The Christian O’Connell Show will launch nationally on the GOLD Network from 2026 broadcasting across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as well as regional Australia in the evenings.

Christian said in the announcement on Melbourne’s GOLD104.3 this morning:

“This is a big moment for me, and for ARN. When I moved here seven years ago, I dreamed of building a national show – one that could connect with people all over Australia. A show from our corner of the dial where people can feel united wherever they are, bringing people together through shared stories, laughter, and something real.”

Christian hosted the #1 national breakfast show in the UK for over a decade and is the only radio host in the world to have been No 1 in two different countries.

ARN’s Chief Audience & Content Officer, Lauren Joyce, said:

“Christian is a rare talent with an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences. He’s already built one of the most successful shows in Melbourne, and we believe that’s just the beginning. At a time when the world feels increasingly divided, The Christian O’Connell Show offers a place where all Australians feel welcome and a true sense of belonging. It’s a show that delivers connection like no other.”

The announcement has so far been greeted warmly. The implications of how the move impacts ARN stations like Cruise 1323 in Adelaide with Craig Huggins on breakfast, 96FM Perth which was the most listened to station in the city in the last two surveys and doesn’t (yet) fall under the GOLD umbrella and Brisbane where KIIS 97.3 is jointly owned with the Nova Network, remain to be seen.