ABC International and Pacific Media Network (PMN) have announced a new partnership designed to foster career development opportunities and empower Pacific voices in media.
Under the partnership, the ABC will provide an annual two-week work placement for a Pacific broadcast journalist from PMN. This “Sio ‘atu” initiative – which means “to look ahead, beyond the present towards possibilities” in Tongan – will provide a PMN journalist with international exposure, advanced skills training, and networking opportunities at the ABC.
Don Mann, CEO of the Pacific Media Network, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “The National Pacific Media Trust (the owner and operator of the PMN) has a Trust Deed obligation to develop a robust pipeline of Pacific broadcast talent in New Zealand. This partnership with ABC International is a significant step in fulfilling that obligation and is a testament to the high-calibre talent we’ve developed. The ‘Sio ‘atu’ placement will provide an invaluable opportunity for our journalists to refine their skills and gain international experience, which will in turn strengthen our overall journalistic capabilities when they return and share their new knowledge with our team.”
Claire Gorman, Head of ABC International, stated, “ABC International is deeply committed to empowering Pacific voices to narrate Pacific stories, enriching content for both domestic Australian and international audiences. This new initiative formalises our commitment and strengthens our ties with a key source of high-calibre Pacific journalistic talent. We are proud to partner with Pacific Media Network to further our shared goal of professional development and cultural exchange within the media industry.”
The “Sio ‘atu” placements will be offered to PMN employees, who will be selected based on their commitment to Pacific journalism, relevant experience, and potential for professional growth. The partnership will be reviewed annually by ABC and PMN to ensure its continued success and relevance.
Community participation in operationsCommunity participation in programming
Breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [encourage participation in operations]Breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [encourage participation in programming](ref. BI-715)
Sydney-based community broadcaster Radio Skid Row 88.9FM has breached community participation rules in the Broadcasting Services Act1992, following the dismissal of a volunteer presenter.
An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found that the station failed to follow its own disciplinary procedure when it dismissed the presenter without giving the person clear reasons for the dismissal or offering them a right of appeal.
The ACMA found that the content of Radio Skid Row’s policies and procedures did not restrict participation on political or cultural grounds. However, the station’s failure to follow its disciplinary procedure left the presenter believing they were dismissed for their political and cultural views.
The ACMA found that the presenter’s dismissal also contributed to a broader perception that there were barriers to participation within the station based on political and cultural beliefs.
A second investigation into complaints about Radio Skid Row’s on-air content did not find breaches of the community broadcasting codes of practice.
Authority Member Carolyn Lidgerwood said that community radio plays a unique and important role contributing to an inclusive, cohesive and diverse Australian society.
“In this role, community radio stations also have a responsibility to encourage broad participation from the communities they serve. This is particularly important when the community radio station is serving a wide and diverse community such as Radio Skid Row is,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
“When stations fail to follow their own disciplinary procedures, it can create barriers to participation and discourage community involvement. This is the opposite of what community broadcasting is intended to achieve.”
Radio Skid Row has accepted the ACMA’s findings and taken steps to improve its processes around disciplinary action and people management. The station has utilised Fair Work resources to improve the way it manages members and volunteers, reviewed its policies and procedures to make them clearer, and clarified the programming committee’s role in managing conflicts.
The station will also implement training on policies and procedures for all new and existing volunteers and members and train its board members and management on risk, psychosocial hazards and privacy obligations.
Radio Skid Row has agreed to provide the ACMA with reports on its progress on implementing these measures and also to report to the ACMA about any disciplinary actions it takes in 2026 and 2027.
ABC Radio Australia has announced the Pacific Break 2025 finalists, spotlighting some of the Pacific’s best talent and featuring outstanding artists from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
This year’s competition saw artists from 18 Pacific countries enter hundreds of original tracks, representing the Pacific’s rich and diverse musical landscape.
The Pacific Break 2025 finalists are (in alphabetical order):
The Prime Minister of Niue Hon. Dalton Tagelagi has officially reopened the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue’s (BCN) Alofi headquarters after a major refurbishment undertaken in partnership with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Over 18 months, ABC International Development (ABCID) has worked with BCN, the Australian and Niue Governments and contractors from Niue, New Zealand and Australia to deliver the $2 million project, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said the project ensures BCN’s ongoing capacity to provide critical information to the people of Niue and demonstrates the value of the long-standing collaboration between Niue, Australia and their national broadcasters.
According to Elsom, “As the national and emergency broadcaster, BCN plays a critical role in Niue. We are pleased to have worked to restore BCN’s operations, ensuring its delivery of media services to the community. The refurbishment not only rebuilds vital infrastructure but also supports quality, independent broadcasting in Niue and the region.”
BCN General Manager Trevor Tiakia said the completion of the refurbishment gives the Corporation a renewed focus.
“The building is the pride and joy of the community, a source of entertainment and reliable information. It has created a more conducive working environment for our staff and has significantly enhanced the quality of service we are able to deliver to the community.”
To represent the friendship between Niue and Australia, ABC and BCN commissioned a large mural covering one side of the new building, designed and painted in collaboration between Niuean artist Jica Vakaafi and Torres Strait Islander artist Tori-Jay Mordey.
Triple M’s coverage is set to be bigger and better than ever ahead of the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final, rolling out a star-studded commentary team and a brand-new footy celebration, Triple M Fest. From a 12-hour live broadcast at Richmond’s iconic Corner Hotel to the first bounce on Saturday, Triple M’s coverage is set to own Grand Final week and give footy fans the best call in the game.
As Geelong and the Brisbane Lions prepare to battle for premiership glory, Triple M will have every angle covered. Mark “Howie” Howard and Nathan Brown will call the action of the Grand Final, joined by Geelong Norm Smith Medallist and four-time premiership hero Isaac Smith, who brings rare insight into the mindset of players on the game’s biggest stage. Former Brisbane AFLW star Kate McCarthy, one of footy’s most exciting new media voices, adds sharp analysis, while Michael Roberts reports from the boundary, and Ash Chua delivers the stats shaping the game.
From the sound of the crowd roaring above the final note of the national anthem to the moments that define the premiership with expert analysis and entertainment, this all-star team will be there to deliver the trademark Triple M call that has made the network the #1 AFL broadcaster across Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, with more than 706,000 listeners tuning in each week.*
Triple M goes into party mode on Thursday, 25 September with the inaugural Triple M Fest: a 12-hour live broadcast (6am–6pm) from the Corner Hotel in Richmond. Fans will see some of Triple M’s biggest shows up close, including Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie, The Midweek Rub with Dale “Daisy” Thomas and Jack Heverin, Lu & Jarch, and The Rush Hour with JB & Billy – with Cats legend Billy Brownless sure to fire up the faithful ahead of Grand Final weekend. Listeners will also be entertained by Australia’s most electric live music acts throughout the day, including The Living End, British India, and Kingswood.
On Grand Final Day, Triple M takes centre stage at the AFL Footy Festival, live outside the MCG. From midday, the Saturday Rub crew – James “JB” Brayshaw, Damien Barrett, Billy Brownless and Bernie Vince – will entertain the live crowd with their trademark humour, bold predictions, and unique mix of footy and fun. From the first bounce, Triple M’s award-winning commentary team will call every moment of the decider, bringing fans closer to the atmosphere, drama, and stories that define the last Saturday in September.
Triple M enters Grand Final week fresh off industry recognition at the Australian Football Media Awards (AFMA), where LiSTNR’s The Howie Games won Best Podcast (Football News/Analysis), Triple M Footy’sMidweek Rub took out Best Podcast (Football Entertainment), and Ruby Schleicher received the Clinton Grybas Emerging Talent Award. Triple M’s own Jason Dunstall was also honoured with AFMA Life Membership, cementing his legacy that began with Triple M Footy in 1999.
Matthew O’Reilly, SCA Head of Broadcast Content, said: “Triple M is the AFL’s #1 audio broadcaster for a reason. We deliver more footy, more personality, and more passion than any other coverage. With the launch of Triple M Fest and our all-star call team lined up for the biggest game of the year, we’re giving fans a Grand Final week experience they won’t get anywhere else.”
Fans can win the last remaining exclusive tickets to Triple M Fest by entering via the Triple M website. And don’t miss a second of the action: coverage of the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final begins from midday, Saturday 27 September, live on Triple M and on demand via LiSTNR.
Triple M’s Saturday Rub:
Announcers: James “JB” Brayshaw, Damien Barrett, Billy Brownless and Bernie Vince
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.
ABC NEWS was again Australia’s top digital news provider in August with a monthly audience of 13 million people, according to the latest Ipsos iris data released today.
The audience was highly engaged, with an average time spent on the ABC NEWS website of 27 minutes per person.
Australians spent nearly five hours consuming news content online across August, in line with last month.
Local and national news stories which drove audience online included the shooting of two police officers in Porepunkah and the ongoing manhunt for Dezi Freeman, reporting on the anti-immigration rallies around the capital cities and coverage of the 2025 Logies red carpet and AFL “Mad Monday” celebrations.
In global news, the summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska and updates on the ongoing conflicts abroad attracted the attention of Australian audiences.
The Hit Network’s Carrie & Tommy is partnering with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), the Queensland tourism industry, and dentsu Queensland, inspiring Australians to discover the Pacific Coast Way Drive, Australia’s Holiday Highway. Carrie & Tommy will broadcast their national Drive show from four iconic Queensland locations this week as part of the new ‘Wheely Good Adventure’ campaign.
From Monday 22 to Thursday 25 September, Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little will take their show on the road in a motorhome, showcasing Queensland’s breathtaking coastline and picturesque beachside towns.
Listeners will hear Carrie & Tommy live from some of Queensland’s most spectacular destinations – K’gari / Kingfisher Bay (Fraser Coast), Sixty6 Acres (Sunshine Coast), Sandstone Point (Moreton Bay), and Tallebudgera Creek (Gold Coast). Plus, listeners will also hear deeper destination stories that celebrate other destinations and experiences along Australia’s Holiday Highway, including the Whitsundays, Townsville, Gladstone, Mackay and Sealink, our connection to some of the Pacific Coast Way islands.
The national campaign is a collaboration between SCA, dentsu Queensland, some of Queensland’s tourism industry, plus Tourism and Events Queensland, created by The Studio, SCA’s in-house commercial creative team. In addition to the live broadcasts, the campaign includes daily on-air content across Carrie & Tommy, celebrating Queensland’s regions from the Gold Coast to the Whitsundays, along with a listener competition to win a $5,000 Queensland holiday.
TEQ Group Executive Marketing Kim McConnie said the ‘Wheely Good Adventure’ campaign not only showcases Queensland’s destinations along ‘Australia’s Holiday Highway’ the Pacific Coast Way, but it brings them to life.
“Leveraging the much-loved Carrie & Tommy Drive show to share the energy, excitement and adventure of a Queensland road trip along Australia’s Holiday Highway offers a dynamic way to connect with a national audience.
“This partnership allows us to lean into storytelling that celebrates the experience itself – building authentic connection and consideration, while also driving meaningful publicity outcomes for regional Queensland,” McConnie concluded.
“This is proof of that Team Queensland spirit in action,” said Emilia Ball, Integrated Partnerships Lead at dentsu Queensland.
“We’re incredibly proud at dentsu Queensland to play a leading role in creating this connected ecosystem for the marketing of tourism and events across our state. The integration with Carrie & Tommy – whose show is hitting the road in a motorhome for the first time – is a standout example, connecting our regions and operators and further elevating Australia’s Holiday Highway.”
Trevor Crook, SCA’s Head of Client Services & Partnerships, said: “This collaboration is a prime example of how we connect brands with audiences through engaging talent integration. Carrie & Tommy’s adventurous nature and love of taking their Drive show on the road aligns seamlessly with TEQ’s love of capturing the adventure of Queensland’s Pacific Coast Way.”
Carrie & Tommy’s Wheely Good Adventure:
Media partner: SCA & Hit Network – Carrie & Tommy Drive show
Brand: Pacific Coast Way
Client: Tourism and Events Queensland
Media Agency: dentsu Queensland
Creative: The Studio at SCA
About the Hit Network:
The Hit Network is Australia’s biggest radio network broadcasting across metro and regional markets with a unique collection of 50 FM and DAB+ stations. The Hit Network targets people aged 25 – 54, skews female and features a mood focused, ‘feel great’ pop music format alongside the most entertaining local breakfast and national drive shows. It is home to popular personalities including Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, Nick Cody, Abby Coleman, Matty Acton, Stav Davidson and many more.
The Hit Network entertains more than six million Aussie radio listeners across B105, 2Day, The Fox, SAFM, Mix94.5, Sea FM, 41 Hit stations plus DAB+ stations including Oldskool 90s Hits, Buddha Hits, Oldskool 80s Hits, RnB Fridays Radio and Dance Hits. All Hit Network’s content is also available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.
Southern Cross Austereo has announced the promotion of Georgie de Visser to National Head of The Studio.
de Visser is a seasoned creative strategist with more than 15 years of experience leading multi-market high-performing teams and delivering integrated, award-winning campaigns across print, digital, and broadcast media, both within Australia and internationally. Known for driving brand growth and long term commercial results, her expertise spans strategy, creative direction, and multi-platform content development.
She will lead the campaign creative response division of The Studio, overseeing the team responsible for strategic creative direction, commercial alignment, and the monetisation of audience insights and creative output. The Studio’s five metro leads will report directly to de Visser. Her focus will be on delivering high-impact creative and strategic solutions, streamlining workflows, and fostering a high-performance culture that ensures consistent, high-quality outcomes across all markets.
Since joining SCA in October 2023 as Head of The Studio – Sydney, de Visser has played a key role in shaping the network’s commercial creativity, leading strategic and creative output across major national campaigns.
Prior to SCA, she held senior creative and strategy roles at a number of media organisations, including eight years at NOVA Entertainment, where she held several senior positions including Head of Create and Group Head of Strategy.
Trevor Crook, SCA’s Head of Client Services & Partnerships, said: “I’m delighted to announce Georgie’s appointment as National Head of The Studio. Georgie’s passion, strategic insight, and strong industry relationships make her ideally placed to guide The Studio into its next phase of growth. Working closely with Harriet Power and myself, her leadership will build on the strong momentum already achieved as reflected in the recent Media i Net Promoter Score cross-platform team results, and will further cement The Studio’s reputation for delivering innovative, results-driven creative solutions for our clients nationwide.”
Georgie de Visser said: “I’m thrilled to step into the role of National Head of The Studio and build on the momentum, performance, and impact the team has in delivering total audio solutions. This new role reflects SCA’s commitment and investment in monetising the audiences that matter. With audio consumption continuing to grow, the opportunity for brands to harness creative more effectively has never been greater, and my focus is on ensuring our work continues to deliver meaningful results for our clients whilst pushing the boundaries of creative thinking, output, and outcomes.”
Harriet Power, Head of Brand Experience & Commercial Integration, continues to lead the audience engagement and implementation arm of The Studio and will work closely with de Visser to bring campaigns to life in market. While de Visser oversees the development of commercially aligned campaign work, Power builds and delivers engaging audience promotions, brand partnerships and content initiatives, ensuring precise execution and managing end-to-end delivery and integration across platforms. Together, they drive a unified approach to creativity and execution, delivering seamless, high-impact campaigns.
The Studio at SCA was established in 2017 as SCA’s dedicated in-house creative and commercial content division. Since its inception, The Studio has evolved into a national, multi-platform powerhouse, delivering award-winning branded content and integrated campaigns across SCA’s leading radio networks, digital platforms, and the Total LiSTNR Audience Network. Creating campaigns built for audiences, backed by data and optimised on demand, The Studio combines strategic insight, audience understanding, and creative excellence to partner closely with brands in crafting compelling, results-driven campaigns that connect across audio, digital, social, and experiential channels.
The Studio continues to be recognised for creative and commercial excellence, recently earning a Cairns Crocodile Award for Data Driven Creativity with the “Refreshingly BWS Stats” campaign. The team also earned finalist nominations in the Branded Content and Entertainment category for the Federal Government’s “You Can Ask That” campaign, and in the Radio & Audio category for the KFC “Hot & Spicy The Yappening” campaign.
Georgie de Visser will report directly to Trevor Crook, SCA Head of Client Services & Partnerships and Market Lead Melbourne.
