CRA pushes for closer ties with Australian live music

CRA, Australia’s commercial radio industry body, says commercial radio advocates for measures to ensure its sustainability and foster greater collaboration with the live music industry, supporting these critical elements of Australian culture.

Ciaran Davis, CEO of ARN and CRA chair, presented evidence to the Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts at a public hearing in Sydney on July 26 during an inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry.

“Commercial radio has a long history of supporting emerging and established Australian artists and contributes to their economic development through royalty payments, which amounted to nearly AU$40 million in 2023,” Davis said.

Davis highlighted the importance of radio as a platform for promoting local artists. In 2022, commercial radio played 2.7 million Australian songs and broadcast 160,000 hours of Australian music, with all networks and stations actively involved.

Keeping Australian music accessible

“But like the music industry, radio is facing its own challenges—so to truly unlock the potential of radio supporting the live music industry, we need measures to ensure our industry can remain sustainable, thriving and innovative,” Davis added.

Davis expressed a desire for radio and the music industry to collaborate more closely. He emphasized the importance of research, promotion and events, as well as achieving prominence for Australian radio on connected devices. “Keeping Australian radio and Australian music free and accessible for all is in all of our interests,” he said.

“We look forward to a future that is collaborative and creative and sustains the unique Australian voices and music across our country, and we thank the committee for giving us the opportunity to be included in this important conversation,” Davis concluded.