Sydney Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 1 2026
Survey Period: Sun 18 January to Sat 28 February 2026.

Biggest Movers:
UP: Triple J +1.6
DOWN: Gold 101.7 -1.6

smoothfm 95.3 13.5% (13%)
Cume: 1,392,000 (+29,000)
Breakfast: 10.1% (10.1%)

Possibly the biggest winners of the Christian O’Connell breakfast move is smoothfm, starting 2026 as Sydney’s #1 station with a share of 13.5%, the highest in the station’s history.

Smooth’s ‘More Music Breakfast Show with Bogart Torelli‘ is now Sydney’s #2 FM breakfast show by share, just behind ‘The Kyle and Jackie O Show’. Time will tell over the next couple surveys if it cements itself as a perennial top contender.

Head of Programming for Smooth, Peter Clay said: “With record-breaking results across the board, Bogart Torelli is now the most listened-to Breakfast show in Sydney, and sits at #2 with a 10.1% share during a competitive survey period. It’s a remarkable achievement that underscores our ‘more music, less talk’ promise and Bogart’s deep connection with Sydney audiences.”

2GB 12.2% (11.2%)
Cume: 664,000 (+26,000)
Breakfast: 16.6% (14.9%)

KIIS 1065 9% (9.5%)
Cume: 1,110,000 (-28,000)
Breakfast: 12.7% (12.7%)

Despite all the big news over the past few weeks about Kyle and Jackie O, this survey won’t fully reflect that. The survey period runs from January 18th to February 28th, and the big on air fight that precipitated the show ending took place on February 20th, with the ARN release about Jackie O quitting coming out on March 3.

The next two survey results will be the real marker of how KIIS will perform in a post-KJ world.

Nova 96.9 7.7% (7.8%)
Cume: 1,283,000 (+141,000)
Breakfast: 8.4% (7.9%)

Gold 101.7 7.5% (9.1%)
Cume: 783,000 (-18,000)
Breakfast: 6.1% (9.7%)

The big story of the Sydney survey is Melbourne breakfast host Christian O’Connell being networked into Sydney, and dropping 3.6 (!) share over the last survey of last year to now. It’s a moment that mirrors ARN’s previous networking attempt, putting Kyle and Jackie O into Melbourne. GOLD breakfast has historically not performed well in the first survey of the year, so some more time will be necessary in order to see the true impact of the move.

Additionally, moving breakfast team Jonesy & Amanda into Drive has failed to shift a single share point either way, sitting steady at 8.4%, the same that Steve Fitton was getting in the slot. Much better than a 3.6 share drop, though!

104.9 Triple M 5.1% (4.5%)
Cume: 729,000 (+71,000)
Breakfast: 5% (4%)

Triple M and 2DAY have both benefitted from the GOLD change, with the ‘Jonesy & Amanda fan’ diaspora spreading out across the other Sydney stations. The Triple M breakfast show with ‘Beau, Cat & Woodsy’ went up a full share point to 5.0%, while 2DAY went up 0.7% following the exit of Jimmy Smith.

Matthew O’Reilly, SCA’s Head of Broadcast Content said: “It’s also encouraging to see the hard work and investment from our Sydney teams starting to translate into results on 2DayFM and Triple M. Huge credit to Nath & Emma and Beau, Cat & Woodsy — we’re building strong foundations, and there’s plenty more to come.”

ABC Sydney 5.1% (5.5%)
Cume: 502,000 (+20,000)
Breakfast: 7.1% (7.7%)

104.1 2Day FM 4.4% (3.7%)
Cume: 742,000 (+54,000)
Breakfast: 3.6% (2.9%)

Triple J 4% (2.4%)
Cume: 556,000 (+63,000)
Breakfast: 3.4% (2.6%)

ABC Classic 3.5% (3.3%)
Cume: 286,000 (+13,000)
Breakfast: 2% (2.3%)

2UE 954 2.7% (4.1%)
Cume: 269,000 (-62,000)
Breakfast: 1.5% (3%)

ABC NewsRadio 2% (1.8%)
Cume: 358,000 (+48,000)
Breakfast: 3.4% (2.8%)

Sky Sports Radio 1.4% (1.7%)
Cume: 180,000 (-8,000)
Breakfast: 2% (2.9%)

SEN 1170 1.2% (1.3%)
Cume: 106,000 (-8,000)
Breakfast: 0.9% (1.1%)

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Melbourne Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 1 2026
Survey Period: Sun 18 January to Sat 28 February 2026.

Biggest Movers:
UP: 101.9 Fox FM +1.2
DOWN: ABC Mel -1.1

3AW 13.8% (13.9%)
Cume: 705,000 (+4,000)
Breakfast: 18.9% (19.8%)

Gold 104.3 12.5% (13.3%)
Cume: 1,244,000 (+18,000)
Breakfast: 10.6% (11%)

smoothfm 91.5 9.4% (8.5%)
Cume: 1,128,000 (+36,000)
Breakfast: 6.8% (7.4%)

Nova 100 8.7% (7.9%)
Cume: 1,215,000 (+60,000)
Breakfast: 11.1% (8.8%)

101.9 Fox FM 8.6% (7.4%)
Cume: 1,175,000 (+50,000)
Breakfast: 8.8% (7.2%)

105.1 Triple M 6.5% (6.8%)
Cume: 782,000 (+51,000)
Breakfast: 6.8% (6.4%)

ABC Mel 5.4% (6.5%)
Cume: 466,000 (-3,000)
Breakfast: 6.6% (7.8%)

KIIS 1011 5.1% (5.4%)
Cume: 880,000 (-33,000)
Breakfast: 5.1% (5%)

Despite all the big news over the past few weeks about Kyle and Jackie O, this survey won’t fully reflect that. The survey period runs from January 18th to February 28th, and the big on air fight that precipitated the show ending took place on February 20th, with the ARN release about Jackie O quitting coming out on March 3.

The next two survey results will be the real marker of how KIIS will perform in a post-KJ world.

Triple J 3.6% (3.3%)
Cume: 601,000 (+120,000)
Breakfast: 3.1% (3.8%)

SEN 1116 2.7% (3.3%)
Cume: 332,000 (-15,000)
Breakfast: 4% (3.8%)

ABC Classic 1.7% (2.1%)
Cume: 209,000 (-65,000)
Breakfast: 1.5% (2%)

3MP 1377 1.6% (1.2%)
Cume: 166,000 (+1,000)
Breakfast: 1% (0.7%)

Magic 1278 1.6% (1.4%)
Cume: 178,000 (+15,000)
Breakfast: 1% (0.8%)

ABC NewsRadio 1.2% (1.6%)
Cume: 265,000 (+27,000)
Breakfast: 1.9% (2%)

ABC Radio National 1.2% (1.3%)
Cume: 130,000 (-28,000)
Breakfast: 2.4% (2.2%)

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It’s been a rollercoaster week for Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

After being brutally critiqued about her failed Netflix deal in a Variety story two days ago, she’s now shared happy photos of herself and her daughter, Princess Lilibet, four, on Instagram.

The post on her Meghan, Duchess of Sussex account, doubles as a promotion of her lifestyle brand As Ever’s new collaboration with luxury flower company High Camp Supply.

“Something is blooming. A new collaboration with @highcampgardenias arrives tomorrow,” the caption says. “Sign up for the launch reminder so you don’t miss it.”

It could also have been captioned, “Netflix, who?”

 

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A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan)

‘Meghan ruffled feathers in meetings’

The Variety story details Netflix’s collaboration with Meghan’s lifestyle brand, which it had partnered with last year. Although both parties claimed the working relationship ended positively, sources told the magazine that wasn’t so.

One alleged Meghan would “disappear” during Zoom meetings when she was offended by someone: “The mood in the building is, ‘we’re done’.”

According to another source, both Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan’s behaviour has “ruffled feathers in meetings”.

Netflix split was ‘always intended’

Unhappy with her portrayal in the story, Meghan’s lawyer said:  “[Meghan] works from home, is the mother of young children aged 4 and 6, and often encounters children who enter the space unexpectedly during a meeting.”

Netflix also responded, with a spokesperson insisting to Page Six that the split was mutual.

“Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life,” the statement said.

“As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.”

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LinkedIn has expanded its BrandLink offering to Australia, with The CEO Magazine becoming the first local publisher to join the program.

The rollout gives Australian advertisers access to pre-roll video placements alongside premium publisher and creator content on LinkedIn. BrandLink enables marketers to place video ads adjacent to trusted editorial content, a format that LinkedIn says is increasingly important as B2B marketers seek stronger trust signals and measurable returns.

‘Trust is what moves buyers’

The launch coincides with new findings from LinkedIn’s Global B2B Marketing Outlook, which found 82% of global B2B marketers using trusted voices believe those campaigns are essential for measurable ROI.

The research also found 56% of B2B buyers who engage with creators rely on their input during the final stage of the buying process.

LinkedIn said video is also becoming central to B2B conversion, with 81% of chief marketing officers saying video accelerates sales cycles compared with other formats.

A further 81% of marketers using creators said reducing investment in creator partnerships would directly impact revenue opportunities.

Andrea Rule, director of LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, said Australian marketers are increasingly focused on trust at scale.

“Australian B2B marketers have long understood that trust is what moves buyers, and what’s changed is the scale at which you can now build it,” Rule said.

“BrandLink gives brands a direct way to show up alongside the credible, professional content their audiences are already engaging with, and The CEO Magazine is exactly the kind of trusted voice that makes that possible in this market.”

The CEO Magazine joins global publisher group

Chris Dutton, founder of The CEO Magazine, said the partnership creates new reach for Australian executive content.

“As the first Australian publisher to join LinkedIn’s BrandLink, The CEO Magazine is bringing inspiring leadership stories to a broader professional audience,” Dutton said.

“Together, we’re creating a powerful environment where brands align with trusted executive content and engage ambitious decision-makers shaping tomorrow’s business landscape.”

The CEO Magazine joins an existing BrandLink publisher roster that includes Bloomberg, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters and TED, alongside more than 40 global media outlets.

Top Image: Andrea Rule

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Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) has launched a new Influencer Giveaway Information Sheet to help creators, agencies, and brands navigate the legal and compliance requirements for social media giveaways.

The document, developed exclusively for AiMCO and shaped by member feedback, outlines the key legal rules and best-practice standards that apply when running online promotions in Australia.

It covers permits and legal requirements, terms and conditions, draw processes, winner publication obligations, prize restrictions and creator responsibilities, alongside real-world examples designed to help influencers understand how trade promotion laws apply in practice.

New guide targets compliance gaps in creator promotions

The information sheet was developed by AiMCO’s Industry Advisory Council and Creator Advisory Council, with input from legal specialists in promotional compliance, state lottery and gaming regulators, and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Patrick Whitnall, managing director of AiMCO, said giveaways are often misunderstood despite carrying clear legal obligations.

“Social media giveaways have become increasingly commonplace in Australia, as brands, influencers and small businesses use them to grow their followers, promote their products or collect leads,” Whitnall said.

“Giveaways, whether run by a brand or a creator, are considered trade promotions in Australia and are governed by state-based or federal laws. Influencers are legally responsible for what they promote, and failing to comply with consumer laws may result in penalties, claims or reputational damage, so it’s critical our members understand their obligations.”

“This information sheet is designed to provide best-practice guidelines for promotions – we’re encouraging our members to consider these before they run any online promotion, and to treat giveaways with the same rigour as other campaigns.”

Amplify backs clearer standards

Sonja Stindl, general manager at Amplify, said clearer industry guidance is increasingly necessary as creators assume greater responsibility for campaigns.

“Giveaways sound simple, but there’s a lot of compliance behind them. Too often, creators are unaware of requirements or expected to coordinate the moving parts without clear, consistent guidance,” Stindl said.

“We work closely with our talent across all facets of partnerships, including helping them understand obligations and reduce risk for everyone involved.”

“That’s why the information sheet from AiMCO is a valuable resource and an important step forward for our industry. It helps set consistent expectations for brands, agencies and talent, making it easier to run giveaways the right and compliant way.”

More regulation expected as sector nears $1bn

AiMCO said the giveaway guide is the latest in a growing suite of sector resources covering taxation, compliance, campaign measurement, gifting and responsible alcohol advertising.

Last year the organisation also released its Family and Child Influencer Information Sheet, focused on ethical treatment of children in family and parenting influencer campaigns.

Whitnall said the sector is moving into a more regulated phase as influencer investment continues to rise.

“As the influencer marketing sector in Australia continues to grow, we have an obligation to continue to provide industry-leading resources for our members,” he said.

“This year, the national influencer marketing industry is expected to hit the $1 billion mark, showing just how important influencer campaigns and partnerships have become to brands.”

“As the industry grows, rules and ethical guidelines are becoming stricter. This year, we’re expecting the sector to become more regulated and professional, and we’re a driving force behind that.”

The Influencer Giveaway Information Sheet is available to AiMCO members

Top Image: AiMCO

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The ACMA has requested that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The ACMA can ask ISPs to help it disrupt illegal online content by blocking access to websites. This authority is given to us under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (section 313).

The latest sites blocked include:

• C***spin
• Frumzi
• Great Win
• MyStake
• Oh My Spins
• RetroBet
• The Dog House 2 Slot
• Viperwin

The ACMA explains that “website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1,564 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.

“Over 225 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.”

The ACMA reminds consumers that even if a service looks legal and doesn’t cause suspicion, “it’s unlikely to have important customer protections”, meaning that users risk losing their money.

You can check if an online service is licensed to operate in Australia on the register.

 

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Why the ACMA will block an illegal gambling site

The ACMA says:

“We will ask an internet service provider to block access to a website where serious criminal or civil offences are involved.

“This includes breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA)—for example, if a website is:

1. providing prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia (such as online casinos, online slot machines and services that allow in-play online sports betting)
2. providing an unlicensed regulated interactive gambling service to customers in Australia (such as online betting services that don’t have a valid Australian licence)
3. publishing ads for prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.”

Users also have the option to complain about a blocked site.

Information about online gambling is available on the ACMA’s website, including information on how to protect yourself and instructions on how to make a complaint about an illegal site.

Top image: AI-generated man online

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Harmony Week is putting renewed attention on the role of Australia’s community broadcasters, with the sector highlighting its reach across more than 100 languages and its contribution to multicultural connection nationwide.

According to the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, community radio and television stations now deliver 500 radio services and two television services across the country, reaching 5.4 million listeners each week.

The sector says thousands of hours of community language programming are produced weekly, supporting diaspora communities, new migrants, and local audiences who are often underserved by mainstream media.

Community stations extend multicultural reach

Dedicated multicultural community stations operate in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, while general community broadcasters also carry language and cultural programming tailored to local communities.

Faith-based services and emerging digital-only broadcasters are also contributing to multilingual output across the sector.

Audience figures show more than 1.5 million culturally and linguistically diverse Australians tune into community radio each week, spending an average of more than 15 hours listening.

Sector leaders point to the social cohesion impact

Jon Bisset, CBAA CEO, said community broadcasting remains central to Australia’s multicultural media landscape.

“Community broadcasting plays a vital role in strengthening multiculturalism in Australia. Every week, community radio stations broadcast in more than 100 languages and produce thousands of hours of community language programs covering local news and information, arts and culture, local events which helps all Australians stay connected to community and each other,” Bisset said.

“By amplifying diverse voices every day, community broadcasters make sure Australia’s media reflects the full richness of the people who live here.”

Chad Phillips, Membership and Engagement Coordinator at the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting Council, said: Multicultural broadcasting also creates space for culturally diverse creators and for local storytelling.

“Multicultural broadcasting is vital because it empowers Australian broadcasters and content creators from CALD and multicultural backgrounds to share their languages, cultures, and stories, enriching the Australian media landscape while strengthening social cohesion and ensuring diverse communities have a strong and representative voice,” Phillips said.

George Salloum, president of 3ZZZ, said local language broadcasting remains critical to representation and belonging.

“Multicultural community radio gives people the chance to hear their own language, share their culture and feel truly seen and heard. At 3ZZZ our volunteers bring communities together through storytelling, music and conversation, helping strengthen connection and understanding across Melbourne’s diverse society.”

Eduardo Jordan, executive producer of programs including The Wire and Fair Comment at 4EB, said multilingual current affairs programming is increasingly important as misinformation grows.

“Multicultural broadcasting is essential to keep social cohesion among our communities because it has a sense of belonging and a sense of culture. With more than 200 nationalities living in Australia, these are critical in giving support and connection to new migrants, refugees, and Australians with a cultural background,” Jordan said.

“In terms of news and current affairs, Fair Comment and The Wire are providing information to these communities in a time where misinformation is rapidly increasing, putting our communities at the centre of stories.”

Pattie Todorovic, station manager of 5EBI, said local multilingual radio remains essential for migrant and refugee communities.

“Community and multicultural broadcasting is especially important in a Multicultural Australia, where diverse communities rely on stations like 5EBI Ethnic Broadcasters Incorporated to stay connected and informed,” Todorovic said.

“As Adelaide’s dedicated ethnic community radio station, 5EBI has been serving the community for over 50 years, providing programs in many languages that allow local migrant and refugee communities to hear news, share stories, music and celebrate culture in a way that reflects their everyday lives in South Australia.

“It helps people understand local services, events, and issues specific to Adelaide, making it easier for newcomers to settle and feel part of the community. At the same time, it brings different cultural groups together by promoting understanding and respect, strengthening social cohesion across the city.

“Being run by local volunteers, 5EBI also gives multicultural communities the chance to actively participate in media, build skills, and ensure their communities are represented, making it a vital part of Adelaide’s multicultural identity.”

Roadmap 2033 sets a long-term focus

The sector’s long-term priorities are outlined in Roadmap 2033, a 10-year strategy aimed at ensuring community broadcasting remains accessible, inclusive and representative of contemporary Australia.

Around 18,000 volunteers continue to support programming across the sector, contributing on air and behind the scenes to content reflecting local languages, cultures and lived experiences.

Top Image: Award Winners at the 2025 NEMBC Conference

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The news industry has a problem. Audiences are switching off, advertising models face relentless pressure, and public trust continues eroding to uncomfortable lows.

At the National Press Club in Canberra this week, a confronting diagnosis threatened to make traditional news directors squirm.

Ulrik Haagerup, founder and chief executive officer of Constructive Institute, took the podium to argue the media itself might be part of the problem. Haagerup, a former news director for the Danish public broadcaster DR, suggested the old industry adage of “if it bleeds, it leads” simply fails to work anymore.

I was fortunate to attend the address alongside Vanessa Lyons, chief executive officer of ThinkNewsBrands. And the message felt particularly resonant for for our own backyard.

The news avoidance epidemic

The digital revolution fundamentally challenges the news sector, threatening its values and business models.

And Haagerup pointed out that the industry’s panic response over the past 15 years involved turning up the volume to fight for attention.

This strategy created more shock headlines, shorter stories, and a heavier reliance on extreme views to generate clicks and likes.

Now a growing cohort of ‘news avoiders’ exists. Haagerup noted that society finds it acceptable, especially among women and young people, to openly state traditional news fails to serve them.

Audiences find modern journalism depressing, overwhelming, and biased.

“We angle our news stories on conflict and drama to get the clicks, the lights, and the views,” Haagerup said, acknowledging his own past practices in the pursuit of meeting those never-ending KPIs (key performance indicators).

Rebuilding trust with constructive journalism

Haagerup says that the alternative to this cycle is ‘constructive journalism’. And he quickly clarified this approach avoids public relations, advocacy, or a mandate to say that the “sky is blue during a rainstorm.”

Instead, it acts as an addition to traditional breaking news and investigative reporting. Constructive journalism asks the critical questions of “now what” and “how”.

It involves presenting documented, potential solutions to the societal problems the media so adeptly highlights.

Haagerup shared examples of local and regional newsrooms turning their fortunes around by adopting this mindset.

By pivoting from merely observing events to acting as the glue of their communities, these outlets watched circulation and finances improve.

The commercial case for constructive news

For publishers worrying this approach sounds precisely like a fast track to bankruptcy, Haagerup brought the receipts.

He pointed to the Danish digital startup Zetland. It’s a newsroom built entirely on constructive journalism that operates without a single advertisement.

Employing 70 news staff, the platform now reaches twice the number of digital subscribers compared to the largest traditional Danish news providers. The market demand proved so intense that 5,000 Norwegians signed up to pay for a localised version of Zetland before journalists even published a single story.

“We have examples of newsrooms who actually are very profitable,” Haagerup said.

He noted the model works commercially because it delivers genuine value rather than fleeting outrage. Constructive journalism, he argued, is not only good for democracy and self-esteem, but it is also good to trust and pass online.

The local push for fact-checked news

This movement is already planting roots locally. Haagerup highlighted the launch of the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific at Monash University, which recently welcomed its first cohort of journalism fellows to rethink the future of storytelling.

For ThinkNewsBrands, the themes of Haagerup’s address snugly aligned with their ongoing fight. The mission to prove the value of premium news environments to advertisers and the general public.

“Ulrik Haagerup’s National Press Club address reinforced something we strongly advocate for at ThinkNewsBrands, that journalism brings communities together and strengthens democracy,” Lyons said following the event.

Lyons noted the distinct difference between verified reporting and the noise of social feeds.

“Everyone can tell stories on their own platforms. Journalism is different, it’s fact checked, source verified, and trusted,” she said. “At a time of misinformation, AI-generated content, and algorithmic amplification, reinforcing trust in news and journalism has never been more important. We’re excited to see the Constructive Institute expand in our region through the Asia Pacific Hub and the Constructive Journalism Fellowship.”

Offering a way forward

As the media industry navigates an era of artificial intelligence and algorithmic disruption, Haagerup’s core message is clear. If publishers want to retain their audiences and their advertisers, they need to offer something more valuable than outrage.

They need to offer a way forward.

Feature image- Ulrik Haagerup, founder and CEO of the Constructive Institute: file.

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At Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut, we don’t celebrate success without acknowledging the cost.

This podcast strips away the gloss to explore the moments where growth feels uncertain, uncomfortable, and deeply human.

Unscripted and unrehearsed, each conversation reveals what really happens when people are tested, stretched, and forced to reinvent themselves, in business and in life.

I’ve pulled together three standout episodes into The risk behind the reward playlist, each one unpacking the real risks, hard lessons, and turning points that shape business journeys. Scaling too fast. Making the wrong call. Carrying the weight alone. Here’s what building a business really looks like.

Featured episodes

Daniel Willis – CEO of Claxon, Founder of 103. From a derailed professional soccer career to the collapse of an internationally successful fashion brand, Daniel’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. He shares what it takes to start again after failure (twice!), rebuild confidence, and step back into leadership when everything is on the line.

Jacquie Alley – COO of The Media Store. Jacquie takes us inside the rarely discussed reality of transitioning from employee to owner. She speaks candidly about the pressure, responsibility, and vulnerability that come with leadership, and how embracing imperfection has shaped both her business and her life as a working mother.

Taz Papoulias – Founder of Seamless Media. After personal loss and deep betrayal in business, Taz reflects on rebuilding trust, redefining success, and leading with humanity. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurial growth isn’t just strategic, it’s emotional, reflective, and deeply personal.

Your host

Hosted by Rowena Millward, global expert in growth and reinvention, two-time best-selling author, and creator of Uncomfortable Growth®. Rowena brings accessible wisdom to the moments that matter most, helping leaders turn trials into turning points and create what comes next.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify

🌱 Want to work with Rowena? Visit her website to explore speaking, consulting, mentoring, and leadership programs. Because the biggest rewards often come from the risks no one sees, and the growth that happens when you choose not to walk away.

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Monique Harris, chief executive officer of Convo Media, shares her final dispatch from South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin.

When I finally made it to SXSW in Austin, within the first 24 hours I had a bit of a moment.

I took a driverless ride in a Waymo, watched a cowboy hat-wearing robot flirt in Gen Z slang, and tried to keep up with a conference agenda so heavily focused on AI you might think developers were quietly phasing humans out.

But coming out the other side, something became clear. The more AI I saw and heard about, the more obvious it became that it will never be the main event.

People are.

The main event is still human

AI dominated SXSW 2026, and there is no denying it. But the conversation clearly shifted from what AI can do to what it already does across marketing, media and creativity.

From Scott Galloway, to Jamie Lee Curtis speaking about becoming a boss at 67, to Steven Spielberg, Amy Webb delivering her Future Report, and Jonah Peretti reminding us that “the internet has been optimised to death,” the message rang clear.

We now embed AI in how we plan, create, optimise and measure. It is not coming. It is here.

And honestly, that is exciting.

For the first time in a long time, we have tools that remove friction from the process and give us space to focus on better thinking, better ideas and better outcomes.

The power of human connection

But for all the talk of automation, scale and efficiency, the best parts of SXSW had nothing to do with AI. They were human.

The random conversations in coffee lines, the debates after sessions, the Aussie event that turned into hours of swapping stories and ideas.

And singing until 3 am at a piano bar with ad agency folks from all over the world.

Just the raw energy of a city filled with people who are curious, open and optimistic about what comes next. You cannot automate that. And you definitely cannot replace it.

Even walking through Austin, with music pouring out of every bar and people connecting everywhere you looked, it served as a reminder that creativity remains alive and well. Not despite technology, alongside it.

We are in recalibration

One of the most consistent themes across the week was not fear, but recalibration.

AI acts brilliantly at speed, scale and removing the heavy lifting. But it remains just a tool.

As Airtory chief executive officer Julian Frachtman shared with me, AI holds a clear role in performance and production for digital media.

But when it comes to brand, storytelling, and how something actually lands with an audience, humans stand firmly in control.

And that feels right. The magic in marketing never came from efficiency alone. It comes from ideas, instinct and collaboration.

From attention to connection

Another shift I noticed happened in the marketing conversation itself.

For years, we chased attention at all costs: more reach, more impressions, more noise.

Now, the focus shifts toward connection, relevance and meaning, and that is where humans thrive.

Understanding people, culture and context does not represent something you can outsource completely. It comes from lived experience, perspective and, importantly, collaboration.

In a world flooded with content, being in the right place, at the right time, alongside the right storytelling, is what cuts through. AI does not replace that. If anything, AI amplifies it.

The thing AI will never replace

My favourite reminder came from Faith Popcorn, who at 82 is still one of the sharpest, most inspiring voices I heard all week.

She made it crystal clear: the one thing AI will never have is empathy, and that is where the magic of great marketing lives and will continue to truly live.

SXSW 2026 left me with a clear sense that while AI may take centre stage, the magic is still, and always will be, human.

I left Austin inspired, slightly exhausted, and more motivated than ever to embrace AI as a tool to drive the work we are doing at Convo Media even further.

The final verdict

And for anyone thinking about making the trip to SXSW in 2027, do it.

It challenges you, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and reminds you that this industry still overflows with big ideas, big thinking and real opportunity.

Sometimes, you just need to step away from the tech, lean into the human side of it all, and let the experience remind you how powerful this industry can be.

SXSW 2026: The wrap

• The Good: The people, the energy, openness and real-world connection you simply cannot replicate with technology.
• The Bad: A chaotic festival experience, long lines, full sessions and a missing centre of gravity.
• The Ugly: An industry identity crisis. We stand on the cusp of something new, and while exciting, it can feel uneasy at times.

Feature image- Monique Harris, Convo Media: supplied.

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Brisbane Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 1 2026
Survey Period: Sun 18 January to Sat 28 February 2026.

Biggest Movers:
UP: KIIS 973 +1.3
DOWN: Nova 106.9 -3

104.5 Triple M 13.1% (12.1%)
Cume: 583,000 (+44,000)
Breakfast: 14% (11.8%)

KIIS 973 11.7% (10.4%)
Cume: 561,000 (+59,000)
Breakfast: 12.3% (10.2%)

B 105 10.9% (10.4%)
Cume: 628,000 (+19,000)
Breakfast: 12.1% (11.5%)

4Bh 1116 10.6% (10.3%)
Cume: 254,000 (+14,000)
Breakfast: 11.2% (10.9%)

Nova 106.9 8% (11%)
Cume: 587,000 (-25,000)
Breakfast: 9.3% (12.9%)

ABC Brisbane 6% (6%)
Cume: 250,000 (+32,000)
Breakfast: 8.3% (7.8%)

Triple J 5.4% (4.7%)
Cume: 360,000 (+57,000)
Breakfast: 4.7% (4.6%)

4BC 882 4.2% (5.1%)
Cume: 134,000 (-4,000)
Breakfast: 3.4% (4.6%)

ABC Classic 2.3% (2.1%)
Cume: 99,000 (-20,000)
Breakfast: 1.5% (1.8%)

ABC Radio National 1.4% (1.5%)
Cume: 75,000 (+1,000)
Breakfast: 2% (2.3%)

ABC NewsRadio 1.2% (1.7%)
Cume: 99,000 (-6,000)
Breakfast: 1.7% (2.8%)

SENQ 693 0.5% (0.7%)
Cume: 63,000 (+18,000)
Breakfast: 0.4% (1%)

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Adelaide Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 1 2026
Survey Period: Sun 18 January to Sat 28 February 2026.

Biggest Movers:
UP: Cruise 1323 +2.5
DOWN: KIIS 1023 -3.3

Triple M Adelaide 12.5% (13.9%)
Cume: 307,000 (+23,000)
Breakfast: 14.4% (15.1%)

Nova 91.9 10.9% (10.1%)
Cume: 329,000 (-20,000)
Breakfast: 9.7% (9.8%)

KIIS 1023 9.6% (12.9%)
Cume: 247,000 (-123,000)
Breakfast: 8% (10.8%)

SAFM 9.1% (8.7%)
Cume: 319,000 (+51,000)
Breakfast: 8.9% (7.2%)

Cruise 1323 8.8% (6.3%)
Cume: 185,000 (steady)
Breakfast: 7% (5.9%)

FIVEaa 7.9% (9.1%)
Cume: 152,000 (+11,000)
Breakfast: 11.7% (13%)

ABC Adelaide 7.6% (6.9%)
Cume: 147,000 (+3,000)
Breakfast: 11.3% (11.3%)

Triple J 5.5% (4.4%)
Cume: 187,000 (+36,000)
Breakfast: 5.1% (4.8%)

ABC NewsRadio 2.1% (1.6%)
Cume: 82,000 (+3,000)
Breakfast: 3.1% (3%)

ABC Radio National 1.5% (1.5%)
Cume: 51,000 (+8,000)
Breakfast: 1.9% (2.4%)

ABC Classic 1.4% (1.4%)
Cume: 61,000 (+9,000)
Breakfast: 2% (1.2%)

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Perth Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 1 2026
Survey Period: Sun 18 January to Sat 28 February 2026.

Biggest Movers:
UP: 6PR +2.6
DOWN: Gold 96Fm -1.8

Nova 93.7 16.1% (15.4%)
Cume: 679,000 (+29,000)
Breakfast: 17.6% (17.7%)

Gold 96Fm 11.6% (13.4%)
Cume: 391,000 (-99,000)
Breakfast: 9.7% (11.2%)

Mix 94.5 11.6% (11.9%)
Cume: 549,000 (-11,000)
Breakfast: 11.3% (11%)

92.9 Triple M 8.5% (9.3%)
Cume: 437,000 (+25,000)
Breakfast: 9.7% (13%)

6PR 7.8% (5.2%)
Cume: 215,000 (+25,000)
Breakfast: 11.2% (8.5%)

Triple J 6.9% (6.4%)
Cume: 348,000 (+51,000)
Breakfast: 6.5% (6.4%)

ABC Per 6.3% (6.1%)
Cume: 239,000 (+31,000)
Breakfast: 7.6% (7.6%)

6iX 5% (4.3%)
Cume: 139,000 (+11,000)
Breakfast: 4.2% (2.9%)

ABC Classic 2% (2.1%)
Cume: 95,000 (-7,000)
Breakfast: 2% (2.1%)

ABC NewsRadio 1.3% (1.4%)
Cume: 89,000 (steady)
Breakfast: 1.3% (1.7%)

ABC Radio National 0.9% (1.2%)
Cume: 52,000 (-10,000)
Breakfast: 1% (1.4%)

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