ABC journalist Eva Blandis was named Best Young Journalist, Bill Ormonde was named Best Rural/Regional Journalist and the ABC won eight awards overall at the 2025 South Australian Media Awards in Adelaide last night.

Blandis received the Max Fatchen Award for Best Young Journalist for reporters aged 25 or under whose work displays creativity, research, technical skills, newsworthiness, writing flair and impact. 

The judges said: “Eva’s entry displayed the work of a journalist, mastering their craft, well beyond her years. 

“The ability to gain trust of contacts, secure exclusive content, and give in depth analysis of highly complex and sensitive issues, required a mature approach, usually associated with experienced reporters.”

ABC video journalist Bill Ormonde was named Best Rural/Regional Journalist for his body of work and also won Visual Storytelling for Out of the Darkness, an interactive online story exploring mental health in remote Australia.

The judges said: “Bill’s entry epitomises what a rural journalist should strive to achieve. 

“Shining a light on the mental health stigma, that burdens regional Australia, is vital. This body of work is a fine example of gaining trust, to tell brave and personal stories, respectfully. Coupled with stunning imagery, this makes for a captivating and compelling entry.”

Other ABC winners included Che Chorley, Lincoln Rothall and Daniel Keane in the Text Formats – News category for ‘Surface Tension’ and Briana Fiore in Radio/Audio Journalism – News Reporting for ‘Losing Ashleigh – Asthma in SA’.

Nicholas Maher won the Multimedia News or Feature category for ‘International Law & Democracy Explained’, Jack Evans won Culture and Arts Report for ‘BTN High – Class of Cabaret’ and Stephanie Richards won Social Equity Report for ‘Uncovering SA’s Baby Removal Practices’. ’

Full list of ABC winners and finalists at the MEAA SA Media Awards:

Max Fatchen Award for Best Young Journalist

• Eva Blandis, ABC, ‘Body of Work’ – WINNER

Text Formats – News

• Isabella Carbone, Sophie Landau & Josephine Lim, ABC, ‘Global Shortage of Saline Solution Affecting Australian Healthcare System’

Text Formats – Feature

• Che Chorley, Lincoln Rothall & Daniel Keane, ABC, ‘Surface Tension’ – WINNER
• Bill Ormonde, ABC, ‘Out of the Darkness’

Television/Video Journalism – Feature

• Amelia Moseley, ABC, ‘What to Do if You’ve Been Doxxed’
• James Wakelin, ABC, ‘Snowtown Stories’

Radio/Audio Journalism – News Reporting,

• Briana Fiore, ABC, ‘Losing Ashleigh – Asthma in SA’ – WINNER
• Angus Randall, ABC, ‘Community Grapples with Snowtown Accomplice Parole’

Visual Storytelling

• Bill Ormonde, ABC, ‘Out of the Darkness’ – WINNER
• Lincoln Rothall, Che Chorley, Jody Kestle & Michael Clements, ABC, ‘Protecting a Predator’

Multimedia News or Feature

• Briana Fiore, ABC, ‘Ex-Brethrens on Breaking Free’
• Nicholas Maher, ABC, ‘International Law & Democracy Explained’ – WINNER
• Bill Ormonde, ABC, ‘Broken Hill High School Mould Outbreak’

Best Rural/Regional Journalist

• Eugene Boisvert, ABC, ‘South East SA Stories’
• Bill Ormonde, ABC, ‘Body of Work’ – WINNER
• Amelia Walters, ABC, ‘A Voice for Victims, Placement Poverty Burning Out Medical Students and Love that Defied the Odds’

Business, Economics or Finance Report

• ABC News South Australia, ABC, ‘Whyalla Woes’

Culture and Arts Report

• Jack Evans, ABC, ‘BTN High – Class of Cabaret’ – WINNER
• Sarah McLean, ABC, ‘South Korean Recluses’

Political Report

• Stephanie Richards, ABC, ‘One of ‘Fewer than Five’’

Social Equity Report

• Cale Matthews, ABC, ‘South Australia’s Accessibility Problem’
• Stephanie Richards, ABC, ‘Uncovering SA’s Baby Removal Practices’ – WINNER

Sports Report

• Eugene Boisvert, ABC, ‘Inclusive Sport in South East’
• Neil Cross, ABC, ‘In the Pool, in the Game, in the Saddle’

On Monday, 7 July, Triple M will switch off the mics across all 49 stations nationally, from 6am to 6pm, to observe its seventh annual No Talk Day.

All shows, news, traffic updates, and advertising will pause for one simple reason: to give Triple M listeners the space to check in with themselves and each other.

Every day, an average of 8.8 Australians die by suicide, and three in four are men.* While the statistics are confronting, the message is clear that talking saves lives. With a continued partnership with Lifeline, No Talk Day encourages Australians to prioritise their mental wellbeing and seek support if they’re struggling.

Whether it’s picking up the phone and calling a mate or going for a walk, No Talk Day encourages listeners to act and begin a conversation. Throughout the day (6am – 6pm) carefully curated music will be featured, alongside powerful messages and personal stories from listeners.

Matthew O’Reilly, Head of Triple M Metro Content, said: “No Talk Day is about creating space — space to reflect, reach out, and start a conversation. For seven years Triple M has paused programming to shine a light on mental health in a way only radio can.

“Talking about mental health doesn’t need to be heavy; it can be as simple as a check-in with a loved one, a mate, or a professional. If No Talk Day helps even one person start that conversation, we’ve done our job,” O’Reilly concluded.

Triple M’s No Talk Day will be heard on all 49 stations nationwide and on the LiSTNR app, from 6am to 6pm on Monday 7 July. Making mental health a priority is important at any time. For support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au/talk.

*Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024.

About Triple M: 

For more than 40 years, Triple M continues to be one of Australia’s best-known radio entertainment brands and the only radio network that provides its listeners with a unique combination of Greatest Hits, Sport and Comedy. With 49 stations across Australia, including six digital stations, Triple M 80s, Triple M Classic Rock, Triple M 2000s, Triple M Country, and Triple M 90s, Triple M has become known for playing Rock’s Greatest Hits, and its iconic talent and shows that get people talking.     

The iconic brand entertains more than 4.9 million radio and on demand listeners each week and is home to some of Australia’s biggest sporting heroes, comedians and music gurus including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Nick Riewoldt, Beau Ryan, Aaron Woods, Leisel Jones, Dan Anstey, Margaux Parker, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar, Xavier Ellis, Katie Lamb, and Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.  

Entries are open for the Pacific’s biggest music competition, ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Break which launched in Samoa last weekend with a huge, live concert at Friendship Park, Apia.

Thousands of fans enjoyed performances from local Samoan favourites Mr Cowboy and Tofaga Meke as well as Pacific Break past winners Chris Kamu’ana Rohoimae (Solomon Islands), JuBen (Fiji) and Danielle (Papua New Guinea). Samoan hip hop icon Mr Tee also made a surprise appearance, getting the crowds jumping early in the night. 

On the main stage, ABC Radio Australia’s Nesia Daily presenters Jacob McQuire and Michael Chow joined forces to MC with homegrown Samoan hero Young Sefa to keep the crowd laughing through the night.   

The concert was produced in partnership with the Samoa Tourism Authority and recorded for broadcast on ABC Radio Australia and ABC Australia television. 

ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN FOR PACIFIC BREAK 2025

The launch concert in Apia kicks off a two-month search to uncover the Pacific and Timor-Leste’s best original talent. Entries are now open until midnight Monday 25 August 2025. 

Pacific Break’s top prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to perform in 2026 at WOMADelaide – Australia’s largest international music, arts, and dance festival. The winning artist or group will be revealed on ABC Radio Australia’s daily morning program Nesia Daily on Wednesday 16 October 2025. 

The judging panel for this year sees PNG-born Australian musician Ngaiire rejoin the team with ABC Radio Australia music presenters Hau Lātūkefu (In The Fale) and Sose Fuamoli (Sista Sounds and On The Record), WOMADelaide Associate director Annette Tripodi, along with new judge Joji Malani, Fijian-born musician and solo artist of Gang of Youths fame. 

For more information about Pacific Break 2025 judging panel, click here. 

HOW TO ENTER

Submit your original track(s) in one of three ways;  

1. 1.Complete the Online Entry Form, available here.
2. 2.Get in touch with our Pacific Break team via WhatsApp (+61 447 310 986) and send through your songs and info.
3. 3.Send an email with all your details to pacificbreak@abc.net.au, including your music files as an attachment.   

For more information about Pacific Break, including competition details and terms and conditions, visit www.abc.net.au/pacificbreak

Radio Adelaide is a community station seeking an inspiring leader to take us into a new era of community broadcasting. The Station Manager will develop and implement a sustainable business model, manage all operational requirements, and fulfil the station’s strategic objectives.

Radio Adelaide is Australia’s longest-established community station, engaging the community around us through high-quality, locally focused, and original content that informs, educates, entertains, and inspires. Our programming includes an eclectic blend of arts, culture and ideas, with a particular strength in Indigenous and Ethnic programming (19 shows at last count). We hold an educational licence and welcome about 40 trainees a year into our Radio Essentials course.

Filling the Station Manager position will enable Radio Adelaide confidently to move into the next stage of our development, building on our existing strengths in giving a voice to Indigenous, Ethnic and other marginalised communities on Adelaide’s airwaves; establishing connections with local organisations; and developing an identity that matches our educational licence. We see this position as the last piece in the puzzle we have been solving since separating from the University of Adelaide in 2015 – the point where we can really start to make radio magic happen.

The ideal candidate has:

• a tertiary qualification in business management, and/or media (desirable);
• experience in community radio (essential);
• appropriate skills to carry out the key responsibilities of the job, including strategic development; operational matters; business development; programming and content; financial management; people management; stakeholder and community engagement; compliance and risk management; facilities management; and technology (essential).

A more detailed statement appears in the Role Specification via the link below.

The job is full-time, to start ASAP, and located in Eastwood, South Australia.

For further details, please contact staff.liaison@radioadelaide.org.au using the subject line: Station Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Find out more and apply

In response to requests from members, we are pleased to advise that the deadline for two important opportunities has been extended.

Members now have until Monday 14 July to:

• Secure first release tickets for the 2025 CBAA Conference in Hobart, allowing additional time to plan travel and budgets.
• Complete and submit entries for the CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards, ensuring your station’s achievements receive the recognition they deserve.

This extension provides more time to prepare for Australia’s largest gathering of community broadcasters and to finalise award entries that highlight the exceptional work across our sector.

For further information visit conference.cbaa.org.au

Aspiring radio journalists are invited to apply for the 2025 Brian White Scholarship, with applications now open on Commercial Radio & Audio’s (CRA) website.

Named in honour of the late Brian White, pioneer of Australian radio journalism and the country’s first commercial radio cadet journalist, the scholarship provides a unique entry point for final-year students and recent graduates looking to break into the fast-paced world of commercial radio news.

“We’re looking for passionate, ambitious candidates ready to launch a career in radio journalism,” said Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA.

“This scholarship provides hands-on newsroom experience and mentorship from some of the best in the business,” added Young.

Finalists will be invited to an exclusive industry workshop with senior journalists and news directors from Nine Radio, ARN, NOVA Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), offering insight into the skills and mindset required in commercial radio.

One recipient will then be selected for a paid four-week placement across each of the four major networks, working directly in metropolitan newsrooms to write, produce and present live news content.

Grace Barlow, the 2024 Brian White Scholar who received two job offers directly from the scholarship and has since accepted an offer from ARN said the program offered unmatched access and industry insight.

“Being named the recipient of the Brian White Scholarship last year was truly life-changing. The professional experience I gained, alongside the incredible industry connections I made, the support I received, and the opportunities that abounded following my experience, has truly shaped my career in ways I never could have imagined. I would implore any aspiring broadcaster or journalism student to apply. You never know where it might take you,” Barlow said.

Applications close 30 September. The finalist workshop will take place in November, with placements commencing in early 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://cra.au/brianwhitescholarship

About Commercial Radio & Audio: Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial radio broadcasters across Australia. CRA promotes the effectiveness of radio and audio to advertisers, manages audio research and insights, the metropolitan and regional audience measurement surveys, the official Australian Podcast Ranker, revenue reporting, industry innovation, industry codes and standards, and regulatory and legislative matters. CRA hosts the ACRA Awards and HEARD, the audio industry showcase. We also collaborate with the broader digital audio ecosystem to grow the total market and provide services to the public and part public audio broadcasting services.

Nine Radio’s award winning talk radio stations are now available to livestream through the Apple smartwatch, enabling listeners with cellular-enabled devices to stream their favorite talk radio stations directly from their wrist. The innovative development provides unparalleled freedom and convenience for listeners seeking to enjoy live and local content on the go, without the need for a smartphone.

The new smartwatch app underscores Nine Radio’s commitment to device ubiquity, ensuring continuous access to popular stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, and 6PR for listeners on the move. The familiar user interface ensures a clear and intuitive listening experience, with essential metadata displayed on the now-playing screen.

Key features of the new Nine Radio smartwatch app include:

• Live Radio Streaming: Direct access to all Nine Radio stations, including 3AW, 2GB, 4BC, and 6PR.
• Intuitive Design: A familiar user interface designed for ease of use on a smartwatch.
• Quick Access: Users can access their favorite station directly from their watch’s home screen.
• Now Playing Screen: Displays essential metadata for the current program.
• Smart Stack Integration: Allows users to pause/play streams or access the app.
• Playing Now Control: Provides control over the stream and casting options.

Tom Malone, Nine Radio Managing Director, said: “This is about providing true freedom and flexibility in how our audience consumes audio content. Radio used to be on the bench top or side table, then it was in your pocket via your phone, now it’s on your wrist. Listeners can escape all of their screens for a walk or run, or trip to the shops, and still be listening to their favourite news, sport, opinions and entertainment via Nine Radio’s smartwatch app. It’s a seamless and untethered way to stay connected.”

Mia Stern, Head of Digital Growth at Nine Radio, added: “Our strategy is simple – maximise discoverability and accessibility. The new smartwatch apps allow listeners to tune in to their favourite talk radio station anywhere, any time and on any device. We’ve made it incredibly easy to use, with instant station access from your watch face and a user interface designed to feel instantly familiar and crystal clear.”

Nine Radio is committed to continuous improvement, with plans for on-demand content and AFL pop-ups in the Apple Watch app and CarPlay later in 2025.

Following the success of hit podcast Just For Girls, Nova Podcasts and the One Daydream Network are expanding the brand into a full content hub, launching two new solo-hosted shows from creators Sam Guggenheimer and Izzy Armitage. The new titles, Hotter Than Yesterday and Hear Me Out will premiere the week commencing Monday, 30 June.

Since debuting on the Triton Australian Podcast Ranker in September 2024, Just For Girls has been featured on the chart every month, a reflection of the show’s sustained popularity with Gen Z audiences. With the sustained growth of the Just For Girls fanbase, the decision to build a broader ecosystem around the brand marks a natural next step.

The original Just For Girls podcast will continue as a monthly joint episode, now complemented by these two new weekly series exploring the many contradictions of modern life in your twenties, from personal development to party culture.

Further details on the new podcasts are as follows:

Hotter Than Yesterday with Sam Guggenheimer – new episodes every Tuesday

Hotness is not about looks – it’s a mindset and Sam is here to walk listeners through this hot girl mindset and start their week off with self-love and betterment. From routines, hacks, lifestyle tips and candid honesty, follow Sam along as she manoeuvres through her twenties in pursuit to be ‘Hotter Than Yesterday’. This podcast is a listener’s go-to guide for levelling up in any aspect of their life, because again, being hotter than yesterday isn’t just about looks, it’s about feeling your best in every way.

Hear Me Out with Izzy Armitage – new episodes every Thursday

Got a hot take that needs airtime? Hear Me Out is a listener’s weekly dose of unfiltered opinions, spicy debates, and stories from the group chat. Izzy dishes out her own controversial takes and features listeners too. From pop culture chaos to real-life moments with friends, it’s like venting to your boldest bestie who always keeps it real.

Together, these three shows form the new Just For Girls hub, giving brands a dynamic, multi-format opportunity to connect with a deeply engaged and values-driven audience. Commercial partners can explore a variety of tailored solutions including influential host-read sponsorships, branded content integrations, social amplification, and full hub takeovers.

NOVA Entertainment’s Head of Podcast Partnerships, Kim Kerton, said, “The audience and commercial impact of creators is well documented, and this is a natural next step for the Just For Girls team to grow theirs, unlocked through the NOVA and One DayDream partnership.

“2025 has seen Sam and Izzy partner on significant omni-channel partnerships, with influential brands tapping into the cultural equity of their podcast environment and fandom, and those commercial opportunities will only expand as their shows and subject exploration broadens.”   

Since joining Nova Podcasts in in 2024, Just For Girls has built a reputation as one of the most connected youth lifestyle properties in the market. The expansion into a broader media hub unlocks new creative territory while staying true to the themes that have always driven the show: connection, chaos and the comfort of hearing someone else say it first.

Hotter Than Yesterday and Hear Me Out launch next week, with new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday respectively. Just For Girls will continue monthly. All episodes are available on the Nova Player, at novafm.com.au and wherever you get your podcasts.

Outcomes of our 2025 investigations

Program or issue	Station/licensee	Description	Outcome	Report published
Licence condition and Code matters	Creative Community Radio Inc (6CCR)	Community participation in programmingEncouraging and assisting people not adequately served by other media to participateOpposing and breaking down prejudice	No breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA [encourage participation in programming]No breach of code 2.1 [people not adequately served by other media encouraged and assisted to participate]No breach of code 2.5 [oppose and break down prejudice](ref. BI-702)	26 June 2025
Code matter	Sydney Educational Broadcasting Ltd (2SER)	Complaint handling	Breach of Code 7.3(a) and Code 7.3(c) of Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2008 (ref. BI-707)	5 June 2025

Posted Yesterday at 10:21am, updated Yesterday at 10:40am

In the 45^th year of a distinguished career in journalism Peter Ryan has decided to retire from the ABC due to ill health. 

Peter began his career as a copyboy and cadet on Sydney’s Daily Mirror, and has held a variety of jobs over the years, but describes the ABC as his “spiritual home”. His outstanding work in TV and radio news and current affairs, including his reporting for flagships AM, The World Today and PM, has made him a familiar face and voice to many Australians and earned him the enduring respect and appreciation of audiences and his peers.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers: “Peter Ryan is an absolute legend. Every day as you wake up and you think about what’s happening in the economy, if you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got its essential elements, it would be Peter’s.” 

ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: “In my conversations with Peter over the past year I’ve been inspired by his resilience, courage and humility. It’s devastating news that he is having to retire. We will miss him greatly, and also his strong journalism and authoritative analysis.” 

Listen to The World Today’s tribute to Peter Ryan

Watch here: After 45 years, business reporter Peter Ryan has called time on his career

Peter’s many career highlights include being the ABC’s Washington Bureau Chief, head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, Executive Producer of Business Breakfast, founding editor of Lateline Business, which later became The Business, and Business Editor. Since 2016 he has held the role of Senior Business Correspondent.

In 2017 Peter won a Walkley Award for his expose on the Commonwealth Bank scandal. His coverage contributed to the calling of the banking Royal Commission and in 2018 he was the National Press Club finance journalist of the year for his coverage of the commission. 

In 2022 he was recognised with the Order of Australia medal for his significant service to journalism.

Peter has been a mentor to many younger journalists, generous with his time and experience. He was founding chairman of the Kennedy Foundation, a trustee on the board of the NSW Journalists Benevolent Fund and has had a long-term involvement with journalists’ union the MEAA.

Peter’s parting words of advice: 

Peter Ryan shares his highs and lows from 45 years

So what have I learned from 45 years in journalism? This is for younger and older colleagues alike.

When I look back at my start on Sydney’s Daily Mirror in 1980, as an 18-year-old straight out of school, we were still printing newspapers off hot metal. People were smoking in newsrooms and there was a lot of yelling as deadlines ran down to the wire. 

My parents were absolutely delighted when I was finally hired by the ABC in 1984. Our TV always seemed to be stuck on Channel 2, we were forced to watch the 7pm news every night and I had to listen to AM and PM in the kitchen. 

I’d love to be with you all there, but one strong message I have is, never let anyone tell you the good old days were really that good – that’s a bit of a myth. 

I’d like to thank the ABC for taking so many risks with me over the years, giving me my dream of a foreign posting in Washington and then into big editorial roles. 

But for me in the end it’s all about being a reporter out in the real world telling it as it is. I’m always chuffed when I hear people tell me you’re able to take complex issues and break them down into three good parts. When someone tells me that, that’s more important than a whole lot of awards.

A few words of editorial advice. Avoid cynicism – be passionate. A good team can often be a very small team – I’ve worked in some of the best. Be proactive – come to the table with a great story so no one else comes up with a dud that might waste your time. 

Work closely with top people – shut up and absorb like a sponge. Maintain a fastidious contact book – some low-profile contacts could soon move into higher powered roles or more importantly work in backrooms where the big decisions are often made.

Show up to work early and prove that you’re ready to take on the big story of the day. Try to have a Plan B in your back pocket just in case your original brilliant idea doesn’t go anywhere and the EP comes walking your way.

Finally: Be kind and caring to people who need it.