UPDATE: ARN’s Chief Audience and Content Officer, Lauren Joyce, has confirmed a significant shift for the network as it prepares for a major leadership change and strategic overhaul heading into 2026. Following a challenging year marked by cost cuts and competitive pressures, Joyce emphasizes the urgency of stabilizing and rebuilding audience momentum.
In the latest Survey 6 results, ARN’s flagship station, KIIS 1065, maintained its position in Sydney, yet faced a drop in overall share from 11.1% to 9.8%, losing 46,000 listeners for a weekly cume of 1.119 million. Despite the dip, the Kyle & Jackie O breakfast show remains the top FM program, though it softened from 15.3% to 13.6%.
Joyce reported that while fluctuations persist, the consistency of ARN’s brands in Sydney is a beacon of hope. “I think that shows that the product obviously has that 25–54 appeal, which is what we want,” she stated. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, KIIS 101.1 experienced a slight decline from 5.6% to 4.9%, but with an increase of 21,000 listeners, reaching 967,000 weekly.
Joyce pointed out that KIIS’s FM dominance remains intact, despite a slowdown in audience growth. With 54 survey wins, Kyle and Jackie O lead their closest competitor by over 10 share points among the 25–54 demographic. Joyce remarked, “On a 10+ basis, they’re 4.4 points ahead of the closest competitor,” underscoring their significant edge.
Looking ahead, ARN will undergo a critical transition as long-time CEO Ciaran Davis steps down in early 2026. Current COO Michael Stephenson is set to take the helm. Joyce described the upcoming year as a “rebase” period, focusing on refining content strategies and cutting costs. “I think the Upfronts, set to be held later this month, represent a really great moment in time for ARN,” she added.
Joyce emphasized that the leadership change, combined with ARN’s ambitious plans for 2026, signifies a pivotal moment for the organization. “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 declared.
As ARN gears up for these changes, the media landscape remains dynamic, and the competition is fierce. The network aims to leverage its established brands while adapting to shifting market demands. Joyce’s optimistic outlook suggests that with strategic adjustments, ARN is poised for recovery and growth in the near future.
Stay tuned for more updates as ARN reveals its plans for the upcoming year, promising an exciting new chapter for both the network and its audience.
