Matt Bern, Station Manager, Content Director, Music Director, and award-winning Drive host at Territory FM (TFM), has announced his resignation after 16 years with the Charles Darwin University-affiliated community radio station.

Bern joined TFM in 2010 as a volunteer and was hired within weeks as an on-air presenter and audio producer. By late 2013, he had transitioned into a hybrid management and programming role while retaining his daily Drive show—ultimately overseeing all station operations, programming, music direction, and revenue strategy for Darwin’s leading community broadcaster.

“After 16 years, this was a very big call—but i yern to learn new things and seek further opportunity in or out of radio – might even try a drone pilots course,” Bern said. “I had a very successful and meaningful run leading the Territory FM team. It’s actually been an honour to grow the radio station into a self-sufficient community media leader.”

Key achievements during Bern’s tenure include:

• Audience Growth: Increased listenership in the 35+ demographic to 67,000 monthly listeners, with his Drive show maintaining 30,000 consistent weekly listeners (McNair audience research)
• Infrastructure & Rebrand: Led the design and build of a new studio space at CDU City Campus, paired with a complete brand refresh and updated broadcast technology
• Financial Sustainability: Managed a $1 million annual operating budget, delivering year-over-year surpluses and establishing TFM as a fully self-sufficient community media entity.
• Team & Community: Mentored a 25-person core team for over 15 years, plus hundreds of volunteer training sessions
• Awards: Won two National Community Radio Awards for Drive programming and local music show excellence, including the 2024 award for Best Local Music Show & Drive Programming

“I still can’t believe I spent 16 years on air in Drive,” Bern reflected. “Interviewing thousands of people—Chief Ministers, Sesame Street characters, movie stars, and listeners who became like a massive Drive family of endless content. I also enjoyed moonlighting as a fill-in breakfast host when required.”

Bern’s departure marks the end of an era for Territory FM, leading and supporting TFM into a community media leader through innovative format development, digital integration—including podcast networks and mobile apps—and deep local storytelling. Matt leaves TFM extremely healthy for a long positive future.

“I sincerely thank the wider CDU/TFM team and volunteers for making me want to come to work every day,” Bern said. “We had a very solid, close small team for over 12 years. That’s what made this place so special.” “I have been amazed of the sponsors and listeners trust and love for TFM over the years – what a ride”.

Bern is now exploring leadership opportunities in station management, content programming and on-air with broadcasters across Australia – community or commercial.

About Matt BernMatt Bern is a 28-year broadcast professional with experience spanning community and commercial radio, including roles at Territory FM, K-ROCK, TopRizz Radio, 92.9 Perth and Nova93.7 Perth.

Media Contact: Matt Bern
📱 0410 594 636
[email protected]