16-Dec-02 RADIO ATTRACTS LOYAL MIDNIGHT TO DAWN LISTENERS
The midnight to dawn shift on commercial radio is attracting a loyal and increasing audience of over 1.8 million people every week nationally, according to a survey of listening habits conducted during the last ratings period for Commercial Radio Australia.
The survey shows that the 55 plus age group continue to be the biggest listeners between midnight and dawn spending four hours and 29 minutes in an average week listening to commercial radio’s midnight to dawn programs. Overall, all Australians over ten years of age spend an average of three hours and 28 minutes a week listening to commercial radio between midnight and 5.30am.
The survey also shows that the number of people listening is generally highest between 4am and 5.30am, particularly with people aged over 25 years. However, more young people up to 24 years of age listen between midnight and 2am. The 10 –17 year olds have increased their midnight to dawn listening of commercial radio each week by almost one hour compared to last year.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said people listen to radio overnight for many reasons regarding radio as a trustworthy companion, friend and ideas forum.
“This survey reinforces the great strengths of radio including its ubiquitousness, its intimacy, its usability, its portability and its one to one relationship with listeners – radio is a very companionable form of media and one that is a constant for many people,” Ms Warner said.
The survey also shows that home continues to be the place where most Australians listen to commercial radio overnight (69%). Listening at work overnight increased by six per cent to 17 per cent compared to last year. In an average week, people at work spend five hours and 58 minutes listening to commercial radio between midnight and dawn.
Commercial radio also continues to be the dominant form of radio between midnight and dawn with a 72 per cent share of the total listening audience.
09-Dec-02 COMMERCIAL RADIO SUPPORTS SWIMMING SAFETY CAMPAIGN OVER SUMMER
A series of community service announcements promoting the swimming safety education program, Kids Alive – Do the Five is being aired on commercial radio stations across Australia over summer, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said today.
Metropolitan and regional radio stations and networks including Southern Cross Broadcasting, DMG, Austereo, RG Capital, Grant Broadcasting, Capital Radio, ARN, Bathurst Broadcasters, 2SM Network, ACE Broadcasters and Macquarie are supporting the program.
“The commercial radio industry is proud to support the Kids Alive – Do the Five campaign and will provide the community service announcements and air time free of charge – a contribution from commercial radio operators estimated to be worth around a million dollars in air-time to this important initiative,” Ms Warner said.
“Supporting this initiative allows the radio industry to demonstrate its commitment to essential community education programs and will also help raise awareness about water safety – a crucial message, particularly at this time of year.”
Ms Warner said the Kids Alive – Do The Five campaign was a very worthwhile endeavor and the initiator and key organizer, Laurie Lawrence, should be congratulated for his efforts.
“The campaign teaches five key messages about water safety: fence the pool, shut the gate, teach your kids to swim, supervise and learn how to resuscitate.
“With drowning the greatest cause of accidental death in the under five year age group in Australia, this message is essential to communicate - and the commercial radio industry is very happy to be involved in helping spread the word,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039
06-Dec-02 MORE PEOPLE LISTEN TO RADIO IN 2002
More Australians listened to commercial radio during 2002 compared to the previous two years, according to analysis of Nielsen Media Research’s full year radio surveys, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said today.
“The average listening audience for commercial radio increased by 0.5 per cent to around 1.28 million people listening at any given time (per quarter hour) during the week nationally – up from 1.27 million last year and 1.16 million in 2000,” Ms Warner said.
“The total listening audience for commercial radio during an average week across Australia also increased to over 8.4 million people in 2002 – a very encouraging figure.
“The average number of people listening to commercial radio across the nation increased most strongly in the Monday to Friday afternoon shift, followed by the drive and morning timeslots.”
Ms Warner said the analysis of the eight ratings surveys in 2002 also shows that Australians maintained a high level of listening time with people, on average, spending nineteen hours and twenty eight minutes each week listening to commercial radio. This compares to nineteen hours and forty-three minutes in 2001 and eighteen hours and thirty-three minutes in 2000.
Commercial radio also continues to dominate the share of radio listening with 71 per cent of the national audience.
“Commercial radio continues to perform well in what has been a very competitive and challenging year for all types of media throughout Australia, “ Ms Warner said.
“The strength of radio is its ability to be intimate - radio provides information and entertainment without interrupting people’s lives and is a very companionable form of media. As well it is mobile, immediate and can be listened to at home, in the car or at work – a very versatile communication medium.”
Ms Warner said commercial radio continued to appeal to the younger market with an increase in the 10-17 year and 18-24 year old audience in 2002 compared to last year. These two age groups had listened more to the Monday -Friday breakfast and drive timeslots throughout the year.
Source: Nielsen Media Research. Unless otherwise stated, all figures refer to Surveys 1-8, 2002, average five capital cities, Monday-Sunday, 5.30am-12 midnight, all people aged 10+.
03-Dec-02 2DU WINS NSW CONSUMER PROTECTION AWARDS - RADIO
Congratulations to radio station 2DU which won the Consumer Journalism Award - Radio at the 2002 NSW Consumer Protection Awards on Monday 25 November 2002.
The award recognises the achievements of 2DU's breakfast show, and host Leo De Kroo, in promoting consumer protection issues. The show features a weekly open-line where people can ring up to discuss relevant local issues. The show also has occasional guest appearance from officers of the Dubbo Office of the Department of Fair Trading.
The Award was presented to Jon Crosby of 2DU by the NSW Minister for Fair Trading, John Aquiliana.
2DU was also highly commended in the category: Consumer Journalism Award - Regional Media.
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27-Nov-02 ADVERTISERS TO SUPPORT DIGITAL RADIO TRIALS
There is a strong level of interest amongst advertisers in being involved in the upcoming consumer trials for digital radio, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said today.
Speaking at the Australian Marketing and Advertising Summit in Sydney about the opportunities for digital radio, Ms Warner said advertisers were keen to understand and test the potential benefits of digital radio.
Radio is the only advertising medium that still has an opportunity to take a significant technological leap. The radio industry is working closely with the advertising industry and consumers to identify the potential and value-adds of digital radio which will be essential to any future move to an enhanced radio offering, Ms Warner said.
Benefits of digital radio include CD sound quality, easy tuning, data display and the ability to download songs and rewind programs to hear a news item, weather update or traffic report.
Ms Warner said the consumer trials for digital radio, scheduled to begin in Sydney around April next year, will further test the consumer and advertising response to the benefits of digital radio and also allow more testing of the technology. As well, it will assist the Federal Government to define its policy on digital radio and assess the availability and suitability of the available spectrum.
The consumer trials will be aimed at five specific markets including young people, personal computer users, horse racing followers, opinion makers and taxi drivers. People involved in the trials will be chosen on the basis of age, gender, place of residence, radio listening habits, lifestyle characteristics and technology take-up. These trials are in addition to the technology tests underway since 1999 on a limited basis at several radio stations including 2DAY, 2KY, 2WS and the ABC.
The Australian radio industry has allocated more than $1 million over the past twelve months establishing the appropriate infrastructure to properly test the viability of digital radio. Establishing a transmission system and gaining access to appropriate spectrum for digital radio is a complex process but once established will provide the foundation for a state of the art, upgradeable, world-class system for the future.
Ms Warner said the introduction of digital radio faced challenges including the current cost of receivers and a lack of understanding amongst radio listeners about the potential benefits of the technology. She said taking the time to work through these issues was essential to ensure a successful and viable future for digital radio in Australia.
18-Nov-02 NEW COMPANY NAME: COMMERCIAL RADIO AUSTRALIA LIMITED
The Federation of Australian Radio Broadcasters Ltd (FARB) has changed its company name and is now officially known as Commercial Radio Australia Limited.
Whilst the brand name has been Commercial Radio Australia for some months, the company name change is consistent with the re-branding and positioning strategy of the organisation which has taken place over the last 12 months.
Please note that all other details relating to the company remain the same.
30-Oct-02 NEW BOARD FOR COMMERCIAL RADIO AUSTRALIA
A new Board of Directors for Commercial Radio Australia has been appointed following the recent annual general meeting (AGM) in Melbourne. The Board is comprised of ten radio industry representatives. They are:
Rhys Holleran – Managing Director, RG Capital Radio – Chairman
(continuing member and Chairman)
Paul Thompson – Chief Executive, DMG Radio - Vice-Chairman
(re-elected member and continuing Vice Chairman)
Kevin Blyton – Managing Director, Capital Radio - Regional Vice-Chairman
(continuing member)
Bob Longwell – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Radio Network (ARN)
(continuing member)
John Hamilton – Chief Financial Officer, ARN (re-elected member)
Fiona Cameron – General Manager, Nova 100, DMG Radio (continuing member)
Tony Bell – Managing Director, Southern Cross Broadcasting (re-elected member)
Gay Wallace – Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, AUSTEREO
(re-elected member)
Michael Anderson – Executive Director, Sales Strategy & Operations. AUSTEREO
(new member)
Alison O'Neill - Director, Grant Broadcasters (new member)
Two Board members stepped down this year - Ron Camplin and Gary Roberts.
The Board has two new members with four members continuing their terms including the Chairman, Rhys Holleran, and four existing members re-elected for another term including the Vice Chairman, Paul Thompson.
Chief executive officer (CEO) of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner said the new Board comprised a wealth of knowledge and experience about the commercial radio industry in Australia.
22-Oct-02 WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2002 AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL RADIO AWARDS
The Australian commercial radio industry has celebrated the 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards, formerly known as the rAWARDS, tonight at a gala presentation in Melbourne with winners including the best-known national stars and also up and coming radio talent.
Winners announced tonight include:
*Best on Air Team was won by Melbourne’s Nova 100 breakfast team, Hughsey, Kate and Dave
*Best Music Personality was won by Sydney MMM’s Brendan Jones (Jonesy) for the third year in a row
*3AW’s Neil Mitchell won Best Current Affairs Commentator
*2GB’s Alan Jones won Best Talk Personality
*George won Best New Australian Talent on Radio
*Triple M Sydney’s Russell Barwick won Best Sports Presenter
*Glenn Daniel of Sydney’s WS FM won Best News Presenter
*Bathurst station 2BS Gold morning presenter, Janice McGilchrist, won the country Best Talk Personality for the third year in a row
*The Brian White Memorial Award, honoring excellence in radio journalism was won by Paul Murray from Nova 96.9 in Sydney
The national annual Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in 25 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music. The Awards, which celebrate the best of commercial radio, are in their 14th year, and are judged by a panel of industry experts.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner, which organises the Awards, said this year had set new benchmarks in standards of excellence with a record number of entries.
“All the winners as well as finalists are to be congratulated this year for demonstrating a continuing high standard of professionalism and excellence in the delivery of commercial radio throughout Australia,” Ms Warner said.
Ms Warner said an inaugural Radio Hall of Fame had been introduced this year with well-known industry stalwarts, Bob Rodgers (2CH) and Paul Thompson, CEO of DMG Radio Australia inducted as well as 13 past winners of Lifetime Achievement Awards (formerly known as Wombat Awards).
“Both Paul, Bob and all the past Lifetime Achievement winners have contributed significantly to the radio industry over many years and their enormous contribution, both on and off-air is to be commended,” Ms Warner said.
The Awards presentation evening, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, was attended by more than 800 people and featured presentations by Olivia Newton John and performances from Australian acts George, Motor Ace, Disco Montego, David Franj, Selwyn, and Shakaya as well as Brooke McClymont.
22-Oct-02 WEBCAST OF RADIO AWARDS & SEMINAR - NOW LIVE
The commercial radio fest held in Melbourne including the 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards and seminar and charity luncheon featuring Sir Bob Geldof and G. Gordon Liddy, last weekend, is now web cast for the first time.
The on demand web cast is now available free at the Commercial Radio Australia website:
22-Oct-02 RADIO STALWARTS INDUCTED TO INAUGURAL RADIO HALL OF FAME
Well-known industry stalwarts, Bob Rogers (2CH) and Paul Thompson, CEO of DMG Radio Australia are the first inductees into the commercial radio industry’s inaugural Hall of Fame, announced tonight at the 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards in Melbourne.
The Federal Minister for Communications, Senator Richard Alston and 2GB’s Alan Jones launched the Radio Hall of Fame, which honors people who have given a lifetime commitment and contribution to the commercial radio industry, at the Awards gala presentation night.
Bob Rogers’ experience has encompassed music radio and talkback in some of Australia’s most competitive markets in a career spanning over 60 years. He is the doyen of Australian commercial broadcasters having begun his career in Brisbane and worked at 2UE, 2CH and 2SM. He almost became a legend himself after touring Australia and Asia with the Beatles in the 1960’s and was referred to as the “fifth Beatle.” Today Bob hosts 9am -12 noon on Sydney’s 2CH and also “Reminiscing” on Saturday night.
Paul Thompson has launched, acquired, developed and managed broadcasting stations and networks throughout Australia in a career spanning 37 years. He is responsible for building two distinct national radio broadcasting networks from inception. He was the founding CEO of the Austereo Group, which he guided for 15 years. In 1996, DMG Radio Australia was launched with Paul as CEO. The company now has a portfolio of 64 stations or licenses in five Australian states.
The Hall of Fame recipients were nominated by industry colleagues and decided by a high level judging committee. The Radio Hall of Fame will also include 13 past winners of Lifetime Achievement Awards and an earlier Award known as Wombat Awards.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said Paul, Bob and all the past Achievement award winners had contributed significantly to the radio industry over many years.
“Their enormous contribution, both on and off-air is to be commended, as are their efforts in shaping the industry in a very positive way.”
The 13 past winners who become automatic inductees into the Hall of Fame include:
*Ron Camplin
*Janet Cameron
*Ronald Haig-Muir
*Stanley Willmott AM
*Johannes Oost
*Garvin Rutherford
*Des Foster
*Robert Scott
*Bruce Rogerson
*Bob Cornish
*John Brennan
*Leslie Heil AM
*Brian White (posthumously)
“All of the past lifetime Achievement Awards winners have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the commercial radio industry and many have been pioneers in developing FM stations and regional radio. All have contributed to make our industry what it is today,” Ms Warner said.
The 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in 25 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music. The Awards, which celebrate the best of commercial radio, are in their 14th year, and are judged by a panel of industry experts.
The Awards presentation evening, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, was attended by more than 800 people and featured presentations by Olivia Newton John and performances from Australian acts George, Motor Ace, Disco Montego, David Franj, Selwyn, and Shakaya as well as Brooke McClymont.
15-Oct-02 WEB CAST OF RADIO AWARDS AND SEMINAR
The upcoming commercial radio fest in Melbourne including the 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards and seminar and charity luncheon featuring Sir Bob Geldof and G. Gordon Liddy, to be held later this week, will be web cast for the first time.
The web cast will be available free from next Tuesday (22 October) at the Commercial Radio Australia website and will also feature a picture gallery, which is downloadable, showcasing all the events.
The commercial radio fest will include three major events all organised by Commercial Radio Australia. They are:
· International celebrities, Sir Bob Geldof and G. Gordon Liddy will be key speakers at a seminar, called Commercial Radio Seminar 2002: Myths, Legends and Trends. The seminar will be held on Friday, 18 October starting at 8.30am at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center and will also feature other international and national speakers who will address issues of concern and future trends for the radio industry. Bianca Dye of Sydney’s Nova 96.9 will MC the seminar.
· Following the seminar, a charity luncheon will be held also featuring Sir Bob Geldof and G. Gordon Liddy as guest speakers and 3AW’s Neil Mitchell as MC. All proceeds raised will go to the Here for Life Foundation, Australia’s major charitable foundation working in youth suicide prevention. The luncheon will be held in the Bellarine Hall, Melbourne Convention Centre starting at 1pm on Friday, 18 October.
· The 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards, to be held on Saturday, 19 October at the Melbourne Convention Centre, will include 25 categories including Best Talk Personality, Best Music Director, Best News Presenter, and Best Current Affairs Presenter. The national Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in all relevant categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music and this year have been expanded to include an inaugural Commercial Radio Hall of Fame. The Awards will feature a host of stars including pop legend Olivia Newton John, well-known radio hosts from throughout Australia and performances from an exciting range of Australian music talent including George, Motor Ace, Disco Montego, David Franj, Selwyn, Shakaya and Brooke McClymont.
The web cast is being supported by Arbitron as part of its sponsorship of the Awards. A test page is available from today. For last minute ticket sales for all three events please visit the website at www.commercialradio.com.au or phone (02) 9281 6577.
03-Oct-02 GST ON RADIO PRIZES EXEMPT
The commercial radio industry has welcomed the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ruling announced today which exempts radio prizes from the GST, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner said.
“This is good news for the commercial radio industry and is a fair and commonsense ruling from the ATO,” Ms Warner said.
“The radio industry has consistently argued that radio prizes be exempt. The original draft ruling would have meant products given away as part of radio contests or giveaways could have been treated by the ATO as supplies and therefore would have been subject to GST.
“This would have resulted in a significant and unfair cost for radio stations and their listeners.
“Given that 95 per cent of Australians listen to radio every day the entire community would have been affected in its use of its favorite electronic medium.
“So today’s exempt ruling is good news for commercial radio and the listening public,” Ms Warner said.
03-Oct-02 DROUGHT RELIEF APPEAL
A series of community service announcements promoting the Drought Relief Appeal will be aired on commercial radio stations across Australia in the coming weeks to help support Australian farmers, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner said today. Radio stations including regional radio stations, as far afield as Tasmania, and networks including Southern Cross Broadcasting, DMG, Austereo, RG Capital, Grant Broadcasting, Capital Radio, ARN, Bathurst Broadcasters, 2SM Network, ACE Broadcasters and Macquarie are supporting the appeal.”
“The commercial radio industry is proud to support the Drought Relief Appeal and will provide the community service announcements and air time free of charge – a contribution from commercial radio operators of around a million dollars in air-time to this important cause,” Ms Warner said.
“Regional Australia is the backbone of many industries – and is a crucial component of the commercial radio industry throughout Australia. Radio is also leading the way in exhibiting a whole of industry approach to this very worthwhile exercise.”
“Supporting this important initiative allows the radio industry as a whole to show its strong commitment to regional Australia and will also help raise awareness about the impact of the drought and its devastating effect on rural communities and their economies. Commercial radio is the only arm of the media to offer industry wide support to this appeal.”
Ms Warner said the Drought Relief Appeal was a very worthwhile endeavor and the organisers and companies involved, as well as the Australian Red Cross, should be congratulated for their efforts.
“It is fantastic to see corporate Australia working with the Australian Red Cross to help support Australian farmers during this drought and the commercial radio industry is very happy to be involved in such a worthwhile project,” Ms Warner said.
30-Sep-02 STARS TURN OUT FOR RADIO AWARDS
Pop legend, Olivia Newton John will join a host of stars presenting at this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards, be held next month in Melbourne, which will also feature performances from an exciting range of Australian music talent.
Entertainment for the Awards will include performances from Australian acts such as George, Motor Ace, Disco Montego, David Franj, Selwyn and Shakaya. Brooke McClymont will also perform on the night.
Comic and MMM Sydney breakfast presenter, Peter Berner will MC the Awards night. 2GB’s breakfast host, Alan Jones together with the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Hon Richard Alston, will launch the Radio Hall of Fame and present the inaugural Radio Hall of Fame winners.
Well-known radio hosts presenting Awards include Triple M Sydney’s Amanda Keller and Mikey Robbins, 2Day’s Wendy Harmer and Peter Moon; Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O, Melbourne Fox Morning Crew and Triple M Melbourne’s breakfast team, The Cage, Gold 104.3’s breakfast announcers Grubby and Dee Dee, Nova’s Dave O’Neill, Kate Langbroek and Dave Hughes, Perth’s 92.9 breakfast announcers Zara Gross and Troy Swindells and industry stalwarts Derryn Hinch (3AK), Bob Rogers (2CH), John Stanley (2UE), Stan Zemanek (3AW), Steve Price (2UE), Neil Mitchell (3AW) and John Burgess (2CH).
This year is the fourteenth Australian Commercial Radio Awards, which celebrate the best of commercial radio. There are 25 categories covering all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music including Best Talk Personality, Best Music Director, Best News Presenter, Best Newcomer and Best Current Affairs Presenter. The national Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in all relevant categories.
The Awards, organised by Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre on October 19.
Chief executive officer of CRA, Joan Warner said the showcase of Australian talent performing and presenting at the Radio Awards was testament to the importance of commercial radio in Australia.
“The talent attending this year’s Awards is indicative of the importance of commercial radio and also reflects the high standards achieved throughout the industry in Australia,” Ms Warner said.
Tickets are still available for the Awards.
25-Sep-02 PEOPLE IN CANBERRA LISTEN TO MORE RADIO - REGIONAL RATINGS
The latest regional radio ratings show an increase in the time spent listening to commercial radio in Canberra by one hour and forty-five minutes compared to the same survey last year, with the 18-24 year old age group recording the highest increase.
Survey 2, 2002 Canberra Survey Results (covering 4 - 31 August), complied by Nielsen Media Research, shows time spent listening to commercial radio in an average week in Canberra by all people increased to 15 hours and 40 minutes a week compared to 13 hours and 55 minutes in Survey 2 last year.
The 18-24 year old age group increased its time spent listening by a massive four hours and 46 minutes to a total of 15 hours and 33 minutes a week compared to the same timeframe last year. This age group also recorded the greatest growth in reach – up by around 14 per cent to 77 per cent.
Speaking following the release of the ratings, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner said both surveys undertaken this year had shown continued growth for time spent listening to commercial radio in Canberra which was good news for the industry.
“Commercial radio in Canberra has grown its audience this year and now enjoys 57 per cent of all radio listening in the nation’s capital - an increase of nine per cent compared to the same time last year,” Ms Warner said.
“The reach of commercial radio has also improved across all timeslots except evening with the biggest improvement recorded in the morning timeslot with an increase of 2.5 per cent.”
Ms Warner said commercial radio continued to appeal most to time-poor consumers with listening in the car in Canberra growing to 25 per cent – up by one per cent compared to the same timeframe last year.
”No other medium is as mobile as radio – it’s live, targeted, interactive and portable which allows consumers to access information and entertainment wherever they are, which is often in the car,” Ms Warner said.
05-Sep-02 RADIO INDUSTRY SUPPORTS ADVERTISING EFFECTIVENESS AWARDS
In a first for the radio industry, the commercial radio industry body, Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) will sponsor the Advertising Federation of Australia’s (AFA) Advertising Effectiveness Awards.
The Effectiveness Awards are recognised as Australia’s premier advertising awards. They are the only national awards in Australia dedicated to proving the commercial value or financial return of advertising and are held every two years.
Chief executive officer of CRA, Joan Warner said the awards highlight the importance of effectiveness in advertising – one of the strengths of radio advertising.
“Radio provides good value for money for advertisers and the industry’s involvement with the Awards will help highlight this fact,” Ms Warner said.
“Apart from its effectiveness, radio provides significant benefits through its immediacy, and extensive reach and frequency making it an extremely powerful advertising tool.
“Radio advertising must also be very creative – an important element of the effectiveness formula.”
The 7th Awards will be launched later this month with entries due by February of next year. Winners will be announced mid-2003.
CRA will sponsor the Silver Awards and also a new category - the Most Effective Campaign for Radio.
Ms Warner said the inclusion of the new radio category was an exciting initiative and would be further highlighted by the involvement of 2UE’s Mike Carlton as host of the launch next month.
“The Effectiveness Awards are all about advertising that delivers measurable business results – one of radio’s significant strengths - which makes our involvement with the Awards very important,” Ms Warner said.
27-Aug-02 TRIPLE M'S PETER BERNER TO HOST AWARDS
Triple M's Peter Berner will host this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards which will also feature performances from an exciting range of Australian music talent.
Peter joined Amanda Keller and Mikey Robins Breakfast show on Triple M this year and is also starring in the ABC TV's BackBerner. He started as a stand up comic in 1988 and during this time has appeared as a headline act at all the major Australian comedy venues.
Chief executive officer (CEO) of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner said Peter had developed into one of Australia's sharpest comics and would be a great host for the Awards.
Other entertainment for the Awards will include performances from well-known band, Taxiride as well as new Australian talent, George, Motor Ace, Disco Montego, David Franj, Selwyn and Shakaya. Brooke McClymont will also perform on the night.
Ms Warner said the showcase of Australian talent performing at the Radio Awards was testament to the importance of commercial radio in Australia.
“The talent performing at this year’s Awards is indicative of the importance of commercial radio and also reflects the high standards achieved throughout the industry in Australia.”
The Awards, organised by CRA, will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre on October 19 and celebrate the best of commercial radio.
Sponsors of the Awards include Arbitron, AC Neilsen, Austereo, Music Network, Comsyst, RCS Sound Software and Australian Retirement Fund. As part of its sponsorship, Arbitron will support a webcast of the Awards and also sponsor the Best Program Director category. AC Neilsen will sponsor the Best Station Sales Achievement category; Austereo the Best New Australian Talent on Commercial Radio category; Music Network the Best Music Director category; Comsyst the Engineering Excellence category and RCS Sound Software the Best Music Personality category.
The 14th Australian Commercial Radio Awards include 25 categories including Best Talk Personality, Best Music Director, Best News Presenter, Best Newcomer and Best Current Affairs Presenter. The national Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in all relevant categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music. This year the Awards have been expanded to include the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.
20-Aug-02 GELDOF AND LIDDY TO VISIT MELBOURNE
International celebrities, Sir Bob Geldof and G. Gordon Liddy will be visiting Melbourne on Friday, 18 October as part of the 2002 Commercial Radio Seminar and charity luncheon at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The luncheon will feature Geldof and Liddy as guest speakers and 3AW’s Neil Mitchell will be Master of Ceremonies. All proceeds raised will go to the Here for Life Foundation, Australia’s major charitable foundation working in youth suicide prevention.
Sir Bob Geldof is a musician, father, hero, collector and entrepreneur. His achievements include two worldwide number ones with the Boom Town Rats, raising 150 million pounds through his efforts with Live Aid and as a partner in the worldwide TV success, Survivor. Geldof will cover a wide range of topics at the luncheon.
G. Gordon Liddy is one of America’s most intriguing characters. He hosts the G. Gordon Liddy Show, a radio program broadcast in over 260 markets in the US. He is also well known for his role in Watergate, where he refused to implicate others and was sentenced to over 20 years in prison. He served nearly five years, many in maximum security including 106 days in solitary confinement, before his release by President Carter “in the interest of justice.”
The charity luncheon is the culmination of a seminar, organised by Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), which will also feature both Geldof and Liddy as key speakers. At the seminar, Commercial Radio Seminar 2002: Myths, Legends and Trends, both Geldof and Liddy will talk about the power and significance of commercial radio and its role in Australia and overseas. The seminar will be held on the morning of October 18 at the same venue.
Chief executive officer of CRA, Joan Warner said both speakers would be highly entertaining and bring very different points of view about the radio industry and broader world issues.
“It is very exciting that the radio industry has secured these two renowned international speakers and it is also fantastic that we can continue the industry’s long association with Here for Life at the charity luncheon,” Ms Warner said.
The luncheon will be held in the Bellarine Hall, Melbourne Convention Centre starting at 12.30pm. Event managers, Markson Sparks, is assisting the industry organise the luncheon. Single tickets are available at $250 per person, a table of 10 is $2,200 and a VIP corporate table is $10,000. The seminar starts at 8.30 am and tickets for the seminar including the luncheon are $595. To register for the luncheon or seminar contact CRA.
05-Aug-02 RADIO DELIVERS ON TOURISM INCENTIVE SCHEME
An advertising campaign to help encourage Australians to take up a $150 rebate and travel domestically in January this year was successful thanks to the involvement of radio, chief executive officer (CEO) of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner said today.
“Radio was introduced to raise awareness of the scheme after less that ten per cent of the $5 million available was taken up, more than three months after the initiative was announced by the Federal Government,” Ms Warner said.
“However, following a two-week radio advertising campaign in January this year, nearly all of the money allocated for the initiative was spent.”
The rebate, announced to encourage Australians to take a domestic holiday following the events of September 11 and collapse of Ansett, was available through travel agents. It was initially promoted only through travel agencies.
In January, See Australia, a joint alliance between the Commonwealth and State governments established to promote domestic travel, became involved with AusIndustry to help raise awareness about the initiative. A multimedia campaign involving the Internet and newspapers was developed. Radio was introduced to complement the print campaign and advertisements aired for two weeks across 140 commercial radio stations nationally in late January.
According to AusIndustry, the involvement of radio in the advertising campaign resulted in the number of calls more than doubling to the initiative’s hotline.
Ms Warner said the immediacy of radio helped create a quick response and persuade listeners throughout Australia to seek the rebate – highlighting the medium’s extensive reach and frequency.
“Radio publicised this initiative and as a result greatly stimulated demand and helped boost the domestic travel industry following Christmas and in the lead-up to Easter, ” Ms Warner said.
Further details about the advertising campaign are available in a brochure on CRA’s website: www.commercialradio.com.au
01-Aug-02 MATT ELLIS ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD ANNOUNCED
A new Award for the 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards, formerly known as the RAWARDS, has been announced today in honour of Matt Ellis who recently lost his long battle with cancer.
The Matthew Ellis Encouragement Award, sponsored by the Macquarie Radio Network, has been named in honour of the former 2GB staffer who also worked extensively in regional radio.
The Award will be open to every regional winner at this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards. The winner will receive free tuition in any course to the value of $2500, plus one week of work experience at either 2GB or 2CH, depending on their interest.
The purpose of the Award is to encourage regional entrants to pursue their careers within radio, and to offer the recipient an educational opportunity that may not be available to them otherwise, Merryn Vincent, chief operating officer at Macquarie Radio Network said today.
Matt Ellis will always be remembered for his unconditional enthusiasm and absolute dedication to radio, and the winner of this award should possess these attributes.
Ellis, 27, was a copywriter and comedy writer for Philip Clark and Luke Bona at the Macquarie Network. He had been working at 2GB since 1999 and was well respected and liked by his colleagues.
Prior to his time at 2GB, Ellis worked in provincial and regional radio. Between 1997 and 1998, he worked at Triple G/2MO Gunnedah where he won the “Best Music Personality” category at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards for a country radio station, for two consecutive years.
He also worked at 4BU/HITZ FM Bundaberg, 4VL Charleville, 2CC Canberra, 2XLCooma and 2GN Goulburn working in all aspects of radio including writing, producing and announcing.
Chief executive officer (CEO) of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), formerly the Federation of Australian Radio Broadcasters, (FARB), Joan Warner said this inaugural Award was very significant and recognised the importance of regional radio for the industry and in particular the enthusiasm and love for the industry of one special young man.
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards are organised by CRA and will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre on October 19.
23-Jul-02 NOMINEES FOR BEST NEW AUSTRALIAN TALENT ON RADIO CATEGORY
Eleven Australian artists have gained nomination for the prestigious Best New Australian Artist on Commercial Radio category, sponsored by Austereo, as part of the 2002 Australian Commercial Radio Awards.
The 2002 nominees are: Aneiki, Rachael Kane, Scott Cain, Kasey Chambers, George, Motor Ace, Selwyn, Shakaya, Holly Valance, Disco Montego and Alex Lloyd.
Previous winners were Lash in 2001 and Vanessa Amorosi in 2000.
The nomination list was developed in consultation with ARIA and The Music Network according to a strict set of criteria. Nominees must be artists based in Australia who have not made the Top 50 in Australian charts prior to the commencement of the judging period - July 2001 – and who generally will not have gained widespread commercial popularity and audience response prior to July 2001. In the judging period (July 2001 – June 2002) the nominees must also have received substantial airplay for a single on a large number of commercial radio stations across regional and metropolitan Australia.
Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Federation of Australian Radio Broadcasters (FARB), Joan Warner, said sponsorship of the Award category by Austereo, through its TODAY and Triple M Networks, meant extensive exposure for the winner.
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