The Australian radio community is reeling after it was announced that the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will be axed for good.
Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) CEO Lizzie Young said the decision to scuttle the industry’s night of nights was due to cost concerns.
‘Our focus on long-term sustainability across the industry needs to be our number one priority,’ she said in a statement.
Continuing, Ms Young added that axing the awards event was a decision not taken lightly. Â
‘After careful consideration in consultation with our Board and Members, we’re directing our resources into initiatives like Sound Start, CRA Audio ID and HEARD, and regulatory matters such as Radio Prominence where we can have the greatest impact supporting our industry’s future,’ she said.
‘Individual networks continue to celebrate the amazing work being done across our industry through their own recognition programs.’
The Australian radio community is reeling after it was announced that the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will be axed for good. Pictured: Jackie ‘O’ Henderson at the 2023 ACRAs
Ms Young continued, saying that moving ahead without the event will place the industry on a much firmer footing.Â
‘I firmly believe radio has a bright and exciting future in Australia, and this positions us to build that future.’
CRA announced in April that the 2025 ACRA Awards would not proceed, but industry officials were hopeful the event would return next year.
More to come.
