Radio Industry News

The spotlight is on as the finalists for the 35th Australian Commercial Radio & Audio (ACRA) Awards are revealed today, with the winners to be crowned at a night of celebration at The Star in Sydney on Saturday, 12 October.

“With 1159 entries this year, 361 finalists, and only 71 awards up for grabs the competition is fiercer than ever. The talent on display is truly special, and we are thrilled to see such a diverse array of voices ready to shine as showtime approaches,” said Jo Dick, Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) chief commercial officer.

The nominees for the highly anticipated ACRA for Best On Air Team (Metro) are last year’s winners Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller (Jonesy & Amanda, WSFM, ARN), 2022 Hall of Fame inductees Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson (The Kyle and Jackie O Show, KIIS 1065, ARN), The Christian O’Connell Show (GOLD104.3, ARN), Jase & Lauren (Nova 100, NOVA Entertainment), Carrie & Tommy (3FOX, SCA), and Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie (Nova 96.9, NOVA Entertainment).

The Individual Talent of the Year Award has attracted the highest number of submissions across all categories. This year’s Metro finalists are Christian O’Connell (GOLD104.3, ARN), Ray Hadley (2GB, Nine Radio), “Ugly” Phil O’Neil (WSFM, ARN), Jackie Henderson (KIIS 1065, ARN), Fifi Box (3FOX, SCA), Kate Ritchie (Nova 96.9, NOVA Entertainment), and Ricki-Lee Coulter (Nova Network, NOVA Entertainment) and Ben Fordham (2GB, Nine Radio).

“It’s great to see the increased prominence of female finalists in this year’s Individual Talent of the Year lineup. These exceptional people are leading the charge and making a significant impact on the radio industry,” commented Ms Dick.

Battling it out for Station of the Year Award (Metro) are B105 Brisbane; GOLD104.3 Melbourne; 2GB Sydney; Triple M Adelaide; and 2023 winners KIIS 1065 Sydney. Non-metro contenders are: 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast; 102.9 Triple M, Newcastle; 102.3 Triple M, Townsville; and defending champs Mix 106.3, Canberra.

The competition for the Best Networked Show Award is fierce, with last year’s winners, The Kyle and Jackie O Hour of Power (KIIS Network, Sydney, ARN) up against Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie (Nova 96.9, NOVA Entertainment), Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel (Nova Network, NOVA Entertainment), The Christian O’Connell Show (GOLD104.3, ARN), The Jimmy & Nath Show (The Hit Network, SCA), and Jess & Ducko (Hit106.9, Newcastle, SCA).

The Podcast Host/s of the Year category is packed with standout talent. Finalists include Hamish & Andy (The Hamish & Andy Podcast, LiSTNR, SCA), Amelia Oberhardt (Secrets We Keep: Shame, Lies and Family, LiSTNR, SCA), Amanda Keller (Double A Chattery, iHeart, ARN), Christian McEwan (The Dragons Den, i98FM, WIN Network), Ant Middleton (Head Game, Nova Podcasts), and the dynamic duo Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne (Life Uncut, iHeart, ARN).

Last year’s Podcast Host of the Year, Abbie Chatfield, is a contender for the Podcast of the Year Award with It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield (LiSTNR, SCA). She will be up against Hamish & Andy (LiSTNR, SCA), Amelia Oberhardt’s Secrets We Keep: Shame, Lies and Family (LiSTNR, SCA), Crime Insiders (LiSTNR, SCA), and Hannah’s Story (9Podcasts, Nine Radio).

The finalists for Best News Event Coverage exemplify top-tier journalism, delivering breaking news that has a profound impact on our communities. The contenders include ARN’s MIX 104.9 for Alice Springs Chaos, Nine Radio’s 2GB for both Bondi Attacks and Sydney Car Pursuit, SCA’s Triple M Newcastle for Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy, SCA’s 102.3 Triple M Townsville for Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, and ARN News for Westfield Bondi Attack.

“Congratulations to all the finalists for their outstanding work and dedication. Their contributions are a significant part of what makes the Australian audio scene so exciting and dynamic,” said Jo Dick.

Tickets for the ACRAS will go on sale in early September. To be the first to know, make sure to head to the 2024 ACRA Awards page at www.acras.com.au.

For a full list of our finalists head to: ACRAs

Sunshine FM is the most listened-to radio station on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland*.  We are one of Australia’s most successful community broadcasters, serving a highly engaged 45+ audience that loves our mix of local information and hit music from the 50s to today.

We’re looking for an experienced daytime presenter.  Up to five hours a day at Award, Monday to Friday with potential for additional hours.  Being a not-for-profit community station, there is also a volunteer component because we all pitch in when needed.

You know your music, you like people and you only need a few minutes to get to the guts of a good interview.  You could be in the business now and ready to recalibrate your work-life balance or you may have left the business a while ago and are tempted by the thought of doing some real radio again.

If we’re a good fit, you’ll be working with a small team that strives to be the best we can be, every day.  You’ll love mentoring newcomers, working in our new facilities and living in one of the very best regional markets in Australia: beaches and rainforest at your doorstep, and a vibrant capital city just down the road.

Please send your demo reel and resume to secretary@sunshinefm.com.au and be sure to include music and talk elements.  More information about the station and our audience are on the website: sunshinefm.com.au or call station manager Chris Wordsworth on 0487 725 000.

We look forward to hearing from you.

*CBAA McNair National Listener Survey, Sunshine Coast, survey 1/2024

Sunshine FM is the most listened-to radio station on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland*.  We are one of Australia’s most successful community broadcasters, serving a highly engaged 45+ audience that loves our mix of local information and hit music from the 50s to today.

We’re looking for a production supervisor.  The role is full-time at Award rates and includes creating quality paid and community service content, imaging, scheduling and managing the playout system.  We’re currently using StationPlaylist.  Core IT and broadcast systems knowledge and experience would be an advantage.

Being a not-for-profit community station, there is also a volunteer component because we all pitch in when needed.

If we’re a good fit, you’ll be working with a small team that strives to be the best we can be, every day.  You’ll love mentoring newcomers, working in our new facilities and living in one of the very best regional markets in Australia: beaches and rainforest at your doorstep, and a vibrant capital city just down the road.

Please send your demo reel and resume to secretary@sunshinefm.com.au.  More information about the station and our audience are on the website: sunshinefm.com.au or call station manager Chris Wordsworth on 0487 725 000.

We look forward to hearing from you.

*CBAA McNair National Listener Survey, Sunshine Coast, survey 1/2024

ABC NEWS is Australia’s No 1 online news brand with almost 12.6 million unique visitors in June, according to the latest Ipsos iris data released today*.

More Australians now get their news from ABC NEWS than any other online news brand. It’s the first time ABC NEWS has reclaimed the top spot under the current Ipsos iris digital audience measurement system, which started in January 2023.

ABC audiences will soon enjoy an even better online experience with the ABC NEWS site announcing new features and an updated look and feel – including a refreshed ABC NEWS logo – in a major upgrade.

From today the improved website is launching in a “beta” testing phase available to about 10 per cent of the audience, who will be invited to give their feedback. The added features and functionality and new look and design will be rolled out to our entire audience on the website, app and social channels in coming weeks.

More great changes are in store for all audiences soon, including a new look across ABC NEWS broadcast programs and channels.

“It’s wonderful that on the same day ABC NEWS achieves the No 1 news brand ranking we can also announce the biggest upgrade to ABC NEWS online for seven years,” said ABC Director, News Justin Stevens.

“We’re excited to deliver an even better service for our online audience.

“So much has changed in the past seven years. The media environment has transformed. How audiences want to consume news, their needs and expectations, are very different. Storytelling and technology have evolved significantly.

“We’re excited to deliver an even better service for our online audience.
“This upgrade ensures our online audience gets the best user experience of Australia’s best and most trusted journalism.”

ABC Chief Digital and Information Officer Damian Cronan said the upgrade brought ABC NEWS fully up-to-date with the latest in digital-first news reporting.

“It gives editorial teams more tools and formats, enabling them to better showcase our journalism and provide a compelling audience experience,” he said.

“The added features and functionality ensure we’re delivering Australians the best possible service across our market-leading ABC NEWS website and app.”

The new design builds on the strong, unique brand identity for ABC News, which is consistent and recognisable across all platforms, said Director, Audiences Leisa Bacon.

“However the audience comes to us, our offering is consistent, familiar, true to the values of the ABC NEWS brand and provides the best possible modern user experience,” she said.

​

​IMPROVED FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY

We’ve made it easier to find the news that matters to you with new sections and features:

• Top Stories gets you across the key news of the day at a glance
• Everyone’s Talking About jumps you straight into the top-trending news stories
• Live Now brings together all our live content for the latest news as it happens
• A new navigation toggle makes it simple to find news from your home state or territory
• Expanded menu options allow readers to easily jump into topics from the top of the page
• Video Shorts are easier to find for those who like watching their news via video
• Videos, images and graphics are better integrated to add depth to our storytelling

​The full rollout, coming soon, will introduce more personalised elements to your news service:

• For You feeds mean logged-in users can enjoy content across a range of themes of their choosing
• Local News To You puts news from your local area on your homepage
• Emergency warnings for your location will take precedence on your homepage, increasing relevance and immediacy

REFRESHED LOOK AND FEEL

An extensive redesign gives ABC NEWS a fresh and consistent look and feel across all our digital, broadcast and third-party channels.

• An expanded colour palette and wider range of typefaces adds variety to how our journalism is presented and creates a more modern and engaging experience for audiences
• The ABC NEWS logo changes from black and white to a vibrant blue background that is more impactful and appealing on digital as well as broadcast
• The new graphic design incorporates shapes that are direct traces of our master logo, the iconic ABC Lissajous, a subtle yet impactful design feature

“From breaking news and emergency broadcasting, to lighter news, sport and lifestyle, the new look offers a dynamic and fresh look and feel,” said Head, ABC MADE Diana Costantini, who led the creative work.

“Our aim was to create a versatile and flexible approach that enables delivery of the breadth and depth of our storytelling.”
​

* Source: Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service June 2024, Age 14+, PC/Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet, Text Only, News excluding Weather Subcategory & Aggregators, Brand Group, Audience (000s), Audience Reach %, Total Mins (MM), AVG Mins PP.

About the Company: Spots & Space  are looking for a full time Client Relationships Manager to join our close-knit team in Alexandria, a short walk from Redfern train station.
About us: in business for 30 years, we represent Australia’s diverse media sectors for advertising sales. The majority of our clients are national and government advertisers, seeking to communicate with diverse audiences including First Nations, disability media, community radio & TV, and, non-English speaking Australians.
About you: The Client Relationships Manager is the first point of contact for client inquiries, including media proposals, media planning/research and client campaign confirmations. This position also contributes to Spots & Space’s marketing and communications function, including sales collateral and marketing initiatives such as e-newsletters and press releases.

 

Reporting to the Manager, the key responsibilities of the job are:

• Relationship Management and Client Service – Responding to client inquiries, creating media proposals and negotiating with the clients to confirm media bookings.
• Developing relationships with existing clients including scheduling regular presentations to generate repeat business and present new opportunities
• Assisting with new business development, and under direction, making new approaches, presentations and sales pitches.
• Attending industry events as required to build relationships with clients and media
• Marketing & Communications Updating and creating marketing collateral, including refining media kits, updating research and compiling case studies.
• Having input to Spots & Space’s social media and working with key stakeholders within S&S peak body partners to execute joint marketing/communications initiatives.
• Team participation and administration tasks – Participate as part of a small team in meetings and planning sessions, contributing ideas to build business and add to company growth trajectory. Adhere to all company systems and processes including upkeep of CRM system, maintaining all records accurately including work-related expenses.

 

To succeed in this role you will need:

Essential

• Excellent communications skills, demonstrable writing skills
• Active listening skills with ability to influence and motivate in writing, on the phone and in person.
• Be a strategic thinker with an aptitude for problem solving.
• A natural relationship builder with excellent people skills
• Be comfortable to work autonomously and unsupervised, including checking your own work and demonstrating strong attention to detail.
• Be a proactive personality who is keen to both develop within the role and contribute to the company’s development and profitability
• Well-organised with experience in utilising CRM such as Salesforce, Daylite or comparable.

 

Desirable

• Advertising sales/sponsorship sales experience
• Familiarity with the Australian media
• Strong IT skills, preferably within an Apple Operating System including Microsoft Office – particularly excel and the ability to easily learn and adopt new systems.

The successful candidate will likely come from a background working in a B2B client services / account management role, working to quantifiable targets and with a track record of achieving or exceeding these targets.

A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

All candidates must have unrestricted working rights in Australia.

Applications close 19 August 2024. For further inquiries or to apply please contact Sara Ocepek.

CBAA and APRA AMCOS Revolutionise Airplay Reporting with MRT Rollout

We’re excited to announce a significant technological upgrade in partnership with APRA AMCOS. Music Recognition Technology (MRT) will soon be implemented at 100 community radio stations across Australia, ensuring that more Australian songwriters and music creators receive the recognition they deserve. APRA AMCOS grants music licenses and pays royalties to Australasian music creators.
Revolutionising Airplay Reporting

MRT will operate 24/7, vastly increasing the accuracy and detail of airplay reports. This technology will allow APRA AMCOS to track the songs played on-air more effectively and more accurately provide earnings data for Australasian music creators.

The implementation of MRT is a game-changer. It is expected to process nearly nine times more broadcast hours than before, reducing manual reporting requirements, allowing station staff and volunteers to focus on what they do best—creating outstanding programming and connecting with their audiences.

And with stations spanning rural, regional and metro areas and playing a range of genres, this will also benefit many music creators.

 

Community Radio and Music

Community radio and Australian musos have a unique connection, with so many artists – including Geelong’s homegrown international success King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – getting their first spin on a local station or from a specialist programmer with a keen ear for unique voices.

Most stations easily exceed the 25 per cent Australian content requirement, with playlists generally featuring 35 per cent upwards, and capital city new music stalwarts Sydney’s FBi clocking in more than 40 per cent and Brisbane’s 4ZZZ greater than 50 per cent. amrap.org.au helps facilitate the valuable partnership of community radio and music by connecting Australian artists directly with community broadcasters. Radio presenters can discover and download new Australian music on the AMRAP platform to play on their programs that artists upload for free.

 

Will it cost my station more in royalty payments to APRA AMCOS?

No, it will not change the amount paid to APRA AMCOS but will help to streamline the reporting requirements to APRA AMCOS.

 

FAQs

What is Music Recognition Technology?

Music Recognition Technology (MRT) is an audio matching process whereby audio fingerprints taken from DJ performances are compared to a database of source recordings. APRA supplies promoters or event organisers with a device that connects to the mixing desk, picking up audio fingerprints from the songs played.

This data is processed by DJ Monitor who then provide a detailed report to APRA of song titles and artists played.

How accurate is the technology?

An audio fingerprint is a condensed digital summary of an audio signal used to quickly identify a song. DJ Monitor’s database is frequently updated with new releases by certain Digital Distributors (DSPs), record labels, and publishers. If your song is available for purchase and streaming worldwide, chances are your song’s fingerprint is in their system. However, songwriters can upload their tracks directly to DJ Monitor to ensure their metadata is in their database.

How does it free up time for stations?

The implementation of MRT will likely see an almost nine-fold increase in broadcast hours processed, which means station staff and volunteers will no longer need to manually report on music played.

Will it cost my station more in royalty payments to APRA AMCOS?

No, it will not change the amount paid to APRA AMCOS but will help to streamline the reporting requirements to APRA AMCOS.

What stations is it rolling out to and why?

As a member of the CBAA, MRT will roll out to all stations across Australia.  Further details of those reports to be advised.

If my station isn’t on the list, how can we get this?

You will still be able to receive reports from the CBAA.  The identified 100 stations is for initial tracking purposes.

Is this related to Code 5 of the Codes of Practice to track the percentage of Australian music at my station?

All stations must comply with the Australian music requirements as set out in the Codes of Practice.

If my station is participating, do I still need to upload track listings for my program?

Yes, you will still need to upload track listings, however, as we start to review MRT reporting and other technologies for your station, we may be able to refine and streamline manual uploads.

Do stations need to pay for this service?

No, this service is a benefit of being a CBAA member.

When is it rolling out?

MRT has already started rolling out.  The next APRA AMCOS reporting phase will be run both manually and with MRT to ensure accuracy in the technology with the aim to have all reporting requirements automatic through MRT by the end of June 2025.

Industry body Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) pay tribute to Bill Caralis, owner of the Broadcast Operations Group, known as the Super Radio Network, after his passing.

Bill Caralis built his broadcasting empire from humble beginnings. After acquiring several regional radio stations in the 1980s, his hard work and passion for the industry led him to become the largest independent owner of commercial radio stations in Australia.

The Super Radio Network now encompasses 42 stations across New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, covering over 90% of New South Wales.

“Bill’s dedication to the radio industry has left an indelible mark. His stations are not just broadcasters but integral parts of their communities,” said Jo Dick, CRA chief commercial officer.

“The Super Radio Network stations are deeply rooted in their regions, providing locally made content, news, and support for numerous local events. They have long been the established voice of their areas, embodying a commitment to serving local audiences.

“His legacy will live on through the many voices and stories shared across his stations, resonating in the hearts of listeners throughout Australia,” added Ms. Dick.

On April 16, 1994, Anthea Bradshaw married her high school sweetheart in a beautiful ceremony at Adelaide’s Tusmore Park Uniting Church. Just 96 days later, she was found murdered—strangled and stabbed—in Brunei, South East Asia. Three decades later, her death remains a mystery.

In Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery, 9News Senior Reporter, Ben Avery and the 9Podcasts team launch an active investigation into her unsolved murder—something no police force in the world is doing right now. This podcast delves into the strange circumstances of her death, uncovering evidence and exploring theories, forensics, and alibis that have stumped investigators for years.

Avery interviews Anthea’s family, friends, and former detectives to piece together her life and final moments. The podcast seeks to answer two crucial questions: Who wanted Anthea Bradshaw dead, and why?

His global search for answers has revealed new evidence and witness accounts previously unknown to the public. “There’s a lot the public hasn’t been told about this case,” Avery says. “Anthea’s family and friends want everyone to know the full story and they won’t rest until her killer is brought to justice.”

Del Fordham, 9Podcasts Content Director, adds, “This investigation has been painstakingly put together by Ben, with the unwavering support of the Bradshaw family. We hope to provide them with the answers they seek.”

Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery launches today, 22 July. New episodes of the compelling exploration of this cold case and the quest for justice drops weekly on  APPLE PODCASTS and SPOTIFY.

Is medical misogyny really a mystery? Why do we know more about some bodies than others? How do sex and gender influence our experiences in Australia’s health system?

SBS News journalist Catriona Stirrat explores medical misogyny and discrimination in the Australian health system in the new SBS News podcast, ‘Hysterical’. The series provides a much-needed health check on nuances of birth trauma, barriers on sexual and reproductive health, and patterns of delayed diagnoses. It delves into the medical challenges that women, trans and gender diverse people face every day, which may not be much of a mystery at all.

“I think the themes and experiences in this series will resonate with a lot of people. While we’re privileged in Australia with our health system, it’s clear there are certain communities that continue to feel dismissed or even discriminated against, and the current efforts to address this are offering hope in this space,” said Stirrat.

“Hearing a wide range of stories from women, trans and gender diverse people – whether it’s the dismissal of pain, experiences of birth trauma, or bias around whose bodies we study – emphasises the need for conversations about fairer health outcomes for all.”

The seven-part podcast series investigates the findings of the Victorian Inquiry into Women’s Pain and the Federal Government’s End Gender Bias Survey, with episodes uncovering; the history of hysteria and the travelling womb with Professor Jane Ussher, discrimination faced by trans and gender diverse people with Dr Joe Latham, prioritisation of fertility over pain management with Patricia (not her real name), bias, birth trauma and pain dismissal with First Nations woman Sam Hall and unpacking the default white male body with non-binary person Max.

Hysterical is available now on Youtube, the SBS Audio app, or wherever you stream your podcasts.

SBS News podcast Cost of Living Secrets is also available to stream on the SBS Audio app, LiSTNR or wherever you stream your podcasts.