After 15 years at the helm, ARN’s head of content, Duncan Campbell, is preparing to step down, but not before securing another strong start to the ratings year. As the network transitions under new leadership, Campbell sat down with Mediaweek to unpack the strategies that have delivered continued success, where challenges lie ahead, and how ARN’s evolving content and digital strategies are poised for the future.
KISS 106.5’s Kyle & Jackie O show continues to dominate in Sydney, a decade-long streak that shows no signs of slowing. For Campbell, the strategy going forward is clear: “We’re going to maintain that momentum. It’s business as usual but with a renewed focus on the strengths of The Kyle & Jackie O Show and less reliance on the sexual content.”
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Kyle Sandilands have been working together in breakfast radio for more than 20 years.
Despite public scrutiny in 2023, Campbell dismissed the idea that edgier segments impacted results. “We’ve toned that back, and the show is now producing some of its best content in a long time.”
That strategy appears to be working. According to GfK Survey 1 for 2025, Kyle & Jackie O held onto their title as Sydney’s #1 FM breakfast show for the 49th consecutive survey, with a commanding 13.3% share, despite a slight dip of 0.1 percentage points. ARN also holds the #2 FM breakfast spot with Jonesy & Amanda on the rebranded Gold 101.7, proving the strength of the network’s Sydney programming.
In Melbourne, KISS 101.1 faces a more challenging position, recording a 5.1% share in breakfast. Campbell acknowledged the station’s slow start last year and outlined ARN’s plan to win back lapsed listeners.
“We’re expecting a slow turnaround,” he said. “The content is some of the best they’ve done. We just need consistency, and to convert our cume increase into share. It’s a long road back, but we’ll win it one listener at a time.”
Gold 104.3’s Christian O’Connell.
That strategy will be key as the station attempts to close the gap with market leaders. Melbourne’s FM breakfast was dominated by Gold 104.3’s Christian O’Connell Show, which surged to #1 with an 11.5% share, up 2.8 points. The station also topped the FM leaderboard overall with a 12% share.
Elsewhere, WSFM’s rebrand to Gold 101.7 has exceeded expectations. “We factored in a two-point drop, but only dropped 0.8. That’s a good result,” said Campbell, noting the value of maintaining talent and format consistency through the change.
In fact, Campbell mentioned that the first survey of the year is typically soft for WSFM, making this year’s outcome even more promising. Gold 101.7 held an 8.3% share overall, with breakfast at 8.9%.
Melbourne’s Christian O’Connell Show has returned to form after limited marketing support last year. “Christian’s producing excellent content, he’s on fire,” said Campbell. “It’s a really impressive result across the board for Gold.”
A digital-first future on iHeart
Looking ahead, ARN is set to expand its digital presence through iHeartRadio by launching sub-brands under its key stations, Gold, KISS, CADA, and iHeart Country. “It’s a total audience approach,” Campbell explained. “We’re meeting listeners where they are and migrating listening across platforms.”
The move is designed to leverage the strength of ARN’s primary brands while encouraging digital discovery and loyalty across iHeart’s streaming environment.
With cost-of-living pressures shaping consumer behaviour, ARN’s approach is all about leaning into consistency and familiarity.
“In challenging times, people look for familiar content,” Campbell said. “Our formats are well-established, our presenters are known and trusted, and we’re maintaining top-of-mind awareness through smart marketing, even while budgets are tight.”
That focus appears to be paying off. Despite a highly competitive Sydney market, ARN continues to hold two of the top three FM stations, while Gold Melbourne has reclaimed the top spot in both FM overall and FM breakfast.
Meanwhile, Campbell’s not so distant exit marks the end of an era for ARN, but it’s not goodbye. He’ll remain involved in a consultancy capacity while supporting his successor, Lauren, who co-authored ARN’s current content strategy back in 2023.
“There’ll be no major shifts,” he said. “Lauren and I developed this strategy together in 2023, it’s still rolling out. I’ll be here to help ensure the transition is a success.”
After 15 years, Campbell says he’s proud of ARN’s consistent performance. “The timing was right to step away,” he said. “But I’ll always have a vested interest in ARN and its success.”