ARN has announced several changes to its PR function as it moves to an in-house and agency hybrid approach that includes new in-house PR hires and a new agency after long-standing PR agency partner, The Comms Department, decided to shift its business strategy and step back from ARN after almost a decade.
Brooke Cashell joins ARN as head of PR & comms to support ARN’s broader marketing objectives by overseeing talent profiling, reputational management, and day to day delivery of PR and communications related work. Cashell is a passionate PR and communications professional with a 25-year career in the entertainment industry; most recently, spending 17 years in various roles at Foxtel, including head of publicity, Lifestyle publicity manager, and senior publicist for the Olympics unit.
A PR coordinator will join Cashell in the in-house team, with this hire currently underway.
Cashell will be supported by the new agency, Mango Communications, who were recently appointed to manage PR and communications for ARN’s new youth brand CADA.
See More: “Beyond audio:” Why ARN’s The Edge made the switch to CADA
Under the new structure, Mango will work with Cashell to publicise ARN’s suite of nine metropolitan radio stations and breakfast shows, various national radio programs, original podcast productions and digital audio distribution platform iHeartRadio.
The Comms Department made the decision earlier this year to step back from its work with ARN in 2022 to focus on developing a new arm of its business. Throughout its successful tenure managing the PR and comms for ARN, since 2012 The Comms Department has guided ARN through many changes, including rebranding Mix FM to KIIS FM, Classic Hits to Pure Gold, and APN to HT&E.
The Comms Department
The Comms Department team launched iHeartRadio, the iHeartPodcast Network, Perth’s 96FM, several high-profile shows including The Kyle & Jackie O Show, The Christian O’Connell Show, 3PM Pick Up and many others, as well as recently announcing the Grant Broadcasters acquisition and launching ARN Regional.
ARN’s chief strategy & connections officer Lauren Joyce said, “ARN has been in very safe hands with The Comms Department for nearly a decade. While we’re sad to see them go, we want to thank the whole team for all the incredible work they have delivered over the years.
“Since our partnership began, ARN has grown to become a truly national network of scale as the country’s #1 audio company, the #1 radio network for 19 consecutive surveys, and Australia’s reigning podcast network. We wish Bec Brown, Michael Hickson, and The Comms Department team well with the exciting new chapter in their business.
“I am excited to welcome Brooke Cashell to the team and know that ARN will continue to deliver world-class stories and more connections that count under her guidance. Brooke is an excellent PR and comms specialist with more than 25 years of experience in the field after working with three of Australia’s leading media companies, and she will be a fantastic asset.
Lauren Joyce
“I’m also pleased to announce our new agency, Mango Communications, who we appointed based on their proven operational excellence and creative approach to delivering results for their clients. They have already delivered stellar results since helping us to launch CADA earlier this year and I am confident that they will drive continued growth to our audience footprint.
“Brooke and both agencies have been working together over the past two weeks to ensure a seamless transition for the business.”
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Top Image: Brooke Cashell