Broad Radio, a new radio network founded by radio announcer Jo Stanley and her husband Darren McFarlane, is launching today, Monday 23 September. The network, created by women for women, aims to amplify diverse women's voices and foster smart and uplifting conversations.

The network will feature a full music lineup, a podcast offering, and a live pop-up show featuring Jo Stanley and Music Director Tracee Hutchison. The network will offer live talkback, engaging music, and a curated collection of women-led podcasts, all streamed online through Broad Radio's free, purpose-built app. The app will connect seamlessly via Bluetooth to cars, headphones, speakers, and Alexa devices across Australia.

Broad Radio started as a one-hour live weekly stream in 2020 and is now extending its reach after a successful capital raising round. The network aims to connect with a highly engaged and attentive audience of women aged 35 and above, a demographic often overlooked in mainstream media.

The weekday Breakfast show, Morning Broads, will feature Stanley and co-hosts Marieke Hardy and Michala Banas. The full lineup will be revealed in the coming weeks, alongside details of a bold Friday Drive show, Fierce, hosted by Broad Radio's Music Director Tracee Hutchison. Broad Radio will also feature a unique weekly show Yapas Yarnin', hosted by esteemed Australian commentator and television producer Leila Gurruwiwi.

"There is an exciting cultural shift taking media by storm worldwide. Women-led content is exploding, in everything from film to sport to social media and of course, podcasts. Radio is the perfect next platform for exploring and celebrating women's stories, perspectives and experiences, many of which are missing in mainstream media. Broad Radio will be an extension of the intelligent, insightful and innovative conversations that women are having with their friends, family, colleagues and, indeed, themselves. As we get older, there are some big real-life issues that we have to face, big decisions we have to make, big emotions to be felt and big laughs to be had. We know our audiences are eager to engage with this kind of content that will reflect their lives and aspirations," said Stanley.

Janella Pash, Head of Partnerships, sees an incredible opportunity for advertisers to connect with this demographic. "We see an incredible opportunity for advertisers to connect with a highly engaged and attentive audience of women aged 35 and above. This demographic is often overlooked, but now is the perfect time to shift that perspective and recognise their significant value," she said.

"By reaching these women in a brand-safe environment, advertisers can create meaningful connections that resonate deeply with a group that is ready to be seen and heard. It's an exciting era for advertising as we empower and embrace this vibrant demographic, offering them the attention they deserve and unlocking new possibilities for brands to engage authentically."

Full details on Broad Radio's full lineup will be released shortly, ahead of the official launch of Broad Radio's live programming offering on Monday, 7 October.