We Interrupt This Broadcast has announced a new chapter for 2026, revealing Loani Arman, Aven Yap and Robbie Miles as new co-hosts, joining continuing host Kirsty Stark.
The Australian screen industry podcast has built a strong following for its sharp analysis and long-form conversations with the people shaping film, television and digital media.
The expanded hosting lineup signals an evolution in the show’s scope as it looks ahead to the future of the sector.
The announcement follows the departure of founding co-host Julie Eckersley, who played a central role in establishing the podcast and has since taken on a new role at Screen Queensland.
Kirsty Stark said the transition marked both a farewell and an opportunity for growth.
“Building We Interrupt This Broadcast with Julie has been such a rewarding experience and I’ll miss having her as a co-host as she takes up her new role with Screen Queensland,” Stark said.
“I’m now genuinely excited to welcome Loani, Aven, and Robbie, who each bring different perspectives and ideas to expand the scope and impact of the podcast in 2026.”
New voices, diverse perspectives
The incoming co-hosts bring a mix of creative, strategic and production experience across the Australian and international screen industries.
Loani Arman is a writer, director and screen executive with more than two decades in the industry. Her work includes the AIDC Award-winning documentary My Body Says and executive producing the AACTA-winning series Latecomers. She most recently co-wrote a feature film adaptation of a major horror property.
Aven Yap is a producer, writer and content creator working across Australia and Asia, and the founder of Nimbus Creative.
His credits span scripted and documentary projects for ABC, Nine and Disney+/NatGeo. His award-winning short Piano Mums is currently being developed as a feature with support from Screen Queensland and Screen Australia.
Robbie Miles is a producer, educator and screen industry strategist, currently leading industry engagement at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
He also develops projects across film, television and digital platforms through Miles Ahead Productions.
Industry momentum and audience growth
Since launching in 2025, We Interrupt This Broadcast has emerged as one of Australia’s standout screen industry podcasts.
According to Spotify Wrapped data, the show ranked among the top debut podcasts globally across all categories, outperforming 96 per cent of new shows and earning more shares than 98 per cent of its peers.
The new hosting team will make its on-air debut from 20 February 2026, with episodes released weekly.
The hosts will also make their first public appearance together at the AACTA Festival on the Gold Coast, where the podcast will present a panel and interactive session exploring major ideas shaping the future of the Australian screen industry.
What the new hosts are saying
Arman said she was looking forward to contributing to a broader and more inclusive conversation.
“I’m thrilled to join the team to help spark thoughtful, inclusive, and energised conversations that highlight new voices, untold stories, and explore more collaborative ways of creating in our industry,” she said.
Yap said the podcast’s focus on disruption and dialogue resonated with him.
“After COVID, the strikes, and the upheaval across the media landscape, it’s become clear how vulnerable our industry really is,” he said. “I joined the podcast to help shift the conversation toward putting power, agency, and self-determination back into the hands of practitioners.”
Miles said the show played an important role in demystifying industry change.
“I take it as a personal mission to help translate complex ideas and shifting industry dynamics into actionable insights for our listeners,” he said. “I also selfishly want to see more great Australian content.”
We Interrupt This Broadcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The podcast is sponsored by AFTRS and is a media partner of the AACTA Festival for 2026.
Top image: Robbie Miles, Loani Arman, Kristy Stark, and Aven Yap