Brisbane’s own long-standing Christian radio station 96.5, has unveiled its new name and brand identity: Rise 96.5. The station was birthed in Brisbane on the FM dial almost 30 years ago. (on air team pictured above)
2NZ Inverell brekky announcer ‘Big Phil’ Norris is now in rehab in Tamworth, adjusting to his ‘new leg’ and learning how to walk again after a recent major operation. He had his right leg amputated as a result a type 2 diabetes related infection.
James Valentine has announced his retirement from ABC Sydney radio station 702 following a battle with cancer. Valentine, host of the afternoons program, has confirmed he will not return to his shift in 2026 as previously hoped.
Nine has announced the sale of its broadcast radio assets – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, 2UE, Magic1278 and 4BH – to the Laundy Family Office. The sale is on a cash and debt free enterprise value of $56m. The sale is expected to complete prior to 30 June 2026. The Laundy Family Office is expected to remain a long-term partner of Nine, with plans to utilise 9News journalists on radio, showcase Stan Sport through Laundy venues, provide promotion and ad sales collaboration, as well as increased ad spend by Laundy on Nine properties.
The Daily Telegraph reports: Nine Radio is set to be sold to a consortium bankrolled by hospitality billionaire Arthur Laundy as early as Friday morning. The hospitality billionaire emerged as the surprise buyer on Thursday night, having stayed under the radar amid months of rampant speculation about the future of the radio network.
The Super Radio Network has announced the appointment of two senior executives, reinforcing the Network’s commitment to strengthening content and technology across its stations. Mike Byrne has been appointed Network Content Director, commencing in early February. The Network has also appointed Peter Schmidt as Group Technology Manager.
The KIIS Network’s national drive show Will & Woody will have a new look and feel over the coming few weeks. Woody Whitelaw will be joined by Sophie Monk, while co-host Will takes parental leave, following the birth of his second child – who is due at any minute now!
Trevor Jackson has returned to the ABC after eight years away as the host of Gold Coast Breakfast in 2026. Nicole Dyer moves to the morning program to replace Sarah Cumming who left the role for South Australia in late 2025.
Andrew Thain is the new breakfast announcer at 4MK Mackay. He’s the former host of ARN’s National Show The 2020 Retro Countdown and also a former Drive Announcer at Mix 104.9 Darwin.
The Australian Podcast Ranker for December has been released by Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) and Triton Digital. The No 1 Podcast this survey is once again Hamish & Andy (LiSTNR – SCA) with 609, 350 monthly listeners. Mamamia Out Loud (Mamamia) was in second place with 560,895 monthly listeners and in third place ABC News Top Stories (ABC) with 524,580 monthly listeners. Sky News Australia Update was in 4th spot with 449,275 monthly listeners and in 5th spot with 424,672 monthly listeners was The Grade Cricketer (LiSTNR SCA).
In the final GfK Radio 360 Metro Radio Survey for 2025 (#8), smooth FM is now the No 1 station in Sydney with a share of 13% (+1.6). They surpassed 2GB – now 11.2% (-2.6). 3AW continues as the No 1 station in Melbourne with a share of 13.9% (-0.8). Triple M remains No 1 in Brisbane with 12.1% (+0.2) and in Adelaide, 5MMM is once again the top rating station with 13.9% (-0.4). In Perth, Nova 93.7 is again No 1 this survey with 15.4% (-0.6).
In the latest GfK Radio 360 Metro survey (#8/2025) the top rating DAB+ stations were: Brisbane and Adelaide – Coles Radio, Melbourne – Dance Hits, Perth – 96FM 80s and in Sydney – CADA.
History was made in Australian radio on January 19 as The Christian O’Connell Show launched as the country’s first-ever national commercial breakfast program – a single voice connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth every weekday morning.