Australian Radio Network
Australian Radio Network is an Australian entertainment company operating 58 radio stations across 33 markets, 46 DAB+ stations, and the iHeartRadio digital audio and podcast platform, monetising audiences through audio, digital, programmatic, and branded-content advertising for brands and agencies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersRyde, Australia
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Australian Radio Network does
Australian Radio Network (ARN) is a Sydney-headquartered entertainment company operating Australia's largest commercial radio footprint: 58 radio stations across 33 markets, 46 DAB+ stations, and the iHeartRadio digital audio platform — under an exclusive Australian licence of the US iHeartMedia brand — available across 2,000+ connected devices. ARN's portfolio is organised around four owned-and-operated networks (KIIS for contemporary hits across five capital cities, GOLD for classic hits, CADA for Hip Hop and R&B, and a Regional network covering NSW, Queensland and Tasmania) plus a digital arm that owns and distributes what it describes as Australia's #1 podcast slate (titles include Casefile, She's On The Money and Stuff You Should Know), reaching 8+ million listeners and 25+ million monthly podcast downloads.
Underneath the broadcast layer, ARN runs an ad-tech stack that combines Dynamic Audio (a real-time decisioning engine across 10 data variables for personalised audio creative), ROAM geo-targeting, ARN Amplify programmatic audio, 3D binaural audio creative, the Connections Planner audience intelligence tool, the Backstage research community and an in-house NeuroLab. ARN monetises exclusively through advertising — radio spots, digital audio, podcast, programmatic, branded content (Ruby Australia) and live experiential (iHeartLIVE) — sold to brand advertisers and agencies on a quote-based, monthly-billed model with up to 10% accredited agency rebates. ARN is a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of ASX-listed HT&E Limited and was reshaped by the December 2021 AUD $307.5 million acquisition of Grant Broadcasters, which created the current national 58-station footprint.
Australian Radio Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Australian Radio Network
- Legal name
- Australian Radio Network Pty Limited
- Website
- https://arn.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Australian Radio Network is an Australian entertainment company operating 58 radio stations across 33 markets, 46 DAB+ stations, and the iHeartRadio digital audio and podcast platform, monetising audiences through audio, digital, programmatic, and branded-content advertising for brands and agencies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Australian Radio Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Radio Broadcasting
- NAICS
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Music & Audio Streaming Platforms (BPAMAJAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ), Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming) (MPAIACAB)
Keywords
Where Australian Radio Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ryde
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices6 records
Markets served
Australian Radio Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Radio Advertising: ARN generates primary revenue through advertising placements across its network of 58 radio stations, DAB+ stations, and digital audio platforms. Advertisers purchase audio spots, sponsorships, and integrated brand content.
- Digital Audio Advertising: Revenue from podcast advertising, streaming radio ads, and programmatic audio advertising through iHeart platform. Includes dynamic ad insertion technology.
- Branded Content & Experiential: ARN Amplify and branded content solutions offering standard audio creative with powerful targeting capabilities reaching over 10 million devices across streaming radio, music, and podcasts.
- Data & Research Solutions: Research solutions including Backstage community panel and Audio Connections Planner offered as part of advertiser packages.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Standard radio advertising spots |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Australian Radio Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Australian Radio Network (ARN) is an Australian entertainment company that operates 58 radio stations across 33 markets through four main networks (KIIS, GOLD, CADA, Regional), along with 46 DAB+ digital stations and the iHeartRadio digital audio platform. The company generates revenue primarily by selling audio advertising (radio spots, digital audio, podcast, programmatic) to brands and agencies, complemented by branded content creation through Ruby Australia and experiential live events.
Product overview
Australian Radio Network (ARN) is an entertainment company operating as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core platform consists of four radio networks: KIIS (contemporary hit radio across 5 cities), GOLD (classic hits), CADA (Hip Hop and R&B), and Regional (live and local content across Australia). Digital distribution is handled through iHeart, Australia's #1 podcast publisher and digital audio platform offering radio, podcasts, and music streaming. The iHeartRadio app serves as the mobile access point. ARN offers advertising solutions including Dynamic Audio (personalised real-time messaging), ROAM (geo-targeting), ARN Amplify, Audiosphere, and 3D Binaural Audio. Research and insights products include Connections Planner, Backstage community, and NeuroLab (neuroscience research). Ruby Australia provides branded content services. The network reaches 8+ million listeners across 58 radio stations in 33 markets, 46 DAB+ stations, and digital platforms. Key programs include The Smallzy Show, Christian O'Connell Show, Jonesy & Amanda, and The Long Weekend with Karl & Eddie.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KIIS Network: Contemporary hit radio network featuring stations KIIS 1065, KIIS 1011, KIIS 973, KIIS 1023, and KIIS Perth. Known for pop music and entertainment content.
- GOLD Network
- CADA
- iHeart/iHeartRadio
Products and services
- KIIS Network Contemporary hit radio network sold to advertisers for reaching urban Australian audiences with pop music and entertainment-led content.
- GOLD Network Classic hits radio network playing legendary anthems, sold to advertisers targeting broad Australian demographics.
- CADA Hip Hop and R&B radio network distributed nationally via DAB+ and the iHeartRadio app for advertisers targeting younger urban audiences.
- iHeart Digital audio platform sold to advertisers for streaming radio, podcast and programmatic digital audio advertising; also serves as free consumer streaming service.
- Regional Network Regional radio network spanning CHR (Star, Sea FM, Power FM), HOT AC (7HOFM, Hot, Wave FM, Hot Tomato), and Classic Hits (Zinc, LAFM) formats sold to advertisers seeking regional Australian reach.
- Ruby Australia Branded content studio that translates brand messaging into original podcast stories, offering full-service creative, production, promotion and ROI measurement for advertisers.
- Dynamic Audio Real-time personalised audio advertising solution that produces contextually tailored radio ads based on location, time, and meteorological data, sold to brand advertisers as a standalone product.
- ARN Amplify Targeted audio advertising solution reaching over 10 million devices across streaming radio, music and podcasts, sold to brand advertisers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 8 million listeners reached
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Australian Radio Network
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Australian Radio Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration17 records
AI capability5 records
Feature4 records
Australian Radio Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- TikTokcoreARN and TikTok partnership to bring music, trends, and culture to Australian audiences through radio, streaming, social, and live events. Partnership includes TikTok Trending - the world's first TikTok radio station broadcasting 24/7 on iHeart. Also includes TikTok Viral Chart Shows across KIIS, CADA, and regional stations. TikTok Trending is Australia's #1 DAB+ station for under-30s.
- Are MediacoreARN's iHeart partnered with Are Media, Australia's largest women's lifestyle network, to distribute premium podcasts including marie claire's 'You're Gonna Want to Hear This'. Partnership provides cross-platform commercial opportunities for iconic brands including WHO, ELLE, marie claire, Belle, Home Beautiful, The Australian Women's Weekly, and Gourmet Traveller.
- ITV Studios AustraliacorePartnership between iHeart, ITV Studios Australia, and Nine to produce 'Love Island Australia: Officially Unpacked' podcast - the official podcast companion to the reality TV series.
- NinecorePartnership between iHeart, ITV Studios Australia, and Nine to produce 'Love Island Australia: Officially Unpacked' podcast. Available on Nine Now, iHeart, and major podcast platforms.
- Westpac DataXcoreData partnership unlocking transaction insights from 13 million Westpac customers to enrich iHeart audience targeting across streaming and podcast ecosystem. Powers over 800 new audience segments.
- ExperiancoreData partnership bringing best-in-class consumer segmentation and census data to the iHeart Network. Complements existing relationships with Azira and Hyp. Powers over 800 new audience segments.
- MagnitecoreProgrammatic advertising partnership connecting iHeart's advertising technology directly to Magnite's exchange, creating new paths for advertiser demand.
- OpenPathcoreProvides direct access to iHeart inventory via an efficient and transparent supply path for buyers using The Trade Desk, making programmatic audio buying more efficient.
- LiveRampcoreData cleanroom partnership providing privacy-safe ways for advertisers to collaborate with ARN by connecting their first-party customer data to iHeart's audience for campaign activation.
- InfosumcoreData cleanroom partnership alongside LiveRamp providing privacy-safe collaboration between advertisers and ARN using first-party data.
- Making The CallminorPartnership to launch Australia's first-ever audio network dedicated entirely to women's sports, delivering daily coverage, podcasts, and content focused on elite to amateur athletes.
- iHeartMedia (Ruby)coreARN brings iHeartMedia's branded content studio Ruby to Australia, dedicated to crafting branded podcasts. Ruby in the US has built the industry's largest slate of branded podcasts with partners including Audible, HBO, IBM, Salesforce.
- Saatchi & SaatchiminorARN worked with Saatchi & Saatchi on the AMPOL 'Last Chance Servo' campaign, using ARN's Dynamic Audio inventory to deliver contextually tailored commercials for drivers in remote South Australia.
- XXXXminorXXXX partnered with ARN on the 'Save Our Pub' campaign across the GOLD Network, supporting Australian pubs facing challenges.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Australian Radio Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Spotify: Global audio streaming leader and podcast distribution partner of iHeart. Indirect competitor for both listener time and ad spend, but also a platform partner where ARN podcasts are distributed.
- iHeartMedia: The US-based audio entertainment giant is the licensor of the iHeartRadio platform in Australia and operates the Ruby branded content studio that ARN launched locally. Global scale and platform partner that informs ARN's technology and content roadmap.
- Cumulus Media: Major US radio broadcaster with hundreds of AM/FM stations plus the Westwood One podcast and audio network. Similar broadcast-plus-digital model targeting advertisers with national reach.
- Audacy: One of the largest US radio broadcasters operating hundreds of stations and the Audacy streaming/podcast platform. Comparable business model combining broadcast radio with digital audio and podcasting.
Emerging players
- SiriusXM: US-based satellite and streaming audio entertainment service combining subscription and ad-supported models. Comparable in audio entertainment content strategy but with a subscription-led model different from ARN's ad-funded business.
Direct peers
- Nova Entertainment: Australian commercial radio operator running Nova, Smooth, and FiveAA stations across metro markets. Direct competitor for ARN's KIIS and GOLD networks in major cities.
- Nine Radio: Operates 2GB Sydney, 3AW Melbourne, 4BC Brisbane, 6PR Perth, and Magic 1278 as part of Nine Entertainment. Direct competitor for metro talk and news audiences and ad revenue.
- Bauer Media Audio: Operates commercial radio stations across Australia and New Zealand (e.g., B105 Brisbane, 2DAY Sydney, The Edge) plus publishing. Direct competitor for metro audiences and audio advertising budgets.
- Southern Cross Austereo: Australia's other major commercial radio network operating Triple M and the Hit Network (now rebranded as LiSTNR), plus podcast platform. Direct competitor for both metro advertising dollars and audience share across Australian markets.
Regional players
- ABC Radio (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): Australia's national public broadcaster operating radio networks across metro, regional, and digital. Non-commercial competitor that competes for listener share and advertiser alternatives in the Australian audio market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Australian Radio Network social profiles
Digital presenceAustralian Radio Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Australian Radio Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Australian Radio Network subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Australian Radio Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Australian Radio Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Australian Radio Network
What does Australian Radio Network do?
Australian Radio Network (ARN) is an Australian entertainment company that operates 58 radio stations across 33 markets through four main networks (KIIS, GOLD, CADA, Regional), along with 46 DAB+ digital stations and the iHeartRadio digital audio platform. The company generates revenue primarily by selling audio advertising (radio spots, digital audio, podcast, programmatic) to brands and agencies, complemented by branded content creation through Ruby Australia and experiential live events.
Is Australian Radio Network a public or private company?
Australian Radio Network is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Australian Radio Network founded?
Australian Radio Network was founded in 1987. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Australian Radio Network based?
Australian Radio Network is headquartered in Ryde, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Australian Radio Network make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Radio Advertising is the primary driver. The others are digital Audio Advertising, branded Content & Experiential and data & Research Solutions.
Who are Australian Radio Network's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Spotify, iHeartMedia, Cumulus Media and Audacy. SiriusXM is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Nova Entertainment, Nine Radio, Bauer Media Audio and Southern Cross Austereo. ABC Radio (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) is listed as a regional player.
Does Australian Radio Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Australian Radio Network.
What industry is Australian Radio Network in?
Australian Radio Network's product category is Commercial Radio Broadcasting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMAJAC, Music & Audio Streaming Platforms, with a secondary code of MPAIADAJ, Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms. Its NAICS code is 516110 and its SIC code is 4832.