What Southern Cross Austereo does

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), now operating as Southern Cross Media Group following its January 2026 merger with Seven West Media, is Australia's largest commercial radio broadcaster. The company owns and operates 104 radio stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ spectrum under the Triple M and Hit Network brands, reaching more than 8.7 million weekly listeners and holding a 37.1% commercial share of the P25-54 demographic. SCA also provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations and global audio platforms SoundCloud and Sonos Radio.

The company's core technology platform is LiSTNR, a free digital audio application offering radio simulcasts, more than 800 podcast titles, 50+ music playlists, and live sports streaming (AFL, NRL, international cricket). LiSTNR reaches 2.5 million signed-in users and an estimated 10 million Australians monthly. The LiSTNR AdTech Hub layers advertising technology including the Precision+ AI engine for audience intelligence and Dynamic Creative Optimization, the Influencer Extender (powered by Fabulate) for creator-led campaigns, and clean room solutions for privacy-compliant data matching. SCA's technology stack integrates third-party platforms including AdsWizz, LiveRamp, The Trade Desk, and Covatic for programmatic and targeted advertising.

SCA generates revenue predominantly through advertising across four streams: traditional radio airtime sales, digital audio advertising through the LiSTNR AdTech Hub, podcast monetization via host-read ads and dynamic insertion, and live sports broadcasting rights. Additional revenue comes from national sales representation commissions for regional stations and international audio platforms. The LiSTNR consumer app is free and ad-supported. The customer base comprises Australian advertisers seeking reach in the P25-54 demographic, with named enterprise cases including Guzman y Gomez in food and beverage. Following the Seven West Media merger, the combined entity operates across audio, broadcast television, publishing, and digital, though core financial metrics showed revenue decline of 1.5% and EBITDA decline of 14.5% in the December 2025 half-year, and leadership instability with the removal of CEO Jeff Howard in February 2026.

Name

Southern Cross Austereo

Legal name

Southern Cross Austereo Pty Ltd

Website

https://sca.com.au

Company type

Public

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Southern Cross Austereo is Australia's largest commercial radio broadcaster, operating 104 radio stations under Hit and Triple M networks and the LiSTNR digital audio platform, serving advertisers and Australian consumers with audio content across radio, podcasts, music, and sports.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Radio Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Media Representatives (541840)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Commercial Terrestrial Radio Broadcasting (AM/FM) (MPAIAEAA), Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE), Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming) (MPAIACAB), Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication (MPAIAEAG), Music & Audio Streaming Platforms (BPAMAJAC)

Keywords

• Commercial radio broadcasting
• Digital audio platform
• Audio advertising technology
• Podcast distribution
• Live sports broadcasting

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Radio Advertising: Traditional broadcast radio advertising sales across FM, AM, and DAB+ stations under Hit and Triple M network brands. Advertisers purchase airtime based on audience reach and demographic targeting across metro and regional markets.
2. Digital Audio Advertising: Programmatic and targeted advertising across the LiSTNR platform including audio ads, display ads, video podcast content, and sponsored segments. Revenue generated through the LiSTNR AdTech Hub enabling personalized and optimized campaign delivery.
3. Podcast Monetization: Monetization of podcast content through host-read ads, dynamic ad insertion, branded content partnerships, and influencer collaborations. Platform hosts over 800 podcast titles from leading Australian and global creators.
4. Sports Broadcasting Rights: Live sports coverage including AFL, NRL, and international cricket streamed on LiSTNR. Revenue derived from advertising during sports broadcasts and potential subscription components.
5. National Sales Representation: SCA provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations and global audio platforms including SoundCloud and Sonos Radio, earning commission or representation fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Southern Cross Austereo operates Australia's largest commercial radio broadcasting network with 104 owned stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ under the Hit and Triple M brands, reaching over 8.7 million weekly listeners. The company runs the LiSTNR digital audio platform, a free personalized app offering radio streaming, over 800 podcast titles, 50+ music playlists, live sports (AFL, NRL, cricket), and news. SCA sells advertising across these owned audio properties and provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations plus global platforms SoundCloud and Sonos Radio, with the LiSTNR AdTech Hub delivering AI-powered campaign targeting and optimization.

Product overview

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is Australia's largest commercial radio broadcaster operating a multi-platform audio ecosystem. The company delivers its offerings through a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on LiSTNR (free digital audio app), the Hit Network, and Triple M radio networks. SCA owns 104 radio stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ and represents 56 regional radio stations. The LiSTNR platform serves as the core digital hub offering radio simulcasts, over 800 podcast titles, live sports (AFL, NRL, international cricket), 50+ music playlists, and news. The LiSTNR AdTech Hub provides advanced campaign management and AI-powered advertising solutions including Precision+ and Influencer Extender. Following the merger with Seven West Media in January 2026, SCA now operates as Southern Cross Media Group with expanded presence across broadcast television, audio, publishing, and digital.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LiSTNR: Free, personalised digital audio app offering radio, podcasts, music, and sport content
• Hit Network
• Triple M

Products and services

• LiSTNR Free, personalised digital audio app offering the best in radio, podcasts, music, and sport; delivers a daily feed of curated content tailored to individual routines and preferences, accessible anytime, anywhere. For Australian consumers seeking on-demand audio content.
• Triple M Iconic Australian radio brand providing a unique blend of Greatest Hits, Sport, and Comedy across 49 stations nationwide, reaching over 4.9 million radio and on-demand listeners each week. For Australian consumers seeking entertainment, sport, and music.
• Hit Network Australia's biggest radio network featuring a vibrant 'feel great' music format, unmissable entertainment, and Australia's most recognisable personalities; entertains more than 5.79 million Australians each week, dominating the 25-54 demo across FM and digital radio.
• LiSTNR AdTech Hub Award-winning advertising technology platform delivering advanced campaign management, measurement, and cross-channel optimization for advertisers, featuring Precision+ AI and Influencer Extender. For brands and media buyers seeking addressable, AI-optimized digital audio campaigns.
• Triple M AFL Coverage Australia's leading AFL audio broadcaster since 2004, featuring commentary from premiership players, Brownlow medallists, and elite journalists with over 5,000 AFL games played between the commentary team. For Australian AFL fans seeking live match coverage and analysis via Triple M and LiSTNR.
• Triple M NRL Coverage Triple M is the NRL's #1 audio network, delivering seven days a week of footy coverage with expert commentary team including historic first female play-by-play caller Emma Lawrence. For Australian NRL fans seeking comprehensive rugby league coverage.
• Kinderling Australian kids' radio and podcast company producing content for children aged zero to seven with award-winning digital radio format; programs like Bedtime Explorers are hosted on LiSTNR. For parents of young children seeking age-appropriate audio content.
• Clubcasts Bite-sized podcasts curated for selected individual AFL and NRL clubs, providing fans with dedicated club-specific content. For Australian sports fans seeking team-focused audio programming.
• SoundCloud Australian Sales Representation National sales representation service in Australia for global open audio platform SoundCloud, monetizing SoundCloud inventory for Australian advertisers. For global audio platforms seeking Australian ad sales reach.
• Sonos Radio Australian Sales Representation National sales representation service in Australia for global audio platform Sonos Radio, monetizing Sonos Radio inventory for Australian advertisers. For global audio platforms seeking Australian ad sales reach.

Quantifiable outcome

• 37.1% commercial share of P25-54 demographic (38 consecutive survey wins)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability7 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• The West AustraliancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Collaboration producing 'Behind the White Line' investigative documentary series investigating Australia's cocaine epidemic. Six-part series published on LiSTNR's Secrets We Keep podcast feed, combining The West Australian's investigative journalism with SCA's audio distribution.
• Southern Cross Media Group (Seven Network)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 20267NEWS Tasmania relocating studio presentation from Launceston to Hobart as part of merger with Southern Cross Media Group. New studio facility in Hobart with broadcast operations from Canberra, modernizing production while maintaining local news coverage.
• The Inspired UnemployedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Comedy duo and social media superstars returning podcast to LiSTNR after two-year hiatus. Matt Ford and Jack Steele bring 4.2 million combined Instagram and TikTok followers, creating authentic content for Australian audiences.
• Life UncutcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 January 2026Popular podcast hosted by Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne, joining LiSTNR with new season. Podcast has over 100 million downloads, 400,000+ monthly listeners, and consistently ranks in top 10 of Australian Podcast Ranker.
• Seven West MediaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Major merger creating Southern Cross Media Group with SCA taking 50.1% majority stake. Finalized January 2026, combining SCA's audio leadership with Seven's television and publishing assets to create one of Australia's most prominent media companies with presence across audio, television, publishing, and digital.
• Orange SkycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Two-year SCA Embrace partnership commencing January 2026. Orange Sky, the world's first free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness, receives in-kind advertising campaigns, strategic support, and consumer insights across SCA's channels.
• Diabetes AustraliacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Two-year SCA Embrace partnership commencing January 2026. Diabetes Australia, the national peak body for diabetes support, receives in-kind advertising campaigns, strategic support, and consumer insights across SCA's national channels.
• Perth BearscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Landmark three-year media partnership with Western Australia's newest NRL franchise beginning January 2026. SCA delivers dedicated airtime and promotional support across Mix94.5, 92.9 Triple M, 34 regional stations, and LiSTNR to build the Perth Bears' brand presence and fan engagement.
• KinderlingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 December 2021SCA acquired Kinderling, an Australian kids' radio and podcast company founded in 2014. Kinderling produces content for children aged zero to seven and has received awards for its digital radio format. The acquisition enhanced SCA's Kids and Family content portfolio on the LiSTNR platform.
• SoundCloudcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSCA provides Australian national sales representation for global open audio platform SoundCloud.
• Sonos RadiocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSCA provides Australian national sales representation for Sonos Radio global audio platform.
• SiriusXMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership for strategic international content collaborations.
• AudacyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership for strategic international content collaborations.
• Hamish & AndycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralia's most successful podcast creators with record 30 Australian Podcast Ranker wins. New 'Hamish & Andy Plus +' feed launched on LiSTNR with exclusive content including 'Quizmas Time' game show series.
• Are You Bogged Mate?minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrassroots mental health organization partnering with Triple M's No Talk Day initiative, encouraging Australian men to prioritize mental wellbeing and start conversations.
• Find Ya FeetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrassroots mental health organization partnering with Triple M's No Talk Day initiative, supporting Australian men's mental health through community connection.
• TIACSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMental health support organization partnering with Triple M's No Talk Day initiative. Text or call TIACS on 0488 846 988 for support (Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm).
• FabulatecoreTechnology or IntegrationAI-powered data platform powering the Influencer Extender tool, identifying and activating relevant creators at scale for integrated audio, social, and PR campaigns.
• Nine Entertainment HoldingsminorOthersNine Entertainment (ASX:NEC) is considering acquiring Southern Cross Austereo following its Domain sale. Discussions reportedly informal and not well-advanced. Nine would need to divest talkback radio stations to comply with Broadcasting Services Act ownership restrictions.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Spotify: Spotify is the global leader in music streaming and a growing podcast and advertising platform. It competes for the same digital audio listening hour — particularly on LiSTNR — and for advertiser digital audio budgets.

Broad incumbents

• Audacy: Audacy operates one of the largest US radio station groups and a digital audio platform. SCA has a strategic content partnership with Audacy, highlighting overlap in their multi-platform broadcast-to-digital strategies.
• iHeartMedia: iHeartMedia is the largest US commercial radio broadcaster with a national multi-platform audio strategy including iHeartRadio. While geographically distant, its mix of owned stations, podcasts, and ad-tech is the closest analog to SCA's LiSTNR + station footprint model at scale.
• SiriusXM: SiriusXM operates a subscription/ad-supported digital audio platform with exclusive content and broad sports rights. SCA lists SiriusXM as a strategic content partner; the platforms target advertisers and listeners in adjacent but distinct ways.
• Global (Media & Entertainment): Global is the UK's largest commercial radio group (Capital, Heart, LBC, Classic FM) with a national digital audio app (Global Player) and podcast operations. Directly comparable in structure to SCA's Hit/Triple M + LiSTNR model.

Others

• SoundCloud: SoundCloud is a global open audio platform for which SCA provides Australian sales representation. While a partner rather than competitor, its independent creator-driven catalogue overlaps with LiSTNR's podcast and music ambitions.

Direct peers

• Nova Entertainment: Nova operates Nova and Smooth FM networks in major Australian metros, directly competing with SCA's Hit and Triple M for both listeners and ad revenue. Its ownership by Illyria reinforces it as a like-for-like commercial radio rival.
• Australian Radio Network (ARN): ARN is SCA's closest direct competitor in Australian commercial radio, operating the KIIS and Pure Gold networks across metro markets. Both compete for the same advertisers, listeners, and talent, and ARN is the natural benchmark against SCA's 37.1% P25-54 share.
• Nine Radio (Nine Entertainment): Nine Radio operates 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR and other talk stations competing with Triple M and Hit for ad share. Nine is also reportedly exploring a takeover of SCA, making it both peer and potential acquirer.
• Bauer Media Audio Australia: Bauer Media operates Australian radio stations and digital audio assets after acquiring the former Fairfax Radio network. It competes with SCA in commercial radio advertising sales and podcast/distribution platforms.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SouthernCrossAustereo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/southern-cross-austereo
• Instagraminstagram.com/southerncrossaustereo
• TikToktiktok.com/@scaustralia

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A4 records

Investments4 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Southern Cross Austereo