Karl Stefanovic launches The Long Weekend with Eddie McGuire on June 19

Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire are launching The Long Weekend, a new three-hour radio show, on June 19, 2026. The show premieres on Fridays from noon to 3pm on the ARN-owned Gold network, with simultaneous streaming and vodcast availability through Nine’s platforms. The partnership marks a major move for both media veterans into the radio and streaming space.

A Multi-Platform Debut for Stefanovic and McGuire

The announcement on May 19, 2026 confirmed that ARN has signed both broadcasters to co-host the new show. The Long Weekend will air live on all Gold FM stations nationwide. The three-hour episode each week covers news, sport, and entertainment, positioning the show as a broad-appeal offering that spans multiple genres. The integration across radio, streaming services, and vodcast platforms extends the show’s reach beyond traditional radio listeners, tapping into the growing demand for on-demand and multi-platform audio content.

Content and Format Strategy

The show is designed as a comprehensive media experience, combining news coverage with sports analysis and entertainment segments. By anchoring the broadcast during the noon-to-3pm Friday slot, the program targets listeners during a traditionally strong daypart for radio audiences. The decision to stream simultaneously across Nine’s digital platforms broadens accessibility and allows audiences to engage with clips, highlights, and full episodes across smartphones, tablets, and connected devices. This approach reflects broader industry trends toward integrating broadcast radio with streaming ecosystems.

Industry Significance

The deal represents a significant development in Australian radio, bringing two high-profile television personalities into the format. Stefanovic’s existing prominence with the Nine Network and McGuire’s extensive broadcasting experience combine to create a pairing with substantial audience recognition. The partnership also underscores ARN’s strategy to expand its entertainment programming and compete in a media landscape increasingly defined by multi-platform distribution. The showвключение of vodcast functionality specifically caters to audiences who consume audio content on their own schedules, rather than tuning in at broadcast times.

Sources

• The Guardian — Launch announcement, show details, and time slot
• Variety Australia — ARN deal details and launch date
• MSN News — Multi-platform format and broadcast schedule
• Nine.com.au — Nine Network’s streaming involvement