ABC seeking a NEW WAVE of comedy podcast talent

The ABC has announced the New Wave program to support Australian comedy podcast talent and discover the country’s next great comedy podcasts.

Applications open today for emerging and mid-career comedy podcasters to submit their bold new podcast ideas to the ABC. New Wave is a commitment to nurture the next generation of comedy podcasters; those that are already in podcasting and those comedians exploring podcasting as a means to reach new audiences. We’re looking for fresh, laugh out loud podcasts that will appeal to an under 40s audience. Writers, directors, creators and podcasters are encouraged to apply to the New Wave program, which includes a funded development period and paid attendance to a series of workshops in Sydney taking place from 14 to 17 July.

“A sense of fun and irreverence is part and parcel of being Australian. Our comedians and content creators are world class and we’re hopeful that this opportunity opens up podcasting as a way to spread more laughter,” says Jessica Radburn, ABC Head of Audio On Demand.

From the pool of applicants, 4 successful teams will be selected to attend 4 days of paid workshops in Sydney, with informative and practical sessions designed to boost participants’ podcasting skills. The teams will then enter a funded development period to produce development materials for their podcast. During this period, teams will have access to the ABC’s best-in-class production resources as well as support and training. At the end of the development period, teams will have the opportunity to pitch their podcast to ABC commissioners for series funding.

Applications for the New Wave program are now open and submissions can be made HERE.

Applications close on Sunday 25 May with successful teams announced on Monday 16 June. The ABC encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, and LGBTIQA+ individuals.

FROM PARALYMPIANS TO THE WIGGLES: POWERFUL NEW SEASON OF ‘1 IN 5 MOTHERS, 1 IN 10 FATHERS’ TACKLES PERINATAL DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY HEAD-ON

LiSTNR’s 1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers returns today with a powerful third season, created in partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia. Hosted by journalist and news presenter Davina Smith, the series continues to shine a much-needed spotlight on Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA), a condition affecting 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers in Australia.

Through raw, honest conversations with parents and expert voices in the field, the podcast breaks down stigma, encourages early intervention, and offers tangible support for those navigating the often-isolating journey into parenthood. A study conducted for Gidget Foundation Australia found as many as one in five (21%) parents have experienced perinatal mental health symptoms and have not sought professional help.  1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers helps bridge the gap by empowering listeners with knowledge, compassion, and community.

This season introduces new voices and stories, including Paralympian and media personality Ellie Cole, The Wiggles’ Caterina Mete, and TikTok personalities Georgia Sian and Zac Norris. Expert contributors include respected paediatrician Dr Golly, holistic reproductive health expert Dr Leah Hechtman, and Tara Hunter from Full Stop Australia.

Davina Smith, host of 1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers, said: “I’ve been in the trenches – unwell with PNDA, I know how hard it can be. And I know how helpful it is to know you’re not alone. This season has something for every parent – no matter their circumstance. Like me – You’ll be inspired! You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! Listeners will be in awe of the superhuman strength of these Mums and Dads and will discover that same strength is hidden inside them!” Smith concluded.

Todd Stevens, Branded Podcasts Producer at LiSTNR, said: “From the very beginning, the goal of this podcast has been to spark honest conversations about the sometimes tough and often unspoken moments that can accompany parenthood. Season three continues to showcase these conversations with episodes that explore parenting with a disability, navigating the complexities of being a young parent, and the resilience of parenting as a survivor of complex trauma.”

Launching today, Wednesday 7 May, download the LiSTNR app and listen for free.1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers will comprise eight fortnightly episodes.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com

About Gidget Foundation Australia:

Gidget Foundation Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to support the emotional wellbeing of potential, expectant and new parents, to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.   As the national leading provider of perinatal mental health services Gidget Foundation Australia offers year-long, free, specialist perinatal mental health psychological services, via face-to-face and telehealth; and invests in retention, engagement, and development of its 175+ clinicians through an innovative training, mentoring and supervision workforce development program. Gidget Foundation Australia

About Gidget:

Gidget was the nickname of a vibrant young mother who tragically took her own life while experiencing postnatal depression, a diagnosis she kept close to her heart. Together her loving family and friends created Gidget Foundation Australia determined that what happened to Gidget would not happen to others.

About the Citations

The data by Gidget Foundation Australia was carried out on a sample of 505 expectant parents and parents with children under 3 in May 2024. Methodology: The data sample was weighted against ABS data for age, gender and location using an online survey that was independently conducted and verified by PureProfile.

ON THE MOVE AND ON THE RISE: COMMERCIAL RADIO GROWS TO 12.6 MILLION LISTENERS

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the latest GfK Survey 2 results, confirming another strong result for commercial radio, with 12.6 million Australians tuning in weekly.

In-car listening remains dominant, rising 7% year-on-year (YOY), to reach 10.4 million Australians weekly.

Listeners like to start their day with radio, as breakfast continues to go from strength to strength, as seen by its YOY audience growth, now reaching a total of 8.9 million weekly listeners.

GFKSurvey2_MediaRelease

Across all demographics aged 10–64, commercial radio’s weekly listenership grew YOY. The 25-54 age group, crucial for advertisers, grew by 220,000 listeners YOY, reaching 6.2 million.

Survey 2 also highlighted over 3.2 million Australians choose to listen to commercial radio via streaming. Notably, compared to the same period last year streaming is up 12% in the mornings, and 11% in-car.

“Radio continues to deliver consistent, sustainable growth by meeting listeners where they are,” said Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA).

“Our unique position delivering real-time connection, accessible anytime and anywhere. This is exactly what audiences value and importantly delivers a platform for brands to connect in a trusted environment,” added Young.

For historical data and the 2025 metro survey schedule, visit: https://cra.au/metro-ratings

Note: Due to Cyclone Alfred, Gold Coast Survey 1 fieldwork has been extended to May 10. The updated release date is Thursday May 29. Revised schedule available at: Radio Audience Measurement Australia – Resources

Source: GfK 360 Radio Ratings, SMBAP S2 2025, compared to S2 2024, All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn -12mn, Cume (000’s), unless otherwise stated. Weekly Time Spent Listening (hh). All numbers refer to commercial radio results unless otherwise stated.

Registrations open for the 2025 CBAA Conference

We’re excited to announce that registrations are open for the 2025 CBAA Conference!

Taking place in Hobart from 23–25 October, the CBAA Conference is the premier national event for the community broadcasting sector. Each year, it brings together station teams, sector advocates, volunteers, technologists and media professionals from across the country to share ideas, develop skills, and celebrate the vital role community media plays in Australian life.

The 2025 program will feature thought-provoking keynotes, practical workshops, and sector-led conversations on topics like funding, governance, audience engagement and digital innovation. We’re thrilled to welcome keynote speakers Craig Reucassel, acclaimed for his work on War on Waste and Fight for Planet A, and Adrian Sargeant, a global leader in nonprofit fundraising strategy.

The conference will once again culminate in the CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards Gala Dinner, a celebration of the stations, programs and people making a lasting impact in their communities.

Registrations are now open, along with:

  • CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards entries
  • Conference scholarship applications

Now’s the time to book your place, plan your trip, and get involved.

Visit the official conference website to register and find full details: https://conference.cbaa.org.au

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hobart!

POSITION: Marketing and Communications Coordinator, CBAA, Alexandria NSW

  • Opportunity to make an impact
  • Responsible for all CBAA communications programs and activities
  • Alexandria location, flexible working arrangements available

The role

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Marketing and Communications Coordinator to deliver consistent, high-quality marketing and communications for the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and its 500+ member services.

Responsibilities:

  • Draft, format, schedule and publish approved content across CBAA websites, social media and email platforms ensuring clear and timely information is shared with CBAA’s members, stakeholders and public audiences.
  • Support the delivery of campaign content and events.
  • Coordinate content requests from internal teams and support the Marcomms team with implementing content plans.
  • Use digital tools to manage content workflows and publishing ie CMS, email systems, scheduling.
  • Optimise content for readability, accessibility and engagement.
  • Support metadata entry, tagging, image formatting and version control.
  • Ideate and execute graphic design, photography and multimedia production for all CBAA channels.
  • Monitor basic performance metrics across digital platforms.

Your Experience:

  • Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent work experience in marketing and communications.
  • Previous experience in a similar role (desirable).
  • Strong sense of design and ability to use design software.
  • Experience in delivering impactful and engaging communications across a variety of mediums and audiences.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Passion for community broadcasting and promoting Australian music.
  • Willingness to work outside standard hours when required, specifically where workload or deadlines require.
  • Willingness to travel and attend events as required.
  • Strong computer literacy and willingness to use/learn to online tools (Salesforce, MS Office suite etc.).

Application Process

We are committed to improving outcomes for our communities, and value diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and with lived experience in the communities we aim to serve (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people, the LGBTQIA+ community and people of diverse genders and faiths).

We are happy to consider flexible employment arrangements, including other locations and virtual/hybrid work arrangements for the right candidate.

To apply submit your resume (max three pages) and a cover letter (max two pages) addressing the requirements and reason for application via Seek or Ethical Jobs. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview.

Suitable candidates may be shortlisted for interview as applications are received. For enquiries about this role, please email jobs@cbaa.org.au using the subject line: Marketing and Communications Coordinator enquiry via CBAA website

Strengthening Ties to Local Music: 5 Triple Z

5 Triple Z is a small South Australian community radio station, serving the Fleurieu Peninsula, driven by its passion to support local and independent musicians. The station provides a vital platform for South Australian artists who may not receive mainstream airplay. One of its flagship programs, The Local, hosted by Music Director Kym-Maree Kuijpers, is dedicated entirely to playing independent and locally produced music.  

Operating on a tight budget (with reported revenue of just over $20,000), 5 Triple Z faces significant challenges in sourcing new Australian music. With limited space for a physical library, the station relies on artists submitting tracks, and presenters often bring their own collections. For Kym-Maree, who oversees both station-wide programming and The Local, keeping up with fresh local music is crucial to meeting their audience’s needs – but without the right resources, it would be difficult to maintain a steady stream of new, local releases.  

The logo of 5 Triple Z which has a graphic of green hills in the background with sunrays coming up behind it.

Amrap.org.au has been an essential resource for 5 Triple Z, making it easy to access and filter Australian music by genre. This ensures presenters can find music that aligns with their programs, helping the station meet and exceed Australian music quotas. Importantly for all stations, the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) removes financial barriers, allowing broadcasters to play new music without the costs associated with purchasing tracks. 

Presenters at 5 Triple Z actively use amrap.org.au to diversify their playlists, and the station has embedded amrap.org.au into its training process, ensuring all new presenters learn how to use the platform to discover and integrate Australian music into their shows. Kym-Maree encourages local artists to upload their music to amrap.org.au, strengthening the connection between community radio and the independent music scene and delivering for the Government’s Revive cultural strategy.

Amrap.org.au helps presenters find and promote touring artists, and Kym-Maree regularly searches for visiting musicians from other states, giving them airplay before they perform locally. This exposure benefits both the artists and the station, offering listeners a richer mix of Australian music.  


For 5 Triple Z, amrap.org.au is an invaluable resource that helps sustain and grow its music programming. As Kym-Maree puts it: “AMRAP is a brilliant service that every community radio presenter should be using. It makes it so easy to support Australian music.” Continued support for AMRAP ensures that stations like 5 Triple Z can keep championing homegrown talent, connecting communities through music. 
 

Two women, one sitting and one standing smiling into the camera

Kym-Maree Kuijpers from 5 Triple Z with South Australian artist Melanie Cowmeadow, who Kym-Maree discovered on AMRAP. 

ABC’s Conversations with Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler hit the road to celebrate 20 years of stories

For the past 20 years, ABC’s Conversations has captivated listeners with the stories of the famous and the unknown, the brave, the brilliant, and the quietly extraordinary. Now, to celebrate this impressive milestone, Conversations Live with Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler will be coming to stages around Australia.

Join Sarah and Richard for an unforgettable show, taking audiences behind the scenes and sharing the untold stories and moments that stayed with them long after the mic was turned off. Commencing in Adelaide on 1 August, Conversations Live with Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler will visit Hobart, Canberra, Perth, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Darwin, before concluding in Sydney on 23 August.

Host Richard Fidler said: “This live event celebrates 20 years of us dragging people in front of a microphone and inviting them to share their stories, ideas and secrets. Sarah and I can’t wait to bring the show to audiences around Australia.”

Host Sarah Kanowski echoes the sentiment: “Kanowski and Fidler onstage together. it’s like Sonny and Cher, Nancy and Lee, and the White Stripes all rolled into one, only without any discernible musical talent.”

Consistently appearing in the top 10 podcasts in Australia every month, ABC’s Conversations is a must-listen for millions of people. This is a chance to be part of the Conversations community in real time, with special guests, memorable moments, and a few surprises along the way. This is more than a show. It’s Conversations, LIVE

Tickets on sale Friday 2 May via ABC Events.

Tune into ABC’s Conversations on ABC Local Radio Monday to Friday at 11am and on ABC Radio National Monday to Friday at 3pm or via ABC listen

Fifty Shades of Kyle & Jackie O as the Duo Cement their Status in Sydney and Continue to Build in Melbourne

Kyle & Jackie O have secured their status as the undisputed King and Queen of the Sydney airwaves, celebrating 50 consecutive surveys as Sydney’s #1 FM breakfast show.

In the Gfk Survey 2 radio results released this morning, the duo achieved a share of 12.3% in Sydney and also continue to lead the pack in the much sought-after 25-54 demographic, claiming the number one spot in the harbour city for the 73rd time in a row.

Meanwhile in Melbourne and coming off the success of their first local broadcast in St Kilda for their $5 Million Dawn Dig, The Kyle & Jackie O Show have continued their steady incline, achieving the market’s biggest breakfast share growth, increasing to 5.8% (up 0.7).

Kyle & Jackie O also have the most listeners across the country, reaching 1.512 million Australians in metro cities each week, thanks to their national Hour of Power show.

Speaking on today’s survey figures, ARN’s Chief Content Officer Duncan Campbell said, “Fifty consecutive surveys at number one in Sydney is an extraordinary achievement and a true reflection of Kyle and Jackie O’s enduring connection with their audience. While the show continues to dominate in its home market, we’re seeing positive signs in Melbourne, with two consecutive surveys showing strong increases in both awareness and audience. This consistent growth since January is clear evidence that our strategy is working. We remain confident in the strength of the brand and the content.”

These stellar results for The Kyle & Jackie O Show follow a huge start to the year for the pair, which has included exclusive interviews with the likes of Rebel Wilson and Cher and huge promotions such as their $5 Million Dawn Dig and Money for Nothing.

The Kyle & Jackie O Show can be heard each morning from 6-10am weekdays in Sydney on KIIS 1065 and Melbourne on KIIS 101.1.

SCA WINS ‘AUDIENCE THAT MATTERS’ DUOPOLY – #1 25-54 FOR 30 CONSECUTIVE SURVEYS

Southern Cross Austereo: # 1 NETWORK 25-54 METRO

Triple M: #1 NETWORK 25-54 MEN – 18 SURVEYS IN A ROW

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has secured the nation’s vote, winning the Audience That Matters – People 25–54 – notching its 30th consecutive metro survey victory in this key demographic.

SCA continues to grow its audience nationwide, gaining momentum since the start of the year and now captivating more than 9.064 million listeners across the country*. SCA remains Australia’s leading audio broadcaster, commanding a greater network audience share than any other commercial network.

The Triple M Network remains a powerhouse, holding onto the Number 1 Network for Men 25–54 for an 18th straight survey. Triple M Adelaide’s Roo, Ditts & Loz continues its dominance, maintaining the Number 1 Breakfast crown for 20 consecutive FM surveys – a remarkable run and a clear sign that listeners are connecting with the network.

Triple M is now Brisbane’s Number 1 station (12.9% share, up 1.0), headlined by an exciting Breakfast team of Marto, Margaux & Dan. Brisbane’s Drive slot (4–6pm) is also in winning form, claiming the Number 1 position with a 13.5% share – the strongest result in the market. It’s a powerful lead-in for the newly launched The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott, which joins the lineup as Triple M continues to dominate local footy conversation and Queensland-made radio.

In Sydney, Triple M Breakfast with Beau & Woodsy has recorded the time slots strongest audience in almost two decades – the best result since Survey 5, 2006 – as the show continues to connect with the city’s NRL-loving listeners.

Dave Cameron, SCA Chief Content Officersaid: “Today’s Survey 2 results affirm the strength of SCA’s national duopoly, with both the Hit and Triple M networks working together to command a dominant national Number 1 share for 30 surveys in a row in the 25-54 Audience That Matters.

“It’s particularly exciting to see some of our new local breakfast shows building early momentum with listeners, particularly Bernie & Emma G at SAFM in Adelaide, and Beau & Woodsy at Triple M in Sydney delivering the best audience cume result since Survey 5 2006. Triple M’s return to Number 1 in Brisbane is also a standout achievement and testament to the brand’s enduring local power, Triple M Adelaide Breakfast with Roo, Ditts & Loz scoring 20 FM Number 1’s in a row, and we are pleased to see Triple M Sydney increase share across all dayparts.

“2025 is all about continuing our national leadership in the 25-54 Audience That Matters, anchored by our strong locally focused metro breakfast lineup of respected and established teams alongside our exciting new breakfast shows that launched this year.”

Seb Rennie, SCA Chief Commercial Officer, said, “SCA has now led the crucial 25–54 demographic for an extraordinary 30 consecutive surveys – a milestone that underscores the strength and consistency of our brands. For advertisers, this means unmatched access to the most valuable consumer segment in the country.

“With the combined reach of our SCA and Ace metro stations, we have a 35.2% commercial share of the metro Audience That Matters – a full 6.6 share points ahead of our nearest commercial competitor. SCA has also grown its national audience (P10+) since S1, with more than 9.064 million listeners – including regional and metro broadcast audiences*.

“Triple M’s national AFL and NRL coverage continues to deliver for both audiences and sponsors, powered by the most entertaining commentary teams and the most comprehensive footy broadcasts in the country.

“This success is driven by our commitment to innovation, deep audience connection, and impactful results across Australia’s leading total audio ecosystem. I’m incredibly proud of our content teams, whose creativity and consistency keep listeners engaged longer — and coming back for more.”

Source: GfK R360 Metro Survey #1 2025.P10+/P25-54/F25-54/M25-54, Mon-Sun ROS/Mon-Fri 05.30-09.00/Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00, Cume Reach (000’s)/Market Share %/Commercial Share %. *GfK Radio 360 Metro Survey #2 2025, Canberra #1 2025, Gold Coast, Newcastle Survey #3 2024, Xtra Insights Regional Markets surveyed to 1st May 2025.

Strengthens Ties to Local Music: 5 Triple Z

5 Triple Z is a small South Australian community radio station, serving the Fleurieu Peninsula, driven by its passion to support local and independent musicians. The station provides a vital platform for South Australian artists who may not receive mainstream airplay. One of its flagship programs, The Local, hosted by Music Director Kym-Maree Kuijpers, is dedicated entirely to playing independent and locally produced music.  

Operating on a tight budget (with reported revenue of just over $20,000), 5 Triple Z faces significant challenges in sourcing new Australian music. With limited space for a physical library, the station relies on artists submitting tracks, and presenters often bring their own collections. For Kym-Maree, who oversees both station-wide programming and The Local, keeping up with fresh local music is crucial to meeting their audience’s needs – but without the right resources, it would be difficult to maintain a steady stream of new, local releases.  

The logo of 5 Triple Z which has a graphic of green hills in the background with sunrays coming up behind it.

Amrap.org.au has been an essential resource for 5 Triple Z, making it easy to access and filter Australian music by genre. This ensures presenters can find music that aligns with their programs, helping the station meet and exceed Australian music quotas. Importantly for all stations, the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) removes financial barriers, allowing broadcasters to play new music without the costs associated with purchasing tracks. 

Presenters at 5 Triple Z actively use amrap.org.au to diversify their playlists, and the station has embedded amrap.org.au into its training process, ensuring all new presenters learn how to use the platform to discover and integrate Australian music into their shows. Kym-Maree encourages local artists to upload their music to amrap.org.au, strengthening the connection between community radio and the independent music scene and delivering for the Government’s Revive cultural strategy.

Amrap.org.au helps presenters find and promote touring artists, and Kym-Maree regularly searches for visiting musicians from other states, giving them airplay before they perform locally. This exposure benefits both the artists and the station, offering listeners a richer mix of Australian music.  


For 5 Triple Z, amrap.org.au is an invaluable resource that helps sustain and grow its music programming. As Kym-Maree puts it: “AMRAP is a brilliant service that every community radio presenter should be using. It makes it so easy to support Australian music.” Continued support for AMRAP ensures that stations like 5 Triple Z can keep championing homegrown talent, connecting communities through music. 
 

Two women, one sitting and one standing smiling into the camera

Kym-Maree Kuijpers from 5 Triple Z with South Australian artist Melanie Cowmeadow, who Kym-Maree discovered on AMRAP.