ARN and GOLD launch 'Save Our Pub' with Christian O’Connell

ARN and the GOLD Network have launched Save Our Pub, a national audience-led content initiative driven by The Christian O’Connell Show.

The campaign celebrates the role local pubs play in Australian communities, while rallying support for venues doing it tough across the country. With principal partner XXXX on board, Save Our Pub calls on Australians to nominate the local pubs they believe deserve recognition and support.

Backing the local

Over the coming weeks, Christian O’Connell will spotlight the stories behind much-loved pubs, including the people who run them, the locals who support them and the challenges they face.

Five pubs across Australia will each receive a $5,000 boost. The six-week campaign will run across GOLD’s national network, as well as digital, social, out-of-home and on-ground activations.

ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub said the campaign reflects the network’s push to build content ideas that travel beyond radio.

“Save Our Pub is a perfect example of how we’re building modern content experiences – radio-first ideas that are designed to connect across audio, video, social and real life,” Elstub said.

“At its heart, it’s about people, community, and shared stories.”

XXXX joins as principal partner

XXXX has joined the campaign as principal partner, with the partnership brokered by EssenceMediacom.

Karen Sterling-Levis, Lion Core Beer Brand Director, said the campaign aligns with XXXX’s connection to local pubs.

“XXXX has always stood for easy-going good times shared with mates, and pubs are where those moments come to life every day,” Sterling-Levis said.

“We’re proud to support this exciting project that recognises the important role the ‘local’ plays in creating connection, community, and memorable moments – over a cold beer, of course.”

Audience-led content

Jenni Lees, Director of Integrate by ARN, said Save Our Pub shows how brands can play a meaningful role in audience-led content.

“The most effective partnerships today aren’t about interruption; they’re about enabling action,” Lees said.

“Save Our Pub shows how brands can support ideas that audiences genuinely care about, while still delivering scale and impact.”

The campaign was first unveiled as part of ARN’s 2026 Upfront slate and reflects the company’s shift toward large-scale ideas across audio, video, social and live experiences.

Nominations for Save Our Pub are now open via the GOLD website.

The Christian O’Connell Show airs from 6 am to 9 am weekdays on GOLD101.7 in Sydney, GOLD104.3 in Melbourne, GOLD DAB+ in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, and via the free iHeart app.

Top image: Christian O’Connell

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