability to connect with audiences at scale. 

Experience the excitement of The Underdogs on-air and across socials with Fifi, Fev & Nick 6-9am weekdays on 101.9 The Fox or download the LiSTNR app to listen for free. 

The Underdogs will take to the field before the Western Bulldogs host North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, 6 August, with the match broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.

Watch the inspiring stories from the previous AFL editions of The Underdogs: HERE and HERE.

About The Hit Network

The Hit Network is Australia’s biggest radio network broadcasting across metro and regional markets via a unique collection of over 50 FM and DAB+ stations. It features a vibrant ‘feel great’ music format, unmissable entertainment and Australia’s most recognisable personalities – including Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, Nick Cody, Abby Coleman, Matty Acton, Stav Davidson, Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little.

The Hit Network entertains more than 5.79 million Australians each week across B105, 2Day, The Fox, SAFM, Mix94.5, Sea FM, 47 Hit stations across the country. Hit also offers a diverse range of DAB+ digital stations, giving listeners even more ways to enjoy their favourite music and personalities. All of The Hit Network’s content is available live or on demand via the LiSTNR app.  

Note: Image above is strictly a mock and not for sharing. 

We’re excited to share that we’re planning a new campaign to boost Community Radio Plus app downloads and awareness of community radio. 

Community radio provides access to independent music, local voices and community content — all available anytime, anywhere, for free. Streaming platforms continue to increase costs, subscriptions stack up, and algorithms increasingly dictate what we hear. Yet community radio is free, curated by locals, and surveys show that listeners value music, news and local voices they hear. 

This campaign promotes the appeal of community radio. It seeks to inspire new listeners to discover community radio through the Community Radio Plus app in car, on mobile, and on smart speakers – which carries all community radio stations. 

Unlimited Listening. Subscription Free

We’ll be rolling out digital, social and street posters for a 10-week period featuring vibrant new creative. 

We’d love for your station to complement this activity by sending high-quality photos of your staff/volunteers/presenters for us to use across our social channels, in the same look as the campaign. This is a great opportunity to promote the authentic faces of community radio and help lift community radio listening across the whole sector. 

In addition to the general campaign, creative assets to promote listening to your station in your local area are available here. 

Photo tips

1.     Shoot vertical as well as horizontal
Capture some images in portrait orientation, not just landscape. Vertical shots are essential for social media (Instagram, Facebook Stories) and match the format used in our Community Radio Plus campaign creative.

2.     Use natural, soft light where you can
Position your presenter near a window or use the studio’s existing lighting rather than a harsh overhead light or on-camera flash. Soft, even light is more flattering and avoids strong shadows on faces.

3.     Get close and fill the frame
Don’t be afraid to move in close. A tight shot of a presenter mid-broadcast, headphones on, hand on the fader, feels more authentic and energetic than a wide shot taken from across the room.

4.     Include the tools of the trade
Microphones, mixing desks, headphones, CD racks and on-air lights all help tell the story of community radio. Frame these elements into the shot rather than cropping them out.

5.     Keep the background tidy
Before shooting, do a quick scan of the background for clutter, cables, coffee cups or personal items. A cleaner background keeps the focus on the presenter and the station’s personality.

6.     Shoot from a few different angles
Try eye level, slightly above, and slightly below. Move around the presenter rather than shooting everything from the same spot by the door. Variety gives us more to choose from.

7.     Take more photos than you think you need
Aim for at least 10-15 shots per presenter. Expressions and moments change quickly, and having options means we can pick the strongest and most authentic images.

8.     Reflect your station’s diversity
Where possible, photograph a genuine mix of presenters, ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities across your program schedule. This helps us celebrate the full diversity of the community broadcasting sector.

9.     Shoot at the highest resolution available
Set your camera or phone to its largest image size (avoid heavily compressed or messaging-app copies). High-resolution files give us the flexibility to crop and use images across different formats.

Next steps

1.     Take or source photos of real people at your stations, following the photo tips above.

2.     Send them to comms@cbaa.org.au. Note your station and the people in the photo in the email.

3.     Keep an eye out on the Community Radio Plus Instagram and Facebook for your photo/station to feature! If we feature your photo, we’ll send out a collaboration request to your station’s account, so make sure the person who manages your social media page looks out for these requests.

4.     Promote listening to your station using the promotional assets prepared for the campaign. 

Apply

The Fundraising Coordinator role is focused on coordinating the station’s annual fundraiser.

You will work closely with our Station Manager, Communications Officer and Board of Directors to ensure the success of the fundraiser.

Lead and develop partnerships and sponsorships with local businesses and brands that share our values. Coordinating a range of other fundraising activities that will contribute $100,000 to the station annually. This role involves some volunteer coordination, working alongside staff and the board to encourage broadcasters and other volunteers to engage in and support fundraising activities. 

Key responsibilities

• Develop Fundraising Campaign strategy
• Coordinate annual online fundraiser
• Lead the internal fundraising communications with volunteers
• Coordinate the fundraising campaign video production, poster and merchandise, including working with a graphic designer
• Coordinate the merchandise stock order and merchandise delivery post-fundraiser
• Assist and support broadcaster fundraising efforts
• Secure new sponsors
• Manage donors in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system 

Essentials

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate successful fundraising campaigns
• Demonstrated writing, editing, proofing, researching skills
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with CaLD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities
• High level interpersonal communication skills with proven capacity to communicate effectively with internal and external community members
• Proven ability to work independently in a high-pressure environment, with competing priorities and deadlines
• Experience working collaboratively as a member of a team in an ever-changing environment
• High level of social and cultural awareness, with the ability to communicate with a wide range of people productively and respectfully

Desirable

• Experience in a leadership position running online fundraisers for an organisation equivalent to Radio Skid Row
• Understanding of and/or experience in not-for-profit organisations and community building from the ground up
• Passion for grassroots and community media
• Experience in editing software like Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition, Premiere Pro, etc) Logic Pro or DaVinci
• Experience with merchandise coordination
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management System – CiviCRM or MailChimp

For enquiries, please contact office@skidrow.com.au using the subject line: Fundraising Coordinator enquiry or call (02) 9560 4254.

ARN has announced the launch of video on the iHeart platform, with video episodes of fan- favourite podcasts and short-form video now available for free on iHeart in Australia.

The new product launch introduces full-length video podcasts alongside iHeart Highlights, a new vertical video feed, marking a significant step in ARN’s evolution from an audio-first network into a broader entertainment business.

Now available on the platform are video podcasts from Australian True Crime, The Interface (BBC), Double A Chattery, Las Culturistas, She’s On The Money, The Daily Aus, and Two Good Sports, with more to come.

For creators and publishers, the rollout unlocks a powerful new distribution opportunity. Video podcasts are delivered to iHeart at no cost to the creators or publishers via existing RSS workflows, enabling creators and publishers to maintain full ownership, control and monetisation while helping them grow and retain their audience. It also gives audiences greater flexibility in how they engage with content, while preserving the audio-first experience at the heart of podcasting.

For ARN, this expands the reach and value of its ecosystem by increasing audience scale, engagement and content supply across audio and video formats, while maintaining a creator-first distribution approach.

Alongside full-length video podcasts, ARN has launched iHeart Highlights – a short-form video feed bringing together standout moments from podcasts and radio shows into a stream of snackable, shareable content.

The vertical scrolling feed features interviews, reactions, behind-the-scenes moments and viral clips – driving discovery and seamlessly connecting audiences with longer-form podcast and broadcast content across iHeart.

ARN’s Chief Data & Technology Officer, Ben Campbell, said: “While audio continues to be the foundation of podcasting, video is becoming a powerful complement for audiences to engage with great content. This launch is a huge step in ARN’s evolution as we continue to build a broader entertainment business that connects with audiences wherever and however they choose to consume content.

“Video is a natural extension of our market-leading audio IP, unlocking new audiences, formats and commercial opportunities. By giving audiences the choice to listen or watch, we’re offering  more flexibility for creators, audiences and commercial partners, while staying true to the open, creator-first ecosystem that has defined podcasting from the start.”

Together, these launches mark the next phase of ARN’s full-funnel content strategy – spanning broadcast radio, podcasting, premium long-form video and short-form discovery – designed to expand reach across platforms and formats, create video viewing occasions and introduce new monetisation opportunities through creator-led video integration.

Later this year, ARN will launch dynamic video ad serving – unlocking new, high impact audio-visual opportunities for brands to connect with audiences as part of the $5bn video ad market.

Full-length video podcasts and iHeart Highlights are now available for free on iHeart in Australia, with additional content, creators and product features to roll out throughout the year.

Australia’s newest legal podcast, Law the Podcast, is officially here, giving listeners unprecedented insider access to the minds behind some of the country’s most significant court cases, justice debates and legal headlines.

Hosted by two of Australia’s most respected legal minds, former Supreme Court judge Lex Lasry AM and leading barrister Greg Barns SC, the pair draw on decades of experience at the highest levels of the legal profession to provide expert analysis, candid discussion and unique insights into the legal stories shaping Australia and the world.

Throughout their impressive respective careers, both Lex and Greg have cemented their reputations as leading voices on human rights and criminal justice. Lex is a longstanding advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and representing a number of Australians facing execution overseas, while Greg has been central to some of the nation’s biggest legal, political and social debates, including acting as an advisor for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks.

New episodes are released every Wednesday, with the podcast’s debut launching today. In the first episode, Lex and Greg are joined by Gabriel Shipton who discusses his work with the Julian Assange campaign, with future episodes continuing to give listeners expert perspective on the cases that shaped the world’s past, the issues defining its present and the debates influencing the future of law and justice.

Speaking on launching Law the Podcast, Lex Lasry AM said, “As a judge for almost 20 years I have been constrained from participating in public debate concerning important and sometimes contentious broad legal issues. That constraint is gone and I relish the prospect.”

Greg Barns SC added “There is a big gap in the podcast space in Australia when it comes to talking about the law in a way that is accessible.  This podcast is going to change that.”

Produced by the Bravecasting Podcast Network, creator of Australia’s number one crime podcast Australian True Crime, Law the Podcast joins the iHeartPodcast Network, expanding its premium slate of news, current affairs and storytelling content.

Law the Podcast is available on the free iHeart app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Join industry leaders, government representatives, innovators and spectrum professionals at Australia’s leading spectrum management conference.

We’re pleased to share the latest RadComms 2026 program update, featuring a strong lineup of speakers and sessions exploring the key issues shaping the future of radiocommunications, spectrum management and connectivity.

Speaker highlights include:

• Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, who will discuss the growing role of Australia’s space sector and its increasing relationship with spectrum management and radiocommunications.
• Chris Hofer, Head of International Spectrum Management and Strategy at Amazon, who will share insights into the rapidly evolving low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite environment and the future of global connectivity.
• Chris Woolford, Director of International Spectrum Policy at Ofcom (UK), who will provide a global perspective on radiocommunications developments and key international spectrum priorities.
• Sri Amirthalingam, Chief Technology Officer at Optus, who will explore the next generation of mobile connectivity and the opportunities and challenges facing Australia’s telecommunications sector.

Stay tuned for additional updates as the conference approaches.

Where: RACV City Club Hotel, Melbourne
When: 25–26 August 2026
Tickets: Group rate (5 or more attendees) – $700 (inc. GST) per person + booking fee; Standard rate – $760 (inc. GST) per person + booking fee

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the conversations shaping Australia’s radiocommunications future.

https://acma.cmail20.com/t/d-l-wqtrx-tlhiuitutu-y