Game Changers Radio

In this is episode we’ll introduce you to the Mad F’n Witches, the activist group behind the #VileKyle campaign and the antagonist in this story. According to many, the reason this show is no longer on the air is due to them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fresh update on the Kyle and Jackie O fall out, including Kyle’s $88 million dollar payout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie O is gone, Kyle Sandilands is facing a potential contract fight with ARN, and the future of the show — and KIIS FM — is suddenly uncertain. In this episode of Game Changers Radio, we'll discuss the life changing epiphany that Jackie came to at the end of last trigger which triggered their relationship breakdown, the legal standoff now unfolding behind the scenes and what happens to the KIIS audience if the show finishes,  Now that the Kyle & Jackie O  era is officially over, Sydney breakfast radio will never be the same again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show is over. Hear everything you need to know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Game Changers, things get personal. After last week’s explosive on-air bust-up between Kyle and Jackie O, Craig gets a shoutout from Kyle… then a private phone call. No beef. Some regrets. A few admissions. And one big question hanging in the air: what happens next? Is this the beginning of the end? Or a necessary rupture before a reset? This is the most honest conversation we’ve had about the biggest show in the country. Follow us on Instagram @gamechangers.radio and share your Audio Moment of the Week.Game  Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ARN end of year financials have been released today and they’re bad. Very bad. Revenue down $30 million. Hear Tim Burrowes thoughts on the numbers and what needs to happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Burrowes from Mumbrella joins us to analyse the half-yearly financial results of the merged Southern Cross Austereo and Seven West Media.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Sandilands and Karl Stefanovic - It’s one of the sharpest podcast interviews you’ll hear this year according to Craig, but Irene has a very different view. We unpack the interview and discuss Karl’s first step into podcasting and independent media. Then we tackle Christian O’Connell’s big question: What does radio do that nothing else can? Is “live and local” actually a differentiator — or just industry comfort food? And finally: in a fractured, algorithm-driven media world, can any show truly be “famous for” one thing? Or is the smarter play building a suite of benchmarks that compound around a clear position? This one’s for programmers, talent and anyone still chasing the idea of a magic segment. This week's guest is Jay Walkerden from Podshape, one of Australia's largest independent podcast and content production companies. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could this be the most controversial moment between our 2 counties since Trevor Chappell’s underarm 45 years ago? (Google it kids).  Mediaworks program director and true blue Aussie Adrian Brine is back in this bonus episode sharing his thoughts on what Aussies can learn from radio on the other side of the ditch.  Tell us what you think at gamechangers.radio on IGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Nova 96.9 rolled out Ricki-Lee & Tim Blackwell in breakfast and at the end of week 1 we ask: does it sound like a contender who could challenge Kyle & Jackie O — or does it sound more like a drive show in breakfast clothing? Also this week we talk with Australian programming superstar Adrian Brine about the challenges of working in the world’s toughest radio market - Auckland NZ. This might be one of the most inspiring conversations about radio content you’ll hear anywhere. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode we take a look under the bonnet of Brisbane FM radio. Will the comeback kids Robin, Kip & Corey win more than just a sympathy vote or is the new Nova line-up set for a gold medal winning year with Susie O’Neill back in lane 4. Also this week we introduce you to one of Australia’’s best content creators, Joshua Fox. The man behind the MAFS funny podcast and a bunch of viral moments both online and on the air, shares his secrets to winning in the content creator space. If you're a creator or brand and you need help with content strategy - hit up Joshua Fox at aiims.creatorhub.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, we take a listen to ARN’s 2 new national shows - The Smallzy Show and Lowie Live. Irene is full of praise for one, and full of questions for the other. Jeremy McVean, former SCA group marketing director helps us dissect all the new radio marketing being rolled out around the country and we have our first 'moment of the week' for this year with a highlight from JJJ’s hottest 100. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if breakfast radio stopped chasing hype and started building community? We analyse Christian O’Connell’s first week as a national show, KIIS Adelaide’s strategic inertia, GfK Survey 8 narratives, and why closeness, not noise, might be radio’s next advantage. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you believe it, Robyn, Kip and Corey have been reinstated to 973 breakfast for 2026!We’ve got all the details, plus our first thoughts on Dave Cameron’s return to radioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s our final episode for the year and we’re going out with a whimper … hang on, we’re going out with a bang, starting with the most shocking results from the last Magnificent 7 of 2025 - the biggest radio moment of this year is NOT what we were expecting. We’ll take one last look at the GfK headlines from all the metro markets and review our spicy predictions for 2025.  And to finish the year, Wade is back with an updated version of 'How to make ratings' covering all the headlines from one of radio’s biggest years ever. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wild week in radio: within minutes of last week’s pod, Ash Bradnam quit Nova Brisbane and Jimmy walked from 2DayFM. Two shock exits, two big mysteries. We break down what makes sense, what doesn’t, and what it means for 2026 — including why SCA will be cheering in Brisbane and why 2Day’s next move needs to start with the station format, not the breakfast show. Then it’s our final Magnificent 7 of the year — the seven radio moments that defined 2025, from Lu & Jarch’s MMM debut to Christian O’Connell going national to JJJ’s Top 100 - it’s all here and you get to decide on the biggest radio moment of the year. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ARN's Chief Audience and Content Officer Lauren Joyce has been made redundant, a move that has shocked the industry - we’ll tell you everything we think we know, along with as many intelligent guesses as we can get away with in this week’s episode. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle was in full storytelling mode this week, revealing the now-infamous “ex-girlfriend” offer from 2DayFM and how a 10-year, $200 million pitch turned into the perfect storm that kept the biggest radio show in Australia right where it is. We break down the leverage, the metaphors ACMA probably won’t love, and what happens next. Plus — SCA Head of Broadcast Content Matthew O’Reilly joins us to talk about their roadmap for 2026:• Will Lu & Jarch go primetime next year?• What’s the future for 2DayFM — reinvention, refresh, or full reset?• And is a format change coming for SA-FM? The radio chessboard is moving. We map out what’s coming next. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a week for ARN. Revenue and profit downgrades, ACMA’s heavy penalties for Kyle & Jackie O, and the looming impact on how the show can sound going forward — the hits just kept coming.  We unpack every twist in this cascading story. Plus, NOVA’s Mel Tracina is making her case as Australia’s next radio and TV breakout star. Fresh off her Big Brother hosting debut, she joins us to talk career momentum and what’s next. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our interview last week with ARN CEO Michael Stephenson and Chief Audience and Content Officer Lauren Joyce was our most talked about episode ever. This week we take one last look at ARN’s plans and messaging for 2026 and respond to your feedback on the conversation that almost went sideways. Also this week - we’ll take our first look at how the radio network wars of 2026 might play out as KIIS and NOVA prepare to go head to head for the hearts and minds of Australians under 40. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ARN have unveiled their plans for 2026 and on this week's episode, we talk with CEO Michael Stephenson and Chief Audience & Content Officer, Lauren Joyce, about all their big moves - it’s a robust conversation with nothing off limits. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at the fall out from survey 6, yes it feels like forever ago but we have things to say, including how Nova’s cume drop in Melbourne had zero positive impact on Kyle & Jackie O’s audience. Can you have too many show producers? We discuss one of the key roles in every content team - the breakfast show EP, and what the best are doing to help their shows. Plus Craig gets a lesson in tech from an old colleague with a truly embarrassing story that is one for the ages. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is chemistry? And do you know if you have it with your co-host? Three of the biggest podcasters in Australia share their thoughts on how their chemistry has evolved and how they protect it. If you’re making audio content in a team, this is an interview you must hear. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The survey 6 GfK results are in. Is the KIIS format Kiistory? Jase & Lauren fall back to the pack and is the 2DAY experiment over? Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode we take a collective deep breath after the madness of last week’s announcements which shocked Aussie radio.  Wade has some big questions for Craig and Irene, including the question of an appropriate penalty for Kyle & Jackie O’s code breaches. Triana Butler, our social media whiz kid, joins us to review the biggest 'Iron Chef' radio moment of 2025 - the release of the new Taylor Swift album. And we make some half hearted predictions for the survey 6 results which land next week. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive week in Aussie radio with CEO’s pulling the pin, billion dollar mergers, ACMA getting really mad at Kyle & Jackie O and much more. We’ll cover it all in this episode, as well as introduce you to the best next generational talent on Aussie radio, the amazing Katie Lamb from MMM Perth. Strap yourself in, this could be a bumpy ride. Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southern Cross Austereo & Seven West Media have announced a possible blockbuster deal - but is it a merger or a takeover?  Media analyst Tim Burrowes (Mumbrella, Unmade) joins us to unpack the deal and its impact. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) have been cancelled and no one is happy about Australian radio’s best night of the year getting boned. We’ll discuss the whys and the fallout in this week’s episode. Plus we’ll revisit our old mates from the Melbourne radio wars and see which show won the week as the city prepares for its biggest event of the year - the AFL grand final. We’ll also check in with Bianca Dye, one of Aussie radio’s best presenters, who is about to star on TV in the series 'Golden Bachelor'. Game Changers Radio is brought to you by RCS Cloud. With SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud, broadcast anywhere, anytime — all from your browser. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, we discuss the decision from Nova to part ways with Ben, Liam & Belle and the possibility of this being the first of many big moves for the Nova network as they prepare for 2026. We also talk with the the winner of the AFL’s media presenter of the year award, Kane Cornes, about his remarkable career and how his approach to making headlines has made him one of the most talked about stars in AFL media. This episode of Game Changers Radio was brought to you by Meliora — trusted by radio and audio leaders around the world to build what's next. Meliora's sponsor message in this episode uses an Al-generated voice. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we unpack the big takeaways from GfK Survey 5, including MMM’s strong results across multiple markets, Kyle & Jackie O’s continued improvement in Melbourne and 2DayFM’s ongoing ratings struggles: is there any format solution? Wade thinks he may have found one. Then, a conversation with Mitch Churi. After his shock departure from ARN, Mitch is back with a brand-new podcast,The Mitch Churi Chat Show. He opens up about the lowest points of the last year, how he rebuilt his confidence, and why he believes there’s plenty of room for his voice in the most crowded market of all — podcasting. This episode of Game Changers Radio was brought to you by Meliora — trusted by radio and audio leaders around the world to build what's next. Meliora's sponsor message in this episode uses an Al-generated voice. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Survey 5 GfK results are in, Kyle & Jackie O have a strong result, how strong, well, that depends on who you ask. This episode of Game Changers Radio was brought to you by Meliora — trusted by radio and audio leaders around the world to build what's next. Meliora's sponsor message in this episode uses an Al-generated voice. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we dive into one of the biggest questions in radio right now: are two-handers stronger than three-handers? With strong rumours of major Nova line-up changes for 2026, we unpack the financial and creative drivers behind the shift, and what do history’s best duos tell us about why they work so well? Also in this episode, ARN’s Upfront is happening on October 29. What will they reveal about their vision for 2026 and beyond? We explore what the next move could be for KIIS, whether Kyle should take the stage, and why this event will be pivotal for ARN’s story in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Melbourne. This episode of Game Changers Radio was brought to you by Meliora — trusted by radio and audio leaders around the world to build what's next. Meliora's sponsor message in this episode uses an Al-generated voice. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we ask the big question: can radio truly own a story that’s already broken the internet? Taylor Swift’s engagement to Travis Kelce lit up the feeds—so what role should radio play when the world is already talking? We also break down the latest financial scorecards: momentum is clearly with SCA while ARN faces tougher headwinds. What’s driving the split and what does it mean for the future of both networks? Media analyst Tim Burrowes joins us to unpack the fallout. Plus, who deserves to be the next inductee into Radio’s Hall of Fame? This episode of Game Changers Radio was brought to you by Meliora — trusted by radio and audio leaders around the world to build what's next. Meliora's sponsor message in this episode uses an Al-generated voice. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Q&A time on the podcast, we have a bunch of great questions from our game changer listeners and on this week’s episode, we’ll get through all of them. Plus we talk about the new CRA campaign promoting the power of audio with Adam Ferrier, and finally Wade’s List is getting the support it so desperately needs with a special guest host, one of Australia’s biggest podcasters. Will they be able to save this segment that has been teetering on the brink for months? Find out by hitting play now. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss the fallout from this week's big radio resignations - the moves are coming thick and fast as the jockeying begins for 2026.Also this week, we talk with UK media expert Matt Deegan about the latest data on Gen Z and Gen Alpha radio consumption. Thanks to Matt Deegan for joining us - you can find Matt at themediaclub.com Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, we discuss the move that has been months in the making - Christian O’Connell is going national in 2026. What will this mean for Gold in Melbourne and Sydney? What are the opportunities for stations like Smooth and MMM? Also this week we talk to the legendary Clive Dickens about his new tech advisory firm Meliora and how AI will be at the forefront of new content opportunities in audio. Thanks to Clive Dickens for a thought provoking discussion.  Find out more about Meliora here. Email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we review the fall out from Triple J's Hottest 100, Wade and Irene loved it, Craig may have joined the fun police.  Also this week, we announce the winner of the Magnificent 7 - who is the best music announcer in Australia right now? You’ll meet them when you hit play on this episode. Subscribe free to Irene's Substack - go to 'Content This'  Thanks to the magnificently talented Tim Lee for joining us. Level up your announcing with the best in the business, go to radio101 You can email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we take one last look at the Survey 4 fallout, we unpack Matthew O'Reilly's first test  as top content boss for Southern Cross Austereo, and we explain why emotional connection - not clichés - should power music radio.  Plus: a cameo from the legendary Todd Campbell and a kiss cam controversy we didn’t ask for… You can email us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear our first thoughts on today’s GfK survey 4 numbers. Gold has an historic win in Melbourne, Jase & Lauren dominate breakfast and a tiny glimmer of hope for Kyle & Jackie O with increases in Melbourne and Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, we’ll bring you all of the pain and rejection from the worst aircheck moments that poor, unsuspecting radio folk from all corners of the globe have been subjected to. It’s messy, it’s ugly, it’s cathartic. It’s trauma with a capital T. Also this week, we’ll unveil “the Magnificent 7”, with all this talk of perfect execution and quality announcing, we have chosen the 7 best music announcers on Australian radio right now and we’d love to know who you think is the best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Cameron, SCA's Chief Content Officer, is leaving his role in a bombshell move announced yesterday. This is big news, let’s see if we can make sense of it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode we talk about the dreaded aircheck - judgement, rejection, admonishment and the occasional positive comment that you never notice - oh, the PTSD!   We’ll talk about whether air checking is a useful tool in this new creator economy and how you can deliver useful feedback if you’re a content director. Plus we talk TSL with one of the best programmers in the world - Mike Fitzpatrick. If you want to generate more time spent listening for your show or station, this episode is a must listen. Have you had a traumatic aircheck?  We would love to hear your story, email us at - [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode we debate Kyle’s studio walk out, was it real or was it for ratings? Fair to say we have strong opinions on both sides of the argument. And we reveal the Top 5 social media accounts right now, you won’t believe what comes in at number 1.  Have any feedback for us?  Email us at [email protected] Special thanks to Kieran Simpson for joining us on this episode. If you want some guidance on socials, you can contact Kieran at [email protected]. Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The reviews are in on Lu & Jarch’s new afternoon show on Triple M and it’s fair to say, we are all massive fans of this show.  We have some thoughts on how good they are, and how good they might become. Also on this week’s episode, we discuss the backlash to Jase & Lauren’s Hide and Seek contest, were the clues too hard?, was the contest too difficult to play? We’ll dissect the contest and discuss ways to make it more inclusive when they bring it back to Nova. Reach us at [email protected] Game Changers Radio is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Infinite Dial report on Australian audio consumption was released this week and our guest is the head of Edison Research, Larry Rosin who will help explain the data.  Larry has been a fan and friend of Australian radio for many years and his thoughts on the success of radio and podcasting in Australia are well worth checking out. Also this week we respond to one of the most proactive listener letters we’ve received in the last 12 months - the premise of the letter - The Fox Underdogs is a turn off moment, not a tune-in talking point.  We have a lot to say about this letter. What do you think?   Email us at [email protected] Melbourne Radio Wars is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results are in for survey 3, hear our first thoughts now.Zero spin, zero bias.   Send us your thoughts on the survey results to [email protected] Game Changers is edited by Abe’s Audio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.