Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is heading into 2026 backing scale, stability and live-and-local audio, unveiling a largely unchanged national radio line-up just weeks after Seven West Media (SWM) officially absorbed SCA in a landmark Australian media deal.
The completed takeover has consolidated one of the nation’s largest audio footprints under a single banner, and SCA is wasting no time signalling what comes next: proven talent, familiar formats and advertiser-safe environments across Hit, Triple M and LiSTNR, at a time when brands are demanding certainty in an increasingly fragmented media market.
Stability as strategy in a post-merger landscape
With the SWM acquisition now complete, SCA is pitching confidence and continuity.
The broadcaster confirmed it will again deliver locally produced metro Breakfast shows across its key markets, alongside AFL and NRL Rush Hour programming on Triple M – positioning live audio as a premium, scalable alternative to volatile digital and social platforms.
SCA Head of Broadcast Content Matthew O’Reilly said radio’s value lies in its daily relevance and intimacy with audiences.
“Audio remains a compelling offering because it’s personal, immediate and connected to people’s daily lives. Live, and local announcers and content are at the core of what sets radio apart, wherever or however they consume content, whether in a car, streaming on their phones, or engaging with us via social media and podcasts,” O’Reilly said.
The subtext is clear: following consolidation, SCA is leaning into what advertisers still trust – reach with accountability.
Melbourne and Sydney anchor the commercial engine
In Melbourne, Fifi, Fev & Nick return to The Fox after another year of share growth, with SCA highlighting locally driven moments that also scale nationally, including Brekky in the Burbs and The Underdogs. The trio will again extend their reach via The Happy Hour nationally in the evenings.
Triple M Melbourne’s Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie also returns after a debut year of audience and share growth, reinforcing SCA’s confidence in sport-adjacent, comedy-led breakfast formats that attract both mass audiences and brand partnerships.
In Sydney, Triple M Breakfast with Beau Ryan, Aaron Woods and Cat Lynch enters its second year, while 2DayFM’s Nath & Emma returns in one of the country’s toughest radio markets.
Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide lock in dominance
SCA continues to hold a commanding position in Brisbane, with Triple M’s Marto, Margaux & Dan and B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt both locked in for 2026. Between the two stations, SCA has held the number one P10+ position for 16 consecutive surveys.
In Perth, Triple M’s Xav & Katie returns under a multi-year deal, while Mix94.5’s Pete & Kymba is set for what SCA describes as its biggest year yet.
Adelaide’s Triple M Breakfast with Roo, Ditts & Loz returns after dominating 22 of the past 23 surveys, while SAFM’s Bel, Bernie & Emma G builds on a breakout 2025 performance with females 25–54.
National drive shows and advertiser-safe scale
National Drive remains a key commercial pillar.
Carrie & Tommy continues its eight-year run, while Triple M’s Rush Hour franchise remains a powerful audience and revenue engine across AFL and NRL markets, including The Rush Hour with JB & Billy and its state-based variants.
With the SWM acquisition complete, SCA is now operating with greater national leverage across broadcast, digital audio, podcasts and live sport – a scale play designed to attract brands seeking reach, safety and integration without the volatility of algorithm-led platforms.
The full line-up returns from Monday, January 19, 2026, positioning SCA post-merger as a single, integrated audio partner for advertisers seeking certainty in an uncertain market.