The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAS) will be hosted by Australian radio royalty when it returns on Saturday, Oct. 29 after a three-year hiatus. Awards organizer Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has announced that WSFM breakfast favorites Jonesy & Amanda will step up to the mic to present the awards across 39 categories at the event at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
The awards, which RedTech announced in March, highlight Australia’s vibrant dynamic radio and audio industry. Radio personalities from around the country will be among 1,000 guests to recognize outstanding achievement across entertainment, music, news, talk and sport. The event also acknowledges community service, with radio playing a key role during the pandemic and recent natural disasters.
“The ACRAS are back and we are very excited to roll out the red carpet and recognize the achievements of the industry which have seen radio audiences climb to record highs,” said Ford Ennals, the CEO of awards organizer CRA.
“Commercial radio stations support more than 200 community service organizations each year through air-time and promotions. The ACRA finalists exemplify the authentic connection radio stations have with their listeners and the many ways they use this to serve their communities, whether that is providing entertainment, information, disaster relief, supporting those in need, raising funds for health research or getting the conversation started on difficult issues.”
Twelve radio stations have been nominated for Best Community Service Project for outstanding efforts to raise support and awareness for community programs and charities. These include projects supporting mental health, road safety awareness, victims of the floods and children’s health and welfare. The community service awards will be presented by Susan Templeman MP, who was appointed by the Albanese Government as Special Envoy for the Arts in June.
It is the first time Jonesy & Amanda have hosted the ACRAS. The popular duo are also finalists for the Best On Air Team award in the FM category, up against the Kyle & Jackie O Show (KIIS 106.5), Fitzy & Wippa (Nova 96.9), Kate, Tim & Joel (Nova Network) and The Christian O’Connell Show (Gold 104.3).
The ACRAS red carpet will start at 5pm AEDT on Saturday, October 29, with the awards ceremony at 6pm AEDT.
The list of finalists is available here.