As first reported by Mediaweek, ARN has confirmed that former Nine.com.au Managing Editor Shauna Anderson is joining her old boss, Kerri Elstub, at the broadcast giant.
Anderson has been named as Director of Content – iHeart, where she will work alongside Elstub, who took on the role of Chief Content Officer in December last year.
Both women come from Nine, the same former employer of current CEO Michael Stephenson.
In an exclusive interview with Mediaweek following the announcement of Elstub’s appointment, Stephenson was emphatic about building his so-called dream team, telling this publication that “I have the opportunity to create the team that I’m going to lead.”
But Anderson isn’t the only new hire.
Elle Bowles will take on the role of Senior Manager – iHeart LIVE, as the broadcaster accelerates the expansion of its iHeart platform across audio, video, social and live experiences.
Anderson, who will report to Elstub, will oversee iHeart’s content strategy, including original podcasts, talent development, branded content and ARN’s video and digital content push. Bowles will report to Anderson and lead iHeart LIVE, focusing on premium fan and brand experiences.
Shauna Anderson
The beating heart
ARN said iHeart currently reaches 7.8 million podcast listeners each month in Australia, generating more than 25 million monthly downloads and connecting with five million registered users locally.
Elstub said the appointments reflected ARN’s ambitions for the platform.
“These are two hugely important appointments for ARN and for the future of iHeart,” she said.
“We are building something much bigger than a streaming platform or podcast network. iHeart is a true entertainment super platform creating deeper connections with audiences at scale.”
Anderson joins ARN with more than 20 years’ experience across television, digital publishing and premium content strategy.
“Creating content that genuinely connects with audiences has always been in my DNA,” Anderson said.
“I am excited to be joining ARN at such a pivotal time for iHeart and lead the team that will supercharge it to deliver a world-class platform for our mass audience and our commercial partners.”
Elle Bowles
Bowles brings more than two decades of experience across music brands and live entertainment.
“Creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for fans is something really special, and I’m incredibly excited to push how we bring those experiences to life in new ways for both audiences and partners,” Bowles said.
“I’m looking forward to being part of a team dedicated to delivering world-class iHeart LIVE experiences for fans and for our commercial partners.”
Both Anderson and Bowles are based in Sydney and have commenced with ARN.
Main image: Shauna Anderson and Elle Bowles