Audacy Partners with Southern Cross Austereo to Expand Podcasts & Streaming in Australia
In a major development for the Australian audio landscape, Audacy, the US-based leading digital audio and podcast network, has announced a strategic partnership with Southern Cross Austereo (SCA). This collaboration will enable Audacy to distribute its podcasts and streaming radio stations across the Australian market, while offering advertisers access to highly engaged Australian audiences through SCA’s platforms.
Audacy Podcasts and PAVE Studios partnership announcement graphic.
Audacy has been a trailblazer in the audio space, renowned for its award-winning podcasts and premium streaming services. By teaming up with SCA, Audacy is now poised to bring its content to millions of listeners in Australia, seamlessly integrated into the LiSTNR digital audio app, SCA’s flagship streaming platform.
Leah Reis-Dennis, Head of Podcasts at Audacy, emphasized the global vision behind the move:
“We believe in the power of being everywhere — bringing our stories, voices, and award-winning podcasts to audiences wherever they are. Partnering with SCA and LiSTNR allows us to extend that reach to even more listeners around the world, creating new opportunities for connection while giving advertisers access to some of the most passionate and engaged audiences in audio.”
This partnership highlights a growing trend in digital audio, where leading networks seek international collaborations to tap into new listener bases while offering advertisers localized solutions with global content.
What the Partnership Means for Australian Advertisers
For Australian marketers, the tie-up is a significant opportunity. Companies will now be able to include Audacy’s extensive portfolio in their audio advertising campaigns. This includes access to over 300 high-profile podcast titles, spanning genres such as comedy, news, storytelling, and sports. Some of the most popular titles available include:
Office Ladies with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Fly on the Wall with David Spade and Dana Carvey
Search Engine
The Moth
CBS Sports and CBS News & Entertainment podcasts
By leveraging Audacy’s content, advertisers can target highly engaged podcast audiences, known for their loyalty and attentive listening habits, offering measurable returns in brand awareness and audience engagement.
LiSTNR App: A Premier Hub for Australian Audio Content
The partnership significantly strengthens the content offerings of the LiSTNR app. With the addition of Audacy’s podcasts, LiSTNR now features more than 800 podcasts, in addition to live radio streams and curated music playlists. This expansion caters to the growing appetite for digital audio content in Australia, where listeners increasingly prefer on-demand podcasts and streaming services over traditional radio.
Key statistics for LiSTNR include:
2.4 million registered users on the platform
10 million Australians reached monthly through the LiSTNR Audience Network (according to Triton Digital, July 2025)
Access to live radio, music playlists, premium podcasts, and exclusive audio events
Grant Tothill, Executive Head of LiSTNR Operations and Audience, highlighted the synergy between the two networks:
“With a network spanning more than 220 radio stations, premium podcasts, live events, and digital experiences reaching over 200 million listeners every month, we are delighted to be partnering with the Audacy team to represent them in Australia.”
The Strategic Significance of Podcast Partnerships
This partnership reflects a broader industry trend where audio networks are increasingly forming international collaborations to expand reach, diversify content offerings, and strengthen advertising revenue streams. Key benefits include:
Global content accessibility: Australian audiences gain access to some of the most popular US-based podcasts.
Enhanced monetization: Advertisers can tap into both local and international content for targeted campaigns.
Audience growth: Networks expand their listener base and increase user engagement through premium content.
Cross-promotion opportunities: Events, special episodes, and campaigns can now leverage combined audiences across two countries.
Why Audacy Chose Australia
Australia represents a rapidly growing market for digital audio. With increasing smartphone penetration, high-speed mobile networks, and a rising trend in podcast consumption, it offers fertile ground for Audacy’s expansion. The LiSTNR app, with its established user base and diverse content offerings, provides the perfect entry point.
Industry analysts suggest that the Australian podcast market is expected to grow by 15–20% annually over the next five years, making this partnership a timely and strategic move.
Benefits for Listeners: More Choice, Better Engagement
For Australian listeners, this partnership translates to greater variety and accessibility:
Seamless access to hundreds of popular international podcasts.
High-quality audio experiences from both live radio and on-demand podcasts.
Curated playlists and recommendations tailored to listener preferences.
Exclusive content unavailable on other platforms.
This ensures that LiSTNR users enjoy a richer, more engaging digital audio experience, keeping them coming back to the platform.
Potential Impact on the Australian Audio Advertising Market
Advertising in digital audio is experiencing a shift, moving away from traditional radio spots toward personalized, on-demand podcast ads. The Audacy-SCA partnership positions Australian brands to:
Leverage targeted ad placements based on listener interests and demographics.
Measure campaign effectiveness with advanced analytics available through LiSTNR.
Increase brand recall by reaching highly engaged podcast audiences.
For advertisers looking to maximize ROI, this partnership provides an attractive, multi-channel approach.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Global Audio Collaborations
The Audacy-SCA partnership may set a precedent for future international collaborations in the audio space. As digital audio consumption continues to grow, networks worldwide are likely to explore partnerships that combine content diversity, advertising opportunities, and technological innovation.
Experts predict several potential developments:
Expansion of interactive audio features, such as polls and live Q&A sessions.
Growth of cross-border sponsorships and brand integrations.
Introduction of exclusive global events leveraging both networks’ audiences.
Enhanced analytics and AI-driven content recommendations for better listener targeting.
Such initiatives could transform how audiences experience podcasts and radio content, creating a truly global audio ecosystem.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between Audacy and Southern Cross Austereo marks a pivotal moment in the Australian audio industry. By combining Audacy’s rich catalog of podcasts with LiSTNR’s extensive reach, both networks are set to deliver unparalleled audio experiences to listeners while opening new avenues for advertisers. As digital audio continues to surge in popularity, collaborations like this will likely define the next era of global content distribution.
