Australian Radio Network

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.

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

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

• Commercial radio broadcasting
• Digital audio advertising
• Podcast publishing
• Audio streaming platform
• Radio advertising solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Ryde

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. Digital Audio Advertising: Revenue from podcast advertising, streaming radio ads, and programmatic audio advertising through iHeart platform. Includes dynamic ad insertion technology.
3. 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.
4. Data & Research Solutions: Research solutions including Backstage community panel and Audio Connections Planner offered as part of advertiser packages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration17 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TikTokcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025ARN 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 MediacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025ARN'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 AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Partnership between iHeart, ITV Studios Australia, and Nine to produce 'Love Island Australia: Officially Unpacked' podcast - the official podcast companion to the reality TV series.
• NinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Partnership 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 DataXcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 October 2025Data 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.
• ExperiancoreTechnology or Integration · 29 October 2025Data 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.
• MagnitecoreTechnology or Integration · 29 October 2025Programmatic advertising partnership connecting iHeart's advertising technology directly to Magnite's exchange, creating new paths for advertiser demand.
• OpenPathcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 October 2025Provides direct access to iHeart inventory via an efficient and transparent supply path for buyers using The Trade Desk, making programmatic audio buying more efficient.
• LiveRampcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 October 2025Data 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.
• InfosumcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 October 2025Data cleanroom partnership alongside LiveRamp providing privacy-safe collaboration between advertisers and ARN using first-party data.
• Making The CallminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Partnership 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)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 29 October 2025ARN 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 & SaatchiminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 3 June 2024ARN 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.
• XXXXminorGTM or Marketing PartnerXXXX 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

Broad 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

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arn-australian-radio-network
• Xx.com/ausradionetwork

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Australian Radio Network