SCA’s ‘The Briefing’ podcast hits 100 episodes

Tom Tilley

Southern Cross Austereo’s daily news podcast The Briefing has hit a 100-episode milestone.

The podcast, which launched in April 2020, is hosted by former triple j Hack host Tom Tilley with co-hosts Annika Smethurst, Jan Fran and Jamila Rizvi.

The Briefing is targeted at a younger audience, and has picked up commercial support from ING, Ben & Jerrys, and Foxtel. It has become one of Australia’s fastest growing news podcasts.

Interviews on the podcast have included a Christchurch gun attack survivor and Black Lives Matter activists, while topics covered range from COVID contact tracing, the Beirut Explosion, and the label ‘Karen’.

“It’s satisfying to reach 100 episodes but it’s also just the beginning,” Tilley said. “I’m hoping this show becomes stronger and stronger until everyone’s listening to it as part of their morning routine.

“I love it when people tell me that The Briefing has become part of their day and that it stops them scrolling the doom and gloom newsfeed that we’re all facing in this bizarre year.

“That’s exactly what we’re aiming to do, give people a quick concise hit of the stories that matter, as well as bring a bit of hope as they navigate life.”

Nic McClure, who has worked on shows including The Kyle & Jackie O Show, Kate, Tim & Marty, and Merrick & Rosso, serves as executive producer for The Briefing.

“Delivering a daily on demand news show with a revolving cast of rock star journalists ready for download at 6am really is the cutting edge of live radio and podcasting,” she said.

“The Briefing is designed, planned and prepared with the same level of detail and production values of a busy live breakfast show.

“We’re seeing through downloads that young Aussies are not only hungry for credible news on demand, but they want to be entertained too, the banter between our hosts is just as important as the journalism.”

Listen to The Briefing wherever you get your podcasts.