UPDATE: In a pivotal moment for ARN, Chief Audience and Content Officer Lauren Joyce has declared a “real line in the sand” for the network as it navigates a challenging landscape marked by leadership changes and competitive pressures. Her urgent remarks come after a mixed Survey 6 report, highlighting the need for stability and strategic rebuilding as ARN sets its sights on 2026.
Following a year of turmoil, including CEO Ciaran Davis‘s impending departure, Joyce emphasized that ARN is committed to regaining audience momentum and refining its content strategy. The network’s flagship station, KIIS 1065, maintained its FM breakfast dominance in Sydney, but other areas revealed significant market softness, with 2GB reclaiming the overall crown and 3AW extending its lead in Melbourne.
In Sydney, KIIS 1065’s overall share fell to 9.8% from 11.1%, with a weekly cumulative audience of 1.119 million listeners, down by 46,000. Despite this, the Kyle & Jackie O breakfast show remains the top FM program, although it eased from 15.3% to 13.6%.
Joyce expressed optimism about the resilience of ARN’s Sydney brands. “I think that shows that the product obviously has that 25–54 appeal, which is what we want,” she stated in an interview with Mediaweek. The duo has now achieved 54 survey wins, leading their nearest competitor by over 10 share points among the 25–54 demographic.
In contrast, KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne saw a slight dip from 5.6% to 4.9%, yet added 21,000 listeners, reaching 967,000 weekly. Joyce maintained a steady outlook, saying, “If you actually look at today’s result, it’s not outside of our historical performance range.”
The upcoming leadership transition is significant; Michael Stephenson, currently COO and former Nine commercial chief, will take over in early 2026. Joyce described the upcoming year as a necessary “rebase,” focusing on cost-cutting and strategic evolution to enhance ARN’s standing in a competitive media landscape.
She remarked, “I think the Upfronts, set to be held later this month, represent a really great moment in time for ARN.” As the network prepares to unveil its 2026 roadmap, Joyce believes this is a crucial turning point. “This is the real kind of line in the sand for ARN and allows us to step up and move forward as a business,” she asserted.
As ARN braces for these transformative changes, the audience will be watching closely to see how the network adapts and evolves in the wake of leadership changes and shifting market dynamics. The stakes are high, and the future of ARN hinges on the decisions made in the coming weeks and months.
Stay informed with the latest developments in media, marketing, and agency news through the Mediaweek Morning Report, delivered free to your inbox every morning.
