Mumbrella is pleased to reveal the finalists for the very first Australian Audio Awards, the only night celebrating the radio, podcasting and audio industry.
Delivered in partnership with trade publications Radio Today and Radioinfo, the Australian Audio Awards will be held on May 28 at Carriageworks in Sydney. The night will be hosted by Bianca Dye and Mitch Churi.
The awards were launched in the wake of radio body Commercial Radio and Audio ending its long-standing Australian Commercial Radio Awards. The opportunity for all the innovation, effort, and talent in the sector to be recognised saw entries flood in.
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“We’ve been so delighted with the high level of interest and effort put in by so many within the audio industry, both in entering and in the first stage of the judging process,” said Tim Burrowes, publisher of Mumbrella.
“It shows just how vibrant Australia’s podcast and radio landscape currently is.
“Our live judging day on April 28 – when around 100 of Australia’s finest audio minds come together – will be a huge one for the industry. And I can’t wait for the big night on May 28 when Bianca and Mitch get to tell us the winners.”
Chair of Judges and Radioinfo publisher Steve Ahern said: “The anticipation is over, here’s the list. It was a little late because we had to go down to three tie breakers in some categories. I’m so impressed with the way the Mumbrella team runs these awards, there were no shortcuts, it had to be done carefully and in a way that’s fair to every entry. Damn hard work, but worth it. Thanks to all our judges.
“Congratulations to those in this list who made it through, you are the best in your field!
“Making it this far is already a badge of honour, enjoy your success as a shortlisted finalist. See you at the awards!”
Below are all the categories and finalists.
Best Breakfast Show – Large
2SER Breakfast – 2SER
3AW Breakfast with Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft – 3AW Breakfast for Radio 3AW Melbourne
Ben Fordham Live – 2GB Radio with Ben Fordham, Liam McGuire, Sienna Williams, Spiro Christopoulos, Lucy Borg, Riley Mullins, Maddie Warden
Breakfast with Sonya Feldhoff and Jules Schiller – ABC for 891 ABC Adelaide
Tim Webster Breakfast Show – 2SM
Best Breakfast Show – Medium
Adam & Jennie – 5MU (ARN Regional)
Christian and Bella for Breakfast – i98FM
Craig and Katie – ARN Power FM SA
Mark & AB for Breakfast – GSL Media for 92.7 Mix FM
The Big Breakfast with Foz & Brooke – GSL Media for 91.9 Sea FM
Best Local Show
3AW Drive with Jacqui Felgate – Radio 3AW Melbourne
Afternoons with Michael McLaren – 2GB
Breakfast with Sharnelle & Bob – ABC for 774 ABC Melbourne
Darragh O’Dea in the Afternoon – 917 The Wave with West Coast Radio
Elly & Taz – GSL Media for 91.9 Sea FM
Mix 106.3 – amplifyCBR
Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard – 2GB
Best Networked Show
Chris Smith Across Australia – Super Radio Network for 2SM
Gordie Waters – KIIS Workday – ARN with KIIS FM
Mornings with Mark Levy – 2GB with Nine Radio
Best Newcomer On Air – Large
Keegan Brown – Triple M Adelaide
Luka Muller – ABC for triple j Breakfast with Concetta & Luka
Luke Siddham Dundon – ABC for Radio National Breakfast
Best Newcomer On Air – Medium
Ashleigh Wright – WIN Corporation for i98FM
Chelsea Barber – Power FM SA (ARN Regional) for The Recharge
Cheralyn Lisa Darcey – 2HD Newcastle, The Super Radio Network for The Nightline with Cheralyn Darcey
Corey Cartmill – ARN for Star 102.7
Karen McMullen – Southern Cross Austereo for Triple M Breakfast with Kaz and Tubes
Best Newcomer On Air – Small
Deborah Sugirthakumar – WynFM for Mindful Moments
Erin Govers – Power FM Bega Bay
Jessica Naunton – ABC for ABC North Queensland Saturday Breakfast
John Parkinson – Super Radio Network for Drive 1-6pm
Best Newcomer Off Air
Jess Hoggard – i98FM
Wesley William Cassell – AmplifyCBR for Hit 104.7
Best Audio Producer – Large
Damian Tardio – 3AW
Ingrid Wagner and Leila Shunnar – ABC for Background Briefing
Mark del Villar – ARN
Riley Mullins – 2GB
Ross Kavanagh – ABC for 774 ABC Melbourne
Best Audio Producer – Medium
Cameron Horn – COAST FM
Dan King – Geelong Broadcasters for Bay 93.9 & Krock 955
Sam Wickens – i98FM
Best News Presenter/Reporter
Ashleigh Wright – i98FM, WIN Corporation
Chelsea Bowden – 6PR Perth
Clinton Maynard – 2GB Radio, Nine Radio
Eddie Summerfield – Radio 3AW Melbourne
Joshua Bryant – 2GB, Nine Radio
Maria Hatzakis – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Will Bottom – 2GB
Best Salesperson or Team
Shayne Topper – i98FM
Best Australian Music Show/Music Programmer
Anika Luna – ABC for Home & Hosed
Brett Adie – Phoenix FM Bendigo for Aussie Trove
Cameron Menegoni – 2SER for The Band Next Door
Chris Holland – K Rock 95.5 for Great Ocean Odes
Live Music Bendigo – Central Victorian Community Broadcasters Inc. (Phoenix FM Bendigo)
Best Non-Commercial Program
Drive with Abby & Tyrone – ABC for triple j
Nightlife – ABC for ABC Radio
Regional Queensland Drive – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
SBS Chill
Shoot The Breeze – Wildhorse FM Community Radio
So Bae Party Mix – Bay FM 100.3 with 4ZZZ, Joy FM for LGBTQIA+
Best Specialist Program
774 ABC Melbourne and Victoria – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
92.7 Mix FM Todd and Sami’s Autism Awareness Week – GSL Media
All Wrapped Up – Nine Radio Syndication
Breaking News – Terror at Bondi – Sydney’s 2GB with 3AW, 4BC. 6PR – Nine Radio Syndication for Nine Radio
Narratives Library National Edition – The Narratives Library with 2BAYFM 99.9
The Expiry Date – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Best Commercial: Station Produced
Beautiful – COAST FM for Outdoor Elegance
“Geelonging” – bay 93.9 (Geelong Broadcasters) with Purple Wax for Whitford Property
Morning Has Barkin’ – COAST FM – Gold Coast Pet Crematorium
Teeth Have Feelings – GSL Media with Selina Hynes (Creative Writer), Matt Cancian (Audio Producer) for Dentistry First
What’s On Your Fork? Check Your Pork! – Nine Radio for Australian Pork
Best Commercial: Agency/Brand Produced
Frank’s RedHot – dentsu Qld with McCormick Foods & LiSTNR Brisbane for McCormick Foods – Frank’s RedHot
Sticky Pork Stir Fry – Dig with Rumble studios for Australian Pork Limited
Travla – Beer and BBQ Campaign – QSIC with Travlr for Coles Liquor/Liquorland
Best Station Promotion – Large
ABC Classic 100: Piano – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Hottest 100 of Australian Songs – ABC for Triple J
Best Station Promotion – Medium
Foz & Brookes $20,000 Mystery Word – GSL Media with 91.9 SEAFM
i98FM’s Golden Ticket – i98FM
Skyfire 2025 – amplifyCBR for Harvey Norman, Canberra Airport Group, Zango, Alexander Watson Insulation, Club Lime, Canberra Outlet Centre, YLess4U, Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers, Rivoland Tiles, National Capital Motors
Best New Podcast – Major
Back to Back Barries – Guardian Australia
Dear Rachelle – News Corp Australia with True Crime Australia
Gardening Australia Junior – ABC Kids listen
No One Saw It Coming – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Best New Podcast – Independent
Catching Evil – Sticky Toffee Media Pty ltd with Acast
MAFS Funny – AIIMS Group Creator Hub with Joshua Fox
Maiden Australia – Corey Martin
SOIL: Rewilding the Underground – Quiet Night with Freya Mulvey
The Mitch Churi Chat Show – WhichMitch Productions with Mitch Churi, Grace Garde
We Used To Be Journos – Ette Media
Best Podcast Host/Presenter – Major
Ashlea Hansen – News Corp Australia for Dear Rachelle
Erin Parke – ABC for Expanse: Nowhere Man
Janak Rogers – SBS Audio for Australia Fair
Marc Fennell – ABC for No One Saw It Coming
Stephen Stockwell – ABC for Mushroom Case Daily
Best Podcast Host/Presenter – Independent
Josh Mansour – AIIMS Group Creator Hub for Unscripted Podcast
Joshua Fox – AIIMS Group Creator Hub for MAFS Funny
Sherele Moody – The Red Heart Campaign, Australian Femicide Watch and Dash Made Studios for She Matters
Simon Pryce and Lachlan Gillespie – The Wiggles for Wiggle Talk – A Podcast for Parents
Victoria Vanstone – Sober Awkward with Acast
Best Podcast Producer – Major
Fanou Filali – ABC for Background Briefing
Matty White – 9Podcasts for Alva Beach, Stories of Origin, Six Tackles with Gus, The Billy Slater Project, Marlee & Me
Rhys Gunter – News Corp Australia for Dear Rachelle
Ruth Devine – Mamamia for Mamamia Out Loud (MMOL)
Xander Cross – NOVA Entertainment for High Scrollers
Best Podcast Producer – Independent
Ali Aitken – 2SER for Think: Business Futures
Campbell Nugent – Rivyl for Agency Podcast
Dan McHugh – Happy Tuesday Productions for Out from the Cold: Searching for Elaine
Kim Gascoigne – Dash Made and the Red Heart Campaign, Australian Femicide Watch for She Matters
Liam Riordan – Deadset Studios for The University of Sydney, SBS, Dementia Australia with The Solutionists, Head Above Water, Hold the Moment
Madeline Joannou and Nick Webb – The Wiggles for Wiggle Talk – A Podcast for Parents with Mylk Media, iHeart Australia
Best Branded Podcast – Major
Hold the Moment – Dementia Australia with Deadset Studios
How To Build A Universe – Mamamia for LEGO
The Buyer’s Handbook – REA Group for Westpac
The Solutionists, with Mark Scott – Deadset Studios for University of Sydney
Best Branded Podcast – Independent
Big Sky Country – Bush Heritage Australia
The Relentless Optimist – Meliora with 18Sixty
Best Children’s Entertainment Podcast
Bluey Listen Along – ABC Kids listen
Hat Business – Fun Stories for Kids – Audio Cowboy
How To Build A Universe – Mamamia for LEGO
Imagine This – ABC Kids listen
Best Comedy Podcast – Major
Comedy Karma – SBS Audio
Everybody Has A Secret – Shameless Media
Best Comedy Podcast – Independent
A Rational Fear – Not A Real Media Company Pty Ltd
Luke & Sassy Scott – Luke & Sassy Scott with Earsay, Podcast Mike Media, Mushroom Media
The Chaser Report – Chaser Digital Pty Ltd with Acast
Toni and Ryan Podcast – Toni and Ryan
We Will Always Have – Christian Hull Pty Ltd with Pod Shape
Best Crime Podcast – Major
Dear Rachelle – News Corp Australia with True Crime Australia
The Case of: Mushroom Case Daily – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
The Saints – Nine Network Australia with A Current Affair + 9Podcasts
Unravel: Huntsman – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Witness: William Tyrrell – News.com.au with News Corp
Best Crime Podcast – Independent
Bike Boy – The True Crime Podcast – Bike Boy Media
Catching Evil – Sticky Toffee Media with Acast
One Minute Remaining – Stories form the inmates – Mashed Pumpkin Productions Pty Ltd
Prison Chronicles – Prison Chronicles Podcast
Best Health & Wellness Podcast – Major
All in the Mind – ABC with ABC Radio National
Hold the Moment – Dementia Australia with Deadset Studios
Hysterical – SBS News
Rage Against The Menopause with Patrina Jones – iHeart Podcast Network with Australian Radio Network
WELL – Mamamia
Best Health & Wellness Podcast – Independent
Breaking Taboos: Older Australians talk about mental health – Monash University, RMIT and University of Tasmania
Soberly Speaking by Julia Rangiheuea – Soberly Speaking
Best Interview Podcast – Major
Conversations – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
I Catch Killers – News.com.au with News Corp
Neil Mitchell Asks Why – 3AW
No Filter – Mamamia
Take 5 – ABC for Double J
Best Interview Podcast – Independent
Biz Audio – The Biz Network
Breaking Taboos: Older Australians Talk About Mental Health – Monash University, RMIT and University of Tasmania
She Matters – Dash Made and the Red Heart Campaign, Australian Femicide Watch
What It Was Like – Superreal
Wiggle Talk – A Podcast for Parents – The Wiggles with Mylk Media, iHeart Australia
Best Investigative Journalism Podcast – Major
Background Briefing – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Dear Rachelle – News Corp Australia with True Crime Australia
Expanse: Nowhere Man – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Gina: Power, privilege and influence – Guardian Australia
Secrets We Keep: By Any Means – LiSTNR Factual Podcasts
Should I Spit – LiSTNR
Best Investigative Journalism Podcast – Independent
Bike Boy – The True Crime Podcast – Bike Boy Media
Democracy After Disaster – Story Ground with Kate Lawrence
Out from the Cold: Searching for Elaine – Happy Tuesday Productions
Best Money & Business Podcast – Major
Money Money Money – SYMO interactive
On the Money – SBS
The Bloomberg Australia Podcast – Bloomberg News
With Interest – CPA Australia
Best Money & Business Podcast – Independent
Agency Podcast – Rivyl
Fear and Greed – Fear and Greed
Minted Kids – Nicole’s Smart Money with F+K Media and Wisecast Studios
Best News & Current Affairs Podcast – Major
7am – Solstice Media
ABC News Daily – ABC
Full Story – Guardian Australia
If You’re Listening – ABC
SBS World News Weekly – SBS
The Morning Edition – The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
Best News & Current Affairs Podcast – Independent
Beyond Hysterical – Bitter Pill Studios
Instant Experts – The Killer Group
NewsFix – Hear That? for Fix The News
We Used To Be Journos – Ette Media
Best Society & Culture Podcast – Major
Corked: Wine’s Biggest Scandal – Audible
Life Matters – ABC for Radio National
Mamamia Out Loud (MMOL) – Mamamia
No One Saw It Coming – ABC
Shameless – Shameless Media
Spice – SBS Audio
Best Society & Culture Podcast – Independent
Life Uncut podcast – Life Uncut
Passing Thoughts – Conversations about Death and Dying – Radio 2RPH Co-operative Limited with Wicking Trust
She Matters – Dash Made and the Red Heart Campaign, Australian Femicide Watch
Them Yarns for Carly Wallace and Aaron Nagas with Courage Kahanaui
What It Was Like – Superreal
Best Sport Podcast – Major
ABC Sport Daily – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Eddie and Jimmy – 9Podcasts
SBS Cycling – SBS Audio
Stories of Origin – 9Podcasts with Matty White & Mathew Thompson
Tagged – Australian Football League
Best Sport Podcast – Independent
Sportish – Play On Media with Deadset Studios
The Nero Show – The Nero Show
The Punch Podcast – Australian Sports Network
Unscripted – AIIMS Group with Josh Mansour