The Long Weekend has officially launched, with Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire taking over the GOLD Network nationally this afternoon for the first time with their brand-new Friday show.

Designed to launch audiences into the weekend, the new weekly show delivers a sharp, energetic take on the biggest stories across news, sport and entertainment, alongside headline-making guests, iconic music moments and the kind of fearless, no-filter conversations only Karl and Eddie can deliver.

The first show saw Karl and Eddie discuss the World Cup with former Socceroo Robbie Slater, chat with Australian NBA superstar Josh Giddey about the current Playoffs, catch up with former footballer and Bluestone Lane founder Nick Stone and answer live listener questions, as well as welcome the first live performance to The Long Weekend, with Mark Gable (The Choirboys) performing an acoustic version of ‘Run to Paradise.’

Speaking on air during the first broadcast of The Long Weekend, Karl Stefanovic said “I’m very excited. I’ve got to tell you, I’ve made my way up from the Today Show. I came into the studio to get all the preparation done, and you’ve done all the research. Fantastic. I was half expecting, even though I’ve never done radio before, a gold microphone. No gold microphone.”

Co-host Eddie McGuire said “Welcome to the show. Welcome everybody. We love to be part of your Friday afternoon. We’ve got plenty of guests coming up on our first show…  We are trying to shine light on this show and give people a voice.”

To kick off their debut in style, the first two hours of Friday’s broadcast was recorded from ARN’s state-of-the-art studios in North Sydney, before the show shifted gears for a live final hour inside the iHeart Arena- broadcast in front of a buzzing audience of clients, media and staff.

ARN announced The Long Weekend with Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire was coming to the GOLD Network in May, bringing together two of Australia’s most influential names in media and further cementing ARN’s commitment to producing and delivering premium entertainment.

Today also marks the beginning of a truly multiplatform entertainment experience, with audiences able to tune in to The Long Weekend across the GOLD Network each and every Friday between 12-3pm and watch via the vodcast on the iHeart app, 9Now and Stan.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the GfK Metro Survey 3, 2026 results. Commercial radio reaches 12.8 million Australians weekly – up 350,000 listeners year-on-year (YOY).

Nearly four consecutive years of audiences above 12 million reinforce the medium’s resilience and scale with growth recorded across breakfast, daytime, and drive dayparts. All demographics and listening locations also experienced growth.¹

Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA, said: “In uncertain times, audiences turn to what they trust. Week after week, listeners choose commercial radio for news, entertainment and connection. That consistency matters. It gives brands the opportunity to reach Australians at scale while building the kind of trusted relationships that drive long-term results.”

The audience case is matched by the commercial one. For every dollar invested in radio, brands see two dollars back – second only to social, outperforming video, TV, out-of-home, search and connected TV.² In an economic climate where budgets are under pressure, audio’s ability to strengthen and defend pricing at almost double the level of campaigns without audio earns its place on every media plan.³

Investment in CRA Audio ID means brands can now plan, buy and measure that reach with the precision, transparency and scale that advertisers expect.

For the full 2026 survey dates and historical data, visit: https://cra.au/metro-ratings

Sources: 1. GfK Radio 360 Ratings, SMBAP S3 2026, historical results from S5 2022 – S3 2026, All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, Cume (000’s), unless otherwise stated. All numbers refer to commercial radio results unless otherwise stated. All Demographics: 10-17, 18-24, 25-39, 40-54, 55-64, 65+. 2. 2025 Nielsen Global Annual Marketing Survey: Nielsen Global Compass MMM Benchmarks (USD$).  3. Advertising Council Australia’s (ACA) Effectiveness Database (2018–2025).  

METRO MARKETS:

Sydney Radio 360 Survey 3, 2026

Melbourne Radio 360 Survey 3, 2026

Brisbane Radio 360 Survey 3, 2026

Adelaide Radio 360 Survey 3, 2026

Perth Radio 360 Survey 3, 2026

REGIONAL MARKETS:

Canberra Survey 1, 2026

Gold Coast Radio 360 Survey 1, 2026 

Newcastle Survey 1, 2026

Archive:

Archive of Previous Surveys

ABC broadcasters Fran Kelly and the late James Valentine have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Fran has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). James was acknowledged after receiving his Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the weeks before his death in May.

The honours recognise two extraordinary careers in Australian broadcasting and public life and the lasting contribution Fran and James have made to audiences across the country through their deep commitment to public service media.

For Fran, the honour recognises distinguished service to broadcast journalism, the advancement of social justice and equality and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“It’s an absolute honour to be recognised in this way,” Fran said.

“I am privileged to do a job that I love and one that gives me the opportunity to play a role in advancing social justice and equity by engaging the audience in the big debates of the nation. The ABC has such an important role, especially in challenging times.”

A trusted and authoritative voice for audiences across Australia, Fran built a reputation for rigorous, fair and insightful journalism, interviewing national and global leaders and holding those in power to account.

Fran’s career at the ABC has spanned radio, television and podcasting, including her 17-year tenure as host of Radio National Breakfast from 2005 to 2021.

She has also served as the ABC’s chief political correspondent on AM and PM, political editor of the 7.30 Report and Europe correspondent. She currently presents The Radio National Hour on ABC Radio National and co-hosts political podcast The Party Room.

James Valentine was part of the ABC for more than 30 years, most of which were spent as the Afternoons presenter on 702 ABC Sydney. He is recognised for his significant service to the media as a radio presenter and television host, to music and to children’s literature. 

James died last month and was publicly farewelled at Sydney Town Hall. During the service Governor-General Sam Mostyn recounted how James’ family presented him with the AM medal at his home.  

ABC Director, Audio Ben Latimer said Fran’s contribution to Australian media had helped shape the national conversation.

“Fran has made an extraordinary contribution to Australian journalism,” he said. “Over many years, she has helped audiences make sense of big national and international stories with intelligence, clarity and real integrity.

“This honour is a fitting recognition of everything she has given to the ABC and to public life.”

Latimer praised James Valentine for his exceptional contribution to the ABC and impact on audiences and colleagues. 

“This is a fitting honour for a man who connected so personally with so many people as a friend, colleague and presenter,” he said. 

“We are grateful James received his Member of the Order of Australia award prior to his passing. It was important for him to understand the high regard in which his services were held and the lasting impact he would have on the ABC and the broadcasting industry.”

The King’s Birthday Honours recognise Australians who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and to the nation, with awards announced annually as part of national celebrations in June.

ARN has appointed leading media and commercial executive Melinda Jane (MJ) Deluca as Director of Sales – Digital, strengthening its national sales leadership team and underscoring its digital growth strategy.

Deluca brings 13 years of experience across Australia’s media, digital, technology and advertising sectors, spanning agency, platform and sales leadership roles.

Her career includes senior roles at Taboola, Nine and Yahoo, along with agency-side experience, giving her an end-to-end understanding of the market – from planning and activation to scaled digital and platform-led revenue models. Most recently, she was Director of Agency Development at Taboola, where she led strategic partnerships with major holding groups across ANZ.

ARN Chief Sales Officer Richard Hunwick said: “MJ’s appointment adds significant strength to our business as we accelerate our digital ambitions. She is a highly regarded commercial leader with deep domain expertise and strong commercial acumen, and we are delighted to welcome her to ARN at a pivotal time for digital audio in Australia.

“Her passion, tenacity and breadth of experience across video, programmatic and data make her a tremendous asset to our team. She has a proven track record of driving growth and bringing new technology solutions to market, which will be invaluable as ARN enters its next phase of digital growth.”

MJ Deluca said: “My career has been built in digital, delivering connected solutions for brands and agencies, and I’m excited by ARN’s vision for the future. Digital audio represents a major growth opportunity for advertisers, and it’s an exciting time to join a business so committed to the category.”

“Bringing together iHeart, the global leader in free streaming, with the powerhouse brands of KIIS and GOLD, plus a market-leading podcast and data offering, creates a compelling proposition for clients. Add social amplification and the shift to video, and ARN’s offer becomes even more powerful. I can’t wait to get started.”

Deluca’s appointment reflects ARN’s continued investment in senior talent as it expands its commercial offering across broadcast, streaming, podcasting, digital and live experiences.

Based in Sydney, Deluca commenced with ARN today.

102.3 Triple M Townsville is launching a new Breakfast show, the CK & Kate Breakfast Show, set to wake up North Queensland from Monday, 8 June. 

Bringing together two familiar North Queensland voices – Cliff ‘CK’ Kern and Kate Jeboult – the new show will deliver everything listeners love about Townsville life, including Cowboys chatter and community stories, plenty of laughs and personalities with deep local roots.

Born and raised in Townsville, CK joined 102.3 Triple M Townsville in 2021 and has become a familiar voice across the region through his work on radio, as well as his role as ground announcer alongside Kate for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and Townsville Fire. He’s no stranger to Breakfast listeners, having stepped in to co-host the show for several weeks during Cliffo’s long-service leave last year.

CK joins Kate Jeboult, who has co-hosted Townsville’s top-rating Breakfast show alongside Cliffo since joining 102.3 Triple M in January 2024. Since moving to Townsville in 2017, Kate has firmly embedded herself in the local community. In 2019 she founded the news platform Townsville Scoop, a place for locals to discover what’s happening in their hometowns, which has reached more than 1.1 million people. 

Cliff ‘CK’ Kern said: “Townsville is my home, so getting the chance to wake up the city every morning alongside Kate is a privilege. We already know each other really well, and we both care a lot about our community. We’ll have plenty of laughs, talk about what matters locally, and remain a part of our listeners’ morning routine.”

Kate Jeboult said: “CK and I have been friends off the air for many years, our kids play soccer together, and we host Cowboys games together. Getting the chance to bring that friendship to breakfast radio feels incredibly exciting. There’s not a man who lives and breathes North Queensland more than CK, and I can’t wait for listeners to hear our exciting new show.”

After recently celebrating more than 25 years in radio and nearly two decades waking up listeners on breakfast radio, Guy ‘Cliffo’ Clifton has made the decision to discover what mornings look like after 4am. Trading early starts, Cliffo is moving into workdays on 102.3 Triple M providing him with a new challenge and allowing him to spend more time with his young family.

Guy ‘Cliffo’ Clifton said: “I’ve loved every second of brekky radio, but I’m looking forward to turning off the early alarms and getting to do the school drop-offs. This wasn’t an easy decision because I love our Triple M listeners, but the good news is we’ll still have plenty of yarns during the workday. I’m really excited to get stuck into a different style of radio.”

SCA Head of Regional Content, Blair Woodcock, said: “When Cliffo first spoke to us about making this move, CK immediately stood out as the right person to step into Breakfast. He’s a genuine Townsville local with a strong connection to the community, and listeners already know and love him. Combined with Kate’s energy and local passion, we’re excited to launch a show that North Queensland will love.”

Don’t miss the debut of The CK & Kate Breakfast Show – tune in Monday, 8 June from 6am on 102.3 Triple M Townsville or listen live on the LiSTNR app.

ARN’s iHeart is ready to kick off the World Cup with the launch of a bold new original vodcast, The Failed Footballer, hosted by former pro-turned-content creator Olan Tekkers.

Launching this Friday 5 June, the video-led podcast series will deliver a fast, fan-first take on the tournament – blending Tekkers’ social-native perspective with live, on-the-ground reporting from ARN journalist John Bric, who will be in the US across the World Cup.

Dropping twice weekly throughout the competition, The Failed Footballer will track every major moment, match and knockout twist as it happens – built for how fans consume football in short, reactive, video-first and always on content.

Episodes will mix quick turnaround takes with weekly feature interviews, with early guests including former Socceroos Mile Sterjovski and Andrew Redmayne, Matildas player Charlize Rule, and SBS World Cup Fever hosts Santo and Ed. Each episode will be created as a full vodcast experience, optimised for both audio and visual audiences.

With more than 450,000 followers, Tekkers brings a highly engaged Gen Z audience to the project, placing the show at the intersection of football culture, personality-led content, and social-first storytelling.

As part of ARN’s growing entertainment ecosystem, the podcast will be distributed across all major platforms, supported by vodcast content on YouTube, social cutdowns across iHeart channels, and live crosses across the KIIS Network.

On launching ‘The Failed Footballer’ Olan Tekkers said, “This World Cup is going to be massive, and I wanted to create something that feels like how fans actually experience football now the reactions, the conversations and the big moments as they happen in real time.”

iHeart Director of Content Shauna Anderson added “The Failed Footballer is a strong example of how we’re evolving iHeart’s original podcast slate – identifying distinctive talent, building formats that resonate with a new generation, and expanding our content across audio, video and social platforms. Olan brings an authentic voice that connects with a new generation of sports fans and we’re looking forward to working with him over the 2026 World Cup.”

The launch builds on ARN’s commitment to expanding iHeart Originals, following increased investment in premium, high-engagement content announced at their Upfront 26 event.

The Failed Footballer launches tomorrow on Friday 5 June and is available via the free iHeart app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Affairs:

SBS wishes to clarify its position on definitions of antisemitism and its approach to assessing complaints alleging antisemitism.

SBS is an independent public broadcaster with a Charter focused on strengthening social cohesion, supported by robust editorial standards which are set out in the SBS Code of Practice. Careful consideration is given to the terminology and language used across SBS content, including in relation to any definitions of antisemitism.

SBS acknowledges there are diverse definitions of antisemitism and does not adopt, endorse or reject any one organisation’s definition – whether from governments, advocacy organisations or peak bodies. SBS’s role is to report on these issues in a balanced, factual and impartial way.

SBS’s editorial guidance presently reflects antisemitism in its broadest terms as prejudice or discrimination against Jewish people. The guidance includes a range of reference material, including the IHRA definition, providing context and reflecting the complexity of the issue.

Where definitions or claims of antisemitism are relevant to a story, SBS reports them, attributes them, and explains any differing views with context so audiences can make up their own minds. This approach is informed by SBS’s editorial independence and applies consistently across a range of terms and issues.

Complaints made to the SBS Ombudsman are assessed against the SBS Code of Practice. This includes SBS’s obligations relating to accuracy, impartiality and balance, and section 5.1 which states that SBS will “seek to counter attitudes of prejudice against any person or group” and will avoid content that clearly condones, tolerates, or encourages prejudice and discrimination, taking into account the context in which the material is presented.

These principles remain at the heart of SBS’s purpose and commitment to strengthening social cohesion. SBS remains dedicated to serving and representing Jewish Australian stories and perspectives across its platforms in a way that is respectful, accurate and inclusive.

The ABC has emerged as the standout winner at the inaugural Australian Audio Awards, taking home 11 awards, more than any other network, at the ceremony held at Carriageworks in Sydney last night.

Breakfast with Sonya Feldhoff and Jules Schiller on 891 ABC Adelaide won Best Breakfast Show in the highly competitive large market category. The program was shortlisted alongside 2SER Breakfast, 3AW Breakfast with Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft, Ben Fordham Live and the Tim Webster Breakfast Show, underscoring the strength of the field and the significance of the win for Sonya, Jules and the 891 ABC Adelaide team.

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said: “In just two years together on Breakfast, Sonya and Jules have built a show that feels warm, smart and deeply connected to Adelaide. This award is a wonderful recognition of what they bring to audiences each morning, and of the broader 891 ABC Adelaide team behind them.”

triple j took home four awards, including Best Non-Commercial Program – Large for Drive with Abby & Tyrone. It’s fitting recognition for one of triple j’s great partnerships and comes ahead of their move to the Breakfast slot in July.

Anika Luna won Best Australian Music Show or Music Programmer for Home and Hosed on triple j, recognising her work championing Australian artists and connecting audiences with the best new local music.

The special mid-year Hottest 100 of Australian Songswhich formed part of triple j’s 50^th birthday celebrations won the People’s Choice Award for Radio and was also awarded Best Station Promotion, celebrating the campaign that had audience participation on a national scale and brought multi-generational music lovers together for a journey through more than 50 years of the Australian songbook.

 “triple j has had a fantastic night. Drive with Abby & Tyrone have built a show with real energy and connection, Home and Hosed continues to champion Australian music in a meaningful way, and the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs shows just how powerfully triple j can bring audiences together and create historic listening experiences.” Latimer said.

ABC Queensland Northern Drive presented by Adam Stephen from the ABC Far North Queensland bureaux won the Best Non-Commercial Program, medium.

The ABC’s strength in podcasting and on demand audio was also recognised. 

One of Australia’s most celebrated presenters, Marc Fennell added to his trophy cabinet with a win for Best Podcast Host or Presenter in the major category for breakout ABC Radio National history podcast No One Saw It Coming.

All in the Mind from ABC Radio National presenter Sana Qadar won Best Health and Wellness Podcast in the major category, recognising its groundbreaking exploration of mental health, psychology and wellbeing.

Take 5 presented by Zan Rowe on Double J was also recognised in Best Interview Podcast in the major category. The program returned for another season in March, turning musical memories into thoughtful conversations with a range of well-known guests.

For our little listeners, Gardening Australia Junior from ABC Kids listen won Best New Podcast in the major category and Bluey: Listen Along also from ABC Kids listen won Best Children’s Entertainment Podcast, recognising the podcast that extends one of Australia’s most loved children’s brands into audio.

Congratulations to all our winners and nominees in the 2026 Australian Audio Awards presented by Mumbrella, Radioinfo and RadioToday.

AFTRS congratulates the Class of 2025, who officially marked the completion of their studies at the School’s Graduation Ceremony on Friday 29 May. 

Held at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium at UNSW, the event celebrated the achievements of 134 graduating students across the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, Master of Arts Screen, and Master of Arts Screen: Business.

Here are some of the highlights of AFTRS student work from the 2025 cohort. Watch this space – you’ll see more of these emerging creatives in the years ahead.

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCREEN: PRODUCTION 2025

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

MASTER OF ARTS SCREEN 2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iRkIWFp9h7o%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

MASTER OF ARTS SCREEN: BUSINESS 2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=WQGn7KzoE5k%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN RADIO AND PODCASTING 2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=TBvZ9SYiScA%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.aftrs.edu.au

If you missed the ceremony, watch the live recording here. For the full breakdown of the ceremony and pics from the event see: 2026 Graduation Ceremony: AFTRS celebrates Class of 2025.

AFTRS 2025 Graduates

Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production

Awdesh Al-Zebaree

Kristin Beukes

Faith Birkett

Sophie Blanch

Chanel Bocman

Christina Booth

Lara Brighton

Joseph Brocklehurst

Ruby Brookes

Alejandro Burns

Alec Carter

Elle-Jae Charalambu

Louis Cheval

Xavier Cutts

Kurt Davis

Christopher Deigan

Spencer Dejanovic

Gustav Devylder

Carl Edillo

Saskia Faniis

Emma Fletcher

Jordan Fox

Jake Frazer

Alexander Gascoigne

Kavyaaba Gohil

Poppy Grant

Chiara Hochstadt

Yuecong Huang

Lauren Hulley

Pascal Hutchinson

Aliyah Issa

Hugo Johannsen

Emma Jonas Moralee

James Jordan

Tyler Kang

Gilda Khoshkhoo

Beatrice Lane-Smailes

Keona Lau

Bailey Lock

Jaxx Koda Loui

Meisha Lowe

Byron Luckey

Tuan Linh Mai

Zabi Malik

Alexander Maxwell

Madison McCreath

Emmanuel Menon

Chiara Metters

Akaysha Morgan

Haylee Muir

Finbar Murphy

Skye Netting

Jonathon Nilsson

Kyan Paltoft

Daniel Paramor

Tyler Pease

Charles Perkins

Harry Peters

Paris Piccolo

Taku Rogers

Tegan Geelie Rose

Chloe Russell-Alexander

Una Sawers

Sebastian Smith

Jemma Tainsh

Alec Tanner

Amelie Twyford

Imogen Tyler

Louis Vahl

Vincent Vangi

Charles Varcoe

Zachary Viney

Emily Weeks

Annika Willcocks

Luca Yi

Finley York

Petra Young

Advanced Diploma in Arts Screen: Production

Mitchell Nielsen

Timothy Sanford

Diploma in Arts Screen: Production

Harvey Abrahams

Alexander Burke

James Doust

Jermal Ibrahaim Hass

Nicholas Moroney

Alexander Newson

Simona Tizzone

Master of Arts Screen

Sophie Aitken

Lauren Berry

Eduardo Castro

Sarah Chahine

Rikkili Clark

Liam Coleman

Genevieve Douthwaite

Nikita Dunovits-Ferrier

Alexandra Farr

Luke Horsley

Waseem Iqbal

Ren Jiang

Lucien Jones

Charlotte Layfield

Zac Loy

Daniel McGarry Gallagher

Chhayly Moek

David Priestly

James Pucci

Jeremiah Puni

Luis Rumbolo

Nicola Sercombe

Laura Turner

Nicholas Warburton

Paige Webster

Sarah Whyte

Gabriel Wright

Jordan Yankov

Graduate Diploma in Arts Screen

Anneke de Bruin

Georgia Connick

Marlene Cummins

Ashlee Robertson

Jenny Sun

Graduate Certificate in Arts Screen

Karly Marks

Master of Arts Screen: Business

Nazareth Alfred

Wayne Camilleri

Sebastian Chan

Sarah Goodes

Natalia Hughes

Samantha Laughton

Maria Francisca Luis Braithwaite

Natalie Lynch

Bardia Moradbakhsh Kermani

Gilda Rosskamp

Graduate Certificate of Arts Screen: Business

Sean Croyston

Georgia Mappin

Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting

Lachlan A’Court

Kyle Bachner

Aspen Beilharz-Smythe

Rachael Bourke

Molly Brookman

Alana Calvert

Lee-Ying Chan

Catarina Fraga Matos

Rebecca Graham

Lindsey Gray

Leroy Jones

Annabelle Moore

Marni Newman

Nathan Roach

Dianne Spillane

Karl Svikis

Sunshine Wood

Graduate Certificate in Radio and Podcasting

Katherine Lawrence

Tina Michaelides