At SBS, we embrace difference, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We also acknowledge the unique contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our society and our workplace through their enduring and continued connection to land, sea, sky and community.

This role is classified as Level 6 role under SBS Australia's current Enterprise Agreement, with a base salary of up to $131,000. The successful applicant will be offered remuneration that is commensurate with their skills and experience and in alignment with this framework.

The role works Monday-Friday. Shift patterns may change over time depending on operational needs.

The role

The Audio Lead is a key editorial and people leadership role within SBS News and Current Affairs, responsible for shaping the direction and impact of our audio journalism. Working with the Managing Editor, you’ll lead a team of Audio Journalists and Supervising Producers, you’ll drive daily news coverage, podcasts and major series - ensuring our content is accurate, engaging and reflective of Australia’s diverse communities.  You’ll collaborate with Digital, TV, SBS and NITV teams to make the most of our distinctive newsgathering. You’ll use audience insights and a deep understanding of the news landscape to grow and evolve SBS Audio, delivering distinctive content that connects with audiences wherever they are.

News podcasting is an exciting and growing area, and this role presents an opportunity to make an impact in this field, innovate and bring compelling, distinctive and original journalism to podcast audiences. You’ll play a key role in shaping how audiences connect with our news, driving excellence in storytelling, production and digital delivery across audio platforms.

Our Audio News team is unique in the Australian media landscape. Along with distributing daily news content on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other leading podcast providers, it provides daily news and feature stories for translation by our 60+ language teams and plays a positive role in helping inform all Australians about the stories that matter to them.

What you’ll do

As Audio Lead, you’ll oversee commissioning and production of our suite of news podcasts and audio news content provided to our in-language teams.

In the role, you’ll:

• Lead the daily and forward news agenda for SBS Audio, overseeing bulletins, daily in-depth podcasts and news podcast series, distributing on SBS platforms, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and podcast platforms
• Commission and shape engaging, accessible audio journalism aligned with SBS’s Charter and editorial standards
• Guide storytelling, ensuring accuracy, balance and strong multicultural and Indigenous perspectives
• Drive breaking news and forward planning, collaborating across Digital, TV, ALC and NITV teams
• Use data and audience insights to inform content, formats and audio distribution strategies
• Maintain high production standards, coaching teams on scripting, storytelling, voice and sound
• Grow and optimise SBS news audio products across platforms and third-party channels
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing, inclusive team culture

This role is perfect for you if...

• You’re an experienced journalist and confident editorial leader with a passion for audio
• You thrive in a fast-paced news environment and can balance daily output with long-term projects
• You have strong editorial judgement and a solid understanding of media law and news coverage
• You’re confident in audio production, across podcast trends and know how to use data to reach and engage audiences
• You’re a collaborative, people-focused leader who supports and develops others
• You’re motivated to create distinctive, inclusive journalism that reflects diverse communities

If you’re motivated to help shape distinctive, trusted audio journalism that reflects SBS’s unique voice - this role is for you.

As part of our recruitment process, SBS may review information that is publicly available online, including social media profiles, in line with privacy and anti-discrimination laws.

As part of our recruitment process, SBS may conduct reference checks and review information that is publicly available online, including social media profiles, in line with privacy and anti-discrimination laws. If we collect information from any other sources, candidates will be notified in line with privacy laws. 

We value authenticity and expect all applications and submissions to reflect your own voice, ideas, opinions and critical thinking. While we recognise that AI tools may be used to support drafting CVs or cover letters, the final content must remain your own. Throughout the recruitment process, including interviews and assessment tasks, we ask that you do not use AI tools unless we explicitly advise otherwise. 

About Us

SBS is one of the world's most unique and innovative media organisations, producing trusted, meaningful, and engaging content that exists for all Australians to inspire, support and celebrate the diversity of our multicultural society. 

Our purpose, for the last 50 years, has reflected and explored the evolving diversity of Australia, investing in initiatives to deepen its connections with communities, sharing their stories and giving a voice to those often unheard, with the aim of increasing understanding and respect of the differences that make up Australia.

SBS is a truly distinctive network, showcasing multicultural, multilingual and First Nations stories otherwise untold in the Australian media.

Some of the reasons to consider working with us:

• The people! We truly celebrate and welcome difference at SBS and encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work & you’ll be part of one of the most inclusive companies in Australia! 
• The culture and the engagement of our workforce! 90% of our employees have stated that they are proud to work for SBS!  
• We offer a range of benefits from, health care checks, salary packaging, Employee Assistance Programme, flexible work arrangements and discounted gym membership nationally with Fitness Pass. 
• We’re agile and innovative in the way we work, as well as being a trusted and established brand. At SBS we have been broadcasting for over 50 years and our future is packed with many more exciting developments!
• We also love to promote from within! Our divisions support development opportunities to help team members grow and move into new roles.

Want to learn more? Then hit apply and take the first step to applying not just for another job but a possible whole new career in a purpose led organisation.

 For other opportunities within our organisation please visit our careers website SBS Careers - Working at SBS

Reasonable adjustments

SBS recognises that everyone is unique, and you might require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply and put your skills forward for consideration. If we can make some adjustments to the SBS recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, then please contact careers@sbs.com.au and let us know.

Adjustments include but are not limited to; alternative application methods, interview setups, physical requirements, guidance for trans or gender diverse applicants, specific interview availability times and more.

To find out more about reasonable adjustments with SBS, please view our video here.

We are shortlisting applications as they come in, so don’t delay, apply today!