ARN has announced the appointment of Ollie Wards as Director – Video and Social, a newly created role that is central to the company’s transformation into a leading cross-platform entertainment business.

Reporting to ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub, Wards will define and lead ARN’s digital video and social content strategy, growing audience reach and engagement across platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. With iHeart expanding into video in the coming months, he will scale and amplify ARN’s content across the iHeart platform, while also driving distribution across Spotify, Apple Podcasts and beyond. In this role, Wards will strengthen partnerships with major platforms, develop innovative content formats, and deliver new revenue streams, shaping the next phase of ARN’s entertainment offering.

With a career spanning some of Australia’s most influential media and cultural brands, Wards joins ARN from TikTok, where he served as Director of Music for Australia and New Zealand. There, he led the platform’s music strategy, driving music and cultural impact through the growth of active artists, trends and industry partnerships – including the launch of TikTok Trending in collaboration with iHeart, the world’s first TikTok radio station and now Australia’s number one station for under 30s. Prior to this, Wards spent a decade at triple j as Content Director. Earlier in his career, he worked in commercial radio production and branded integrations in the UK with Global, where he created a number of award-winning campaigns.

The appointment comes as ARN continues to expand its digital ecosystem through its global partnership with iHeart, the world’s largest audio platform, scaling video content production across its leading shows and podcasts. New iHeart features such as iHeart Highlights – delivering short-form vertical video within the app – will complement the roll out of full-length video podcast distribution and upcoming video ad insertion, creating new opportunities for ARN content to be discovered, shared, and monetised. With access to iHeart’s global product and engineering teams, Wards will help accelerate ARN’s video and social content strategy, while unlocking new commercial opportunities.

Kerri Elstub, ARN Chief Content Officer, said: “Ollie is one of the most respected digital and content leaders in the country, with a sharp instinct for what audiences connect with and how culture moves across platforms. As we continue to evolve into a true entertainment company, video will play an increasingly important role in how our content is created, experienced and shared. Ollie will be instrumental in scaling that capability, amplifying the content we create every day in new and innovative ways, while also unlocking original formats and revenue opportunities beyond broadcast.”

Ollie Wards said: “You’re reading this, but next time it’ll be an awesome video in your feed! I’m excited to be driving video and social for iHeart and some of Australia’s most loved personalities and brands, plus building some new ones. We’ll be evolving how ARN makes great content for wherever audiences discover it. You’ll see!”

Wards has officially commenced with ARN and is based in Sydney.

NOVA Entertainment is set to welcome one of Australia’s most popular female‑led podcasts, Two Broke Chicks, to the Nova Podcasts network. The partnership marks a strategic expansion of Nova’s lifestyle content, tapping into a highly engaged audience of young women seeking practical guidance and relatable storytelling.

Created and hosted by journalists and best friends Sally McMullen and Alexandra Hourigan, Two Broke Chicks has become a weekly go-to for young women seeking honest, practical advice. The show blends humour, lived experience and real-world guidance across careers, money, identity and relationships.

Said Sally, “This show has grown alongside our community, and it means so much that people trust us with their stories and their time. Joining Nova Podcasts gives us space to evolve while keeping the heart of Two Broke Chicks exactly where it belongs, with the people who listen.”

Alexandra added, “We have always wanted the podcast to feel like a safe, funny, honest corner of the internet. Partnering with Nova allows us to keep building that feeling and reach more people who might need a pep talk, a financial hack or just a laugh.”

Sally and Alexandra have cultivated a strong digital presence, reaching over 1.1 million social followers across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Across this broad social community, including the Broke Chicks Club Facebook group, the team share budgeting tips, lifestyle content and insights into emerging social trends.

Two Broke Chicks resonates strongly with young women navigating rising living costs, digital overload and comparison culture, and offers relatable conversations around ambition, self-worth and financial stress, themes that continue to shape national sentiment

Network Director of Nova Podcasts, Rachel Corbett, said, “Sal and Al haven’t just built a popular podcast, they’ve built an unbelievable business. Growing an independent show to the size they have is no small feat. They understand their audience, they understand brand building and they know how to create real value for commercial partners. That combination is rare and it’s why we’re so excited to work with them and help them build on the success they’ve already created.”

Two Broke Chicks will be available on the Nova Player from March 16 or is available now wherever listeners get their podcasts.

The Easter long weekend is a good opportunity to relax and spend time with friends or family, but there are still dedicated staff and volunteers in community broadcasting who give their time to inform and entertain their listeners.

We’ve heard from several about what they got up to, and here are sharing just some of the stories and pictures we’ve seen from the long weekend.

If your station aired live broadcasts over the long weekend – whether they were from the studio, outside broadcasts or other locations – and you’d like to be featured in this article please email us at comms@cbaa.org.au. Photos are welcome – if not from the weekend just a shot of a presenter in studio is enough!

Whether or not you celebrate Easter, we hope you had a safe and happy long weekend. 

2NVR 

Talk of the Town is Nambucca Valley NSW station 2NVR’s Community Broadcasting Award-nominated show featuring new Australian music, local info, live interviews and studio guests went to air over the long weekend, featuring a live interview with studio guest and musician Snez (pictured) and recorded interviews with artists Archie Geromini and Julian James at the Island Blues and Roots Festival. 

Musician Snez, who appeared on Talk of the Town on 2NVR.

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4YOU 

Rockhampton QLD station 4YOU aired a range of programs over the long weekend, including the Emerald Isles Irish and Scottish show hosted by station President Diane Hamilton.

Other programming included: 

• Country Brekky with Diane on Saturday 

• Beautiful Sunday with Nicole 

• Morning Brekky with Diane on Sunday 

• News and other updates, including updates on holiday fuel costs and availability 
  

Diane Hamilton, 4YOU president and presenter.

4YOU classic music presenter Nancy with her dog Jack. 

JOY 94.9

In what could otherwise be called the Sparkliest 100 Melbourne LGBTQIA+ broadcaster JOY 94.9 brought the Eurovision Top 100 to listeners to deliver a day packed with “Euro-fun, with amazing music, great guests and some eggcellent surprises.”

The broadcast was a collaboration between JOY 94.9 and OGAE, the organisation that represents Australian Eurovision fans. 

In case you were curious – while German artist Loreen’s track Euphoria won first place, Australia’s Dani Im landed in second place with her song Sound of Silence.

Photo courtesy of Keith Farrell from OGAE. 

The Eurovision Top 100 panel at JOY 94.9.

PBA-FM

PBA-FM in Salisbury SA played host to musicians Anthony and Jack from 63 Deluxe, who appeared on music show Off the Label, hosted by Di Spillane. Off the Label was a finalist in the 2025 Community Broadcasting Awards, and features Australian music and interviews and, as of this Easter Monday, a challenge that called on the artists to write and play a song in 15 minutes! 

Anthony and Jack from 63 Deluxe appearing on Off the Label on PBA-FM.

Di Spillane, host of Off the Label on PBA-FM, showing her Easter spirit.

Phoenix FM 106.7 

Bendigo VIC station Phoenix FM marked the long weekend with a float in the 2026 Sheridon Homes Bendigo Easter Festival Gala Parade. Local band ‘Two Steps Forward’ gave a live performance from the back of the truck throughout the parade. 

Some of the Phoenix FM 106.7 team at the Bendigo Easter Festival Gala Parade.

Triple T

Live and Local aired for the first time on Good Friday from far north Queensland station Triple T, featuring a visit from local band Tropical Low. The show also featured community news and new tracks from amrap.org.au. 

Triple T and ban Tropical Low. 

Other long weekend broadcasts 

Below are just a few more broadcasters who were on air in the lead up to and during the long weekend.

Clockwise from top left: 

• Townsville QLD Christian station 99.9 Live FM hosting the Easter Treasure Trail. The station also shared a live sunrise service over the weekend 

• Seru from NSW station 2MIA FM in Griffith who hosted The Voice of Fiji 

• Tahanee from Bumma Bippera 98.7FM in Cairns QLD who hosted the Drive show 

• Breakfast presenters from Triple Y in Whyalla SA 

NOVA Entertainment today announced that brand new national show The Joel Creasey Show will launch on Monday, April 20 at 1.00pm.

Airing weekdays from 1.00pm-2.00pm AEST across the Nova Network, the one-hour lunchtime show ushers in an exciting new chapter for one of Australia’s most loved comedians and Nova presenters, Joel Creasey.

Broadcasting from The Joel Creasey Show’s brand new Nova studio, Joel will bring his signature sharp humour, high energy and infectious personality to a fresh lunchtime audience, delivering an irreverent, personality‑driven hour designed for appointment listening.

Each show will feature Joel’s trademark brand of the unexpected with a focus on conversation and comedy, and will include regular segments, celebrity guests and even the occasional appearance from Joel’s beloved mum, Jenny.

Said Joel “Having treaded the boards in the Australian spotlight for 20 years now (I started when I was 3), I have stories, anecdotes and famous friends that will tickle you pink.

“We have truly broken the mould wide open with how the show is going to look and feel. When I say there’s been some construction happening over at Nova HQ…I mean high-vis and hard hats. It looks like Perth airport before the Kalgoorlie flight.

“I cannot wait to add some razzle-dazzle to your lunchtime. Think of it this way: the plane has taken off and I’m the captain now! And I’ll be landing us in a new, exotic location each day on the cryptically titled The Joel Creasey Show. Please fasten your seatbelts!”

Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor added, “Joel is such a skilled broadcaster and comedian and this lunchtime show is a fantastic opportunity to showcase his enormous talents in a fresh new timeslot. Following the success of The Chrissie Swan Show, launching The Joel Creasey Show reinforces Nova’s commitment to creating high quality appointment listening in the workday. We’re really excited to welcome Joel to our weekday lineup.”

Joel Creasey is one of Australia’s most popular and in-demand comedians and presenters. He has sold out comedy tours spanning Australia, Asia, the UK and the United States and has hosted and appeared on numerous Australian television programs throughout his career. Joel joined Nova Network’s national Drive show in 2020, where he quickly connected to a new audience at Nova and was instrumental in the Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel show becoming the country’s number one Drive show.

The Joel Creasey Show joins Nova Network’s stellar weekday lineup, following Nova’s flagship local breakfast shows and leading into Nova Network’s national network shows The Chrissie Swan Show from 2.00pm-4.00pm and Fitzy, Wippa & Kate from 4.00pm- 6.00pm.

The Joel Creasey Show can be heard weekdays from Monday, April 20 nationally across the Nova Network from 1.00pm-2.00pm.

Listeners can also stream the shows live or catch up with the daily podcast on the Nova Player.

Are you passionate about media, storytelling, and amplifying the voices of people with disabilities? Anything Goes is looking for a radio presenter to join our team and help create engaging, inclusive, and community-driven content.

About the Role

Anything Goes is an award-winning, disability-led radio program that centres the experiences, perspectives, and creativity of people living with disability.

As a presenter, you’ll co-host weekly live shows (Monday and Tuesday, 2pm–4pm), conduct interviews, present segments, and help shape conversations that matter.

• Located in Marrickville
• $38 per hour
• 6 hours per week total:
  • 2-hour live show on Monday
  • 2-hour live show on Tuesday
  • 2 hours of preparation (can be completed at the station or remotely)

Key Responsibilities

• Present and co-host two weekly live radio programs
• Work with the producer to develop and deliver engaging content and segments
• Engage with guests, community members, and contributors on-air
• Collaborate with the producer to ensure content is inclusive and accessible

Training & Support

Training will be provided in a supportive environment.

Identified Role

This is an identified position for people living with disability.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter outlining your interest in the role to: stationmanager@skidrow.com.au

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

AFTRS radio and podcasting students are once again taking to the airwaves at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, as Show Radio returns for its 32nd year, broadcasting live daily from Sydney Showground, Olympic Park. 

From Thursday 2 April through to Monday 13 April, students from the Graduate Diploma of Radio and Podcasting (GDRP) will produce six hours of live radio each day, broadcasting from 10am to 4pm via the AFTRS studios. The live audio stream will be available at showradio.aftrs.edu.au and on the iHeartRadio app, with highlights available via the Show Radio podcast on iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast. 

Show Radio is a cornerstone production for AFTRS and one of the GDRP’s most demanding practical experiences, giving students an intensive, real‑world broadcast environment. This year, 14 students are involved, collectively producing more than 72 hours of live radio across the 12‑day Easter Show. 

Remarkably, most participants have been studying the GDRP for just four weeks, making the scale of the production a significant leap into professional radio broadcasting. 

Across the broadcast, listeners can expect lively presenters, hands‑on field reporting from around the Show, interviews with exhibitors and performers, insights into rural life (such as learning the difference between an alpaca and a llama), and a strong selection of country music. Alongside the live show, students are also creating digital stories, social media content and podcasts, extending the reach of the broadcast well beyond the Showgrounds. 

Micah, Karl, Rachael and Sharkey at Show Radio 2025

Rachel and Rosh at Show Radio 2025

Micah, Molly, Lee and Leroy at Show Radio 2025

Micah, Karl, Rachael and Sharkey at Show Radio 2025

Rachel and Rosh at Show Radio 2025

Micah, Molly, Lee and Leroy at Show Radio 2025

Micah, Karl, Rachael and Sharkey at Show Radio 2025

Rachel and Rosh at Show Radio 2025

Micah, Molly, Lee and Leroy at Show Radio 2025

GDRP Convenor Natalie Pozdeev says Show Radio is an unmatched learning experience for emerging broadcasters. 

“Show Radio throws our students straight into the deep end, in the best possible way,” Pozdeev said. 

“They are producing and presenting live radio in a high‑profile public setting, with real audiences, real stakes and real deadlines – and most of them have only been studying radio for a month. 

“Over the 12 days, every student rotates through presenting, producing, panel operating, field reporting and digital production. It’s an incredibly intense experience, but by the end of the Show, the growth in confidence, teamwork and broadcast skills is extraordinary.” 

Show Radio has been part of AFTRS training for over three decades, offering students a unique opportunity to work in a fast‑paced, professional broadcast environment while engaging directly with one of Australia’s largest annual public events. 

Listeners can tune in live daily from 10am to 4pm, catch up on highlights via the Show Radio podcast, read student stories on the Show Radio webpage, and follow along on Instagram and Facebook throughout the Easter Show. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=r6rNkk303OE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

Australia’s much loved comedy duo and social media superstars, The Inspired Unemployed are returning with a new season of their podcast after a two-year hiatus. Fittingly launching on April Fools’ Day, Wednesday, 1 April, LiSTNR has reunited best mates Jack Steele and Matt ‘Falcon’ Ford behind the mic to kick off a new era, complete with their trademark spontaneity and exuberance.

Since launching The Inspired Unemployed in 2019, the tradie-turned-podcasters have built a loyal global audience by combining self-deprecating humour and sharp satirical takes on everyday Aussie life. Across Instagram and TikTok, the duo has amassed more than 4.2 million followers, alongside major brand partnerships across fashion, travel, alcohol, fragrances, and hit television shows.

The duo launch the podcast with a catch-up on their last two years, featuring guest appearances from beloved entertainer Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy), Triple M’s Jack ‘Jarch’ Archdale (Triple M’s Lu & Jarch), content creator Will Gibb, and the return of long-time producer Sarah-Jane Adams (Big Small Talk).

Listeners can also look forward to the return of their fan-favourite ‘rattled’ segment, where Jack and Falcon share stories that have permanently scarred them (think: pocket-dialling your ex and leaving a three-minute voicemail, or nude modelling at a Bachelorette party). With a knack for turning everyday chaos into unforgettable comedic moments, the duo bring their carefree spirit, hilarious stories, and unquestionably questionable life advice to LiSTNR. 

Matt ‘Falcon’ Ford, creator and co-host, said: “We always said we’d come back and we’re men of our word. We’ve dusted off the old podcast and fired the engines back up. Now we’re hitting refresh with an incredible team at LiSTNR, and we’re bloody excited to be back with our community.”

Jack Steele, creator and co-host, said: “We’ve listened to our Instagram comment section – notoriously a good idea – and finally brought the pod back. Over the past two years we’ve embraced the unexpected, and we’re going to catch everyone up on our ridiculous adventures. LiSTNR always looked like a great home that was well-furnished… and the couches looked comfy, so of course, we had to come sit on them.”

Sam Cavanagh, Head of Content – LiSTNR Original Podcasts, said: “Jack and Falcon have built one of the most loyal and engaged audiences in the country. They are a perfect fit for LiSTNR, and we’re thrilled to bring their podcast to the platform.”

The Inspired Unemployed podcast will also give its deeply loyal fanbase a new way to engage, with full video episodes available on YouTube, so fans never miss a moment.

Bringing their signature humour, chaos and authenticity to an even wider audience, Steele and Falcon are officially back, bigger and better than ever, with the partnership also unlocking new commercial opportunities through LiSTNR’s world-class AdTech Hub and advanced technology.

The Inspired Unemployed podcast launches today, April 1, with a new episode published every Wednesday on the free LiSTNR app.

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is celebrating the ongoing evolution of LiSTNR, Australia’s leading digital audio ecosystem, as the platform continues to expand its position in the market while enhancing the capabilities of the LiSTNR AdTech Hub.

As digital audio consumption continues to  grow, LiSTNR is introducing new advancements across data, technology and content, giving  brands more effective ways to connect with audiences. The AdTech Hub continues to help advertisers personalise and optimise campaigns at scale, and is entering its next phase with Precision+, a world-first AI-powered innovation. Built on first-party data, Precision+ delivers deeper audience intelligence, real-time optimisation, and smarter digital audio strategies. 

Five years since launch, and with the LiSTNR AdTech Hub entering its second year, these developments build on LiSTNR’s strong growth and ongoing investment in innovation, reinforcing its position at the forefront of Australia’s digital audio landscape.

LiSTNR has grown from a streaming platform into a fully integrated audio ecosystem spanning live radio, podcasts, music, news, sport, and entertainment. With more than 2.5 million signed-in users and the LiSTNR total audience network (radio streaming, podcasting and music consumption both on and off platform) reaching an estimated ten million Australians each month, LiSTNR continues to redefine how audiences listen and how brands connect in the digital audio era.

SCA has long been at the forefront of Australian podcasting, as one of first major media organisations to recognise the potential in the medium, committing significant investment into co-creation with partnerships with some of Australia’s biggest names.

SCA’s early investment in podcasting, original content, and creator partnerships has enabled LiSTNR to lead audience growth, premium content, and advanced monetisation capabilities. The platform now hosts trusted voices across original and partner titles, including Hamish & Andy, Howie Games, The Imperfects, Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, and new additions like Life Uncut and The Inspired Unemployed, alongside premium broadcast simulcasts of live sports and exclusive digital-first formats. Anchored in an ‘audience first’ strategy, LiSTNR continues to break new ground as a market-leading brand, with investment in developing emerging creators, new formats and strategic international partnerships including collaborations with SiriusXM and Audacy. 

John Kelly, Southern Cross Media Group’s Interim CEO said: “We’ve seen LiSTNR grow from an ambitious idea into a market-leading digital audio platform. Our early investment in premium content, technology and data is paying off, and the success reflects the strength of that strategy and team. What sets LiSTNR apart is that it is owned by Australians and built for Australians, giving us the ability to continuously evolve our technology roadmap, respond to audience behaviour, and deliver solutions tailored to our business partners – capabilities not possible for platforms without full local ownership and control. Every innovation, from new audio formats to advanced AdTech and influencer solutions, is designed to serve audiences and give brands smarter, more effective ways to connect.”

Two years ago, in March 2024, SCA launched the award-winning LiSTNR AdTech hub, transforming digital audio advertising in Australia. Built within LiSTNR’s fully owned ecosystem and powered by its highly engaged audience of 2.5 million signed in users, the AdTech Hub delivers advanced campaign management, measurement and cross-channel optimisation.

The LiSTNR AdTech Hub enables expanded Dynamic Creative Optimisation (DCO), leveraging first party and advertiser data matching through privacy-first clean room solutions. As Australia’s only fully owned audio streaming technology roadmap, it drives innovation tailored to local agencies. The evolution continues with Precision+.

LiSTNR is also expanding its influence through the Influencer Extender powered by Fabulate, reflecting the natural evolution of audio as the original influencer medium. As the only media in market with a unified TV and audio solution that also offers a social extension on campaigns bought across broadcast channels, SCA is redefining how campaigns reach and engage audiences at scale. Audio has always shaped audiences, from radio to streaming to podcasting, and the Influencer Extender integrates audio, social, and PR into holistic campaigns, combining SCA talent with Fabulate’s AI-powered data driven platform to identify and activate relevant creators at scale. Brands can now engage entire communities, amplifying campaigns through over a million potential micro-influencers beyond traditional audio audiences.

One of the most significant areas of evolution in podcasting is the integration of video formats. LiSTNR has been testing video with multiple podcast creators, recognising that audiences engage differently depending on the medium. Video allows for visual storytelling and incremental reach, complementing audio, which remains the ultimate companion medium. In recent tests, campaigns combining host-read ads with video content delivered over 4,300 incremental organic reach across multiple platforms, highlighting the power of cross-platform strategies. LiSTNR’s approach is fully platform-agnostic, allowing audiences to choose how they want to consume their favourite podcasts, while providing brands with clear measurement and reach across both audio and video formats.

Olly Newton, Executive Head for LiSTNR Commercial said: “LiSTNR has revolutionised the way digital audio advertising campaigns are planned, optimised and delivered, and SCA continues to lead the market with both content and advertising technology capabilities. As we look ahead, LiSTNR’s expansion into multi-format audio, video, creator-led content and influencer collaborations signals our next phase of growth, extending beyond audio to connect with audiences wherever they are, in the formats that suit them best.”

Registrations and scholarship applications open Wednesday 25 March for the 2026 CBAA Conference, taking place 22–24 October at Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

This year’s theme, Our Story, Stronger, celebrates the power of telling our story as a sector. When we share our experiences, showcase our impact and learn from each other, we strengthen community broadcasting and the connection we have with the communities we serve. 

We’ve introduced new ways to help people attend, including: 

• Group discounts  

• Payment plans  

• Concession registration prices  

• More accommodation options at different price points  

• Scholarships  

Register before 13 July to secure the lowest member price of $585 for the full 2-day conference plus Thursday workshops.

Get involved: 

• Register: https://conference.cbaa.org.au/registration 

• Scholarships: https://conference.cbaa.org.au/scholarships 

• Awards info: https://conference.cbaa.org.au/awards 

• FAQs: https://conference.cbaa.org.au/faq 

• Conference website: https://conference.cbaa.org.au/ 

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bernie Lynch, songwriter and founder of legendary pop group, Eurogliders. 

Lynch was a pivotal figure in Australian music, best known as the creative force behind the Perth band which he founded in 1980. A gifted songwriter, guitarist and performer, he wrote all of the band’s biggest songs, including the enduring hit “Heaven (Must Be There)”, which became one of the most recognisable pop songs of the era. He joined APRA as a member in 1981. 

Formed after earlier projects including The Stockings and Living Single, Eurogliders came together when Lynch recruited vocalist Grace Knight, who had recently moved to Perth from the UK. The band enjoyed significant national and international success, with “Heaven (Must Be There)” peaking at number two on the Australian charts in 1984 and later reaching the US Billboard charts. Other hits included “Can’t Wait to See You” and “We Will Together”. 

Eurogliders initially disbanded at the end of the ’80s, but reunited several times in the decades that followed, releasing new music and touring intermittently. Their most recent album, The Blue Kiss Project, was released in 2021 and the band continued performing until late 2025. 

Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, says: “Bernie was a hugely important songwriter whose work helped define Australian pop music in the 1980s. His songs continue to resonate decades later and his contribution to our cultural landscape is undeniable. Our thoughts are with Bernie’s family, friends and fellow musicians at this time.”