The 34th annual Australian Commercial Radio and Audio Awards (the ACRAs) has introduced a raft of major new awards for the 2023 red-carpet event at the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour on Oct. 14.
The ceremony, which celebrates excellence in commercial radio broadcasting and audio across entertainment, news, talk and sport, will award 77 awards across eight categories. This year the range has expanded to recognize the impact of podcasting on the radio and digital audio landscape.
“We are thrilled to be hosting radio’s night of nights, with refreshed awards which reflect the exciting changes taking place across commercial radio and audio,” said Ford Ennals, chief executive officer of CRA, who organize the event.
“The 2023 ACRAs are slimmed down and sharpened up, with new awards recognising radio station creativity and innovation, expanded awards to acknowledge the amazing work taking place in the podcasting field, as well as the importance of diversity and inclusion.”
Major new awards for 2023 include:
Station of the Year — for a station that displays innovation and takes creative risks in their on-air content, supports their listeners and delivers across all aspects of the creative and communications mix.
- Podcast of the Year
- Podcast Host of the Year
- Individual Talent of the Year
- Outstanding Contribution to Radio “the Brenno”
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Australian Music Champion “the Gudinski”
- Most Played New Australian Song on Commercial Radio
- Most Played New Song on Commercial Radio
- Best News Event Coverage
“The Brenno” is named after the radio legend John Brennan who was well-known for nurturing young talent and leading stations to number one. Meanwhile, “the Gudenski” recognizes a champion of Australian music and is named in honor of the late Mushroom Records founder Michael Gudinski.
Around 900 of the industry’s major stars, personalities and executives from around Australia are expected to attend this year’s event. Entries are open to 260 metropolitan and regional commercial radio stations across Australia. The awards are peer judged by panels of industry and specialist representatives.
Entries for the awards can be submitted here and close on June 30.