ARN’s new CEO, Michael Stephenson, is steering the company into uncharted territory, blending his television expertise with the radio giant’s traditional audio roots. During a recent media briefing in North Sydney, Stephenson shared a humorous anecdote about his transition from television to radio, highlighting the cultural shift he experienced. At Nine, he was accustomed to addressing cameras directly, a stark contrast to ARN’s audience-focused approach.
This lighthearted introduction set the stage for ARN’s bold new direction: positioning itself as a comprehensive entertainment company. While ARN continues to operate 58 radio stations across 33 markets, it is expanding its horizons beyond traditional audio. The company is now producing online videos, hosting live music events, and even organizing singles cruises and local run clubs. ARN is also the Australian licensee of the world’s largest podcasting platform, further cementing its entertainment credentials.
Expanding Nationally: The Gold and KIIS Networks
In a strategic move, ARN announced the national expansion of its Gold and KIIS radio networks. Sydney’s WSFM has been rebranded as Gold 101.7, coinciding with its first-ever top spot in the Sydney ratings. Adelaide’s Cruise 1323 has joined the Gold Network, maintaining its name but adopting the Gold branding. By 2026, Perth’s 96FM will become Gold96FM, and a new Gold DAB+ station will launch in Brisbane.
On the KIIS front, Adelaide’s Mix102.3 will transform into KIIS 102.3, while a KIIS DAB+ station will debut in Perth. ARN has also made significant talent acquisitions, including Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton from Nova, and Kent “Smallzy” Small, who will host The Smallzy Show across two national timeslots on KIIS.
Beyond Audio: A New Era of Entertainment
ARN’s reimagined iHeartRadio app exemplifies its commitment to innovation. The app’s design mimics the functionality of a car radio, allowing users to save presets, scan for songs, and view live lyrics. It also features a built-in ranker for podcasts and trending playlists, drawing inspiration from Apple and Spotify’s discovery tools.
The company has secured a “premium podcast” deal with Are Media, Australia’s leading magazine publisher. This partnership will see iconic titles like Who, Elle, and The Australian Women’s Weekly launch podcasts on iHeart. The first podcast, Marie Claire’s “You’re Gonna Want To Hear This,” will feature interviews with notable figures such as Asher Keddie and Grace Tame.
Strategic Partnerships and New Ventures
ARN’s collaboration with Nine for “Love Island Australia: Officially Unpacked” underscores the potential for synergies between the two media giants. Additionally, ARN’s partnership with Making The Call aims to increase female representation in sports media, launching Australia’s first women’s sports audio network.
Meanwhile, ARN is expanding its live concert series, iHeart Live, to 20 events across major cities and regional areas. The company is also introducing Run Club Rave, blending fitness, music, and community in unique events.
Reality TV and Experimental Formats
In a nod to Stephenson’s television background, ARN is venturing into reality TV with “Save Our Pub,” a series focused on renovating an Australian pub, and “The Zone,” a competition where contestants vie for a $100,000 prize by staying within a circle. “Kiised At Sea” combines elements of “The Love Boat” and “Love Island” in a singles cruise format.
Conclusion: A Bold Vision for the Future
ARN’s 2026 upfront presentation showcased a mix of strategic expansions and innovative experiments. By taking its radio networks national and embracing digital streaming, ARN is positioning itself as a leader in the entertainment industry. With major rival SCA merging with Seven West Media, ARN’s ambitious and focused approach could set new standards in the media landscape.
As ARN continues to evolve, the media and advertising industries will be watching closely to see how these bold initiatives unfold. The company’s transformation from a traditional radio network to a multifaceted entertainment powerhouse is a testament to its adaptability and vision for the future.
