When someone says, “I’ve changed,” it usually signals a significant shift, and for the Australian Radio Network (ARN), this change is nothing short of transformative. At the helm of this evolution is Michael Stephenson, ARN’s new Chief Operating Officer, who recently unveiled the network’s ambitious plans during the 2026 Upfronts. This event marks ARN’s transition from a traditional radio broadcaster to a comprehensive entertainment company, with digital innovation at its core.
Stephenson, a former TV executive, emphasized the network’s new direction, stating, “We’ve really focused on the transition of our company from a radio business to an entertainment company. To do that, you must transform to become increasingly more digital.” This transformation centers around iHeart, a platform that ARN has positioned as the linchpin of its strategy, integrating radio, streaming, podcasts, video, and live experiences.
The iHeart Revolution
At the heart of ARN’s new era is iHeart, a digital audio platform licensed from iHeartMedia in the US. Ben Campbell, the newly appointed Chief Digital and Technology Officer, described the partnership as “a global juggernaut,” highlighting its status as the largest free radio streaming, music streaming, and podcasting platform globally. “Due to their size and scale, they are leading the charge with audio consumption and habits around the world,” Campbell noted.
A Nostalgic Yet Forward-Thinking iHeart App
The centerpiece of the 2026 Upfronts was the launch of the next-generation iHeartRadio app, its most significant update since debuting in Australia. Inspired by the nostalgia of the car radio, the redesigned app merges traditional radio’s tactile simplicity with modern streaming convenience. New features include custom Presets, a Scan Button for 15-second previews, and a Live Radio Dial for real-time browsing.
Additionally, the app introduces Trending and Rankers, allowing users to see popular shows and artists, alongside an Australian-first Lyrics feature for karaoke-style scrolling lyrics. “Our goal is to make iHeart the default, everyday audio app for Australians on the move,” Campbell stated.
Data-Driven Advertising and Technology
For advertisers, ARN’s transformation offers a robust data and ad tech stack designed to deliver precision and measurable results. The company is launching a data lakehouse on Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric to unify listener insights across various platforms. Partnerships with Westpac DataX and Experian will enrich campaigns with transaction and credit data, enhancing targeting capabilities.
Campbell described 2026 as “a transformative shift in our first-party data strategy,” with ARN’s “scaled identity spine” increasing addressability across its extensive user base. New data cleanrooms, LiveRamp and InfoSum, will enable secure data matching for precise campaign activation.
Expanding into Video and New Partnerships
Recognizing the hybrid nature of podcasting, ARN plans to expand into video, testing video podcast hosting and distribution via RSS on Apple Podcasts and YouTube. This move aligns with the growing trend of consumers alternating between audio and video formats.
ARN also announced a significant partnership with Are Media, integrating trusted lifestyle brands like marie claire and The Australian Women’s Weekly into the iHeart ecosystem. Corey Layton, Head of Digital Audio, emphasized the collaboration’s potential, stating, “Combining the storytelling power of Are Media’s iconic brands with iHeart’s digital scale unlocks unprecedented commercial and creative opportunities.”
Championing Inclusivity in Media
In a bid to promote inclusivity, ARN unveiled the iHeart Women’s Sports Network, Australia’s first all-audio platform dedicated to women’s sport. The network will deliver daily bulletins and podcasts spotlighting athletes and competitions from grassroots to elite levels. A percentage of advertising revenue will fund development programs to encourage more women to enter sports media careers.
ARN’s 2026 podcast slate will also expand, featuring new voices and stories. Notable additions include Australian True Crime, The Lazy CEO, and The Mums’ Group, alongside returning favorites like She’s On the Money and The Psychology of Your 20s.
Rebranding and Expanding Nationally
ARN is set to expand its national footprint, with significant rebranding across its KIIS and GOLD networks. The GOLD network will unite Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth under one brand, while KIIS will expand across five metro cities. Despite rumors, the high-profile duo Kyle & Jackie O will not go national, with ARN opting to maintain local breakfast shows in each city.
Chief Content Officer Lauren Joyce outlined plans to align KIIS and GOLD under unified national identities while maintaining local flavor. “We’ve been planning a networking strategy at ARN for a while. Across 2026 we’ll align both of our brands to have a national metro network footprint,” she explained.
ARN’s 2026 Upfronts underscore a bold vision for the future, emphasizing connection and entertainment over mere syndication. As the network continues its transformation, it aims to redefine the media landscape in Australia.
