Radio in Australia marks a major milestone today when 11 stations, representing all commercial radio networks in Sydney plus the ABC and SBS, begin broadcasting in digital as part of an 18-month long industry-wide pilot program.
Federal Communications Minister Daryl Williams officially switched on the digital services at a function in Sydney tonight.
Peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia is coordinating the project on behalf of WS-FM, Nova 969, 2GB, 2CH, 2UE, 2DAYFM, 2KY, 2SM, ABC Classic FM, ABC dig internet radio and SBS. These stations will simulcast in both analogue and digital for the period of the project to allow the industry to test listener and advertiser reaction to the new technology.
“The start of digital broadcasting is a very exciting milestone for radio in Australia and is the biggest innovation since the introduction of FM radio in the 1970s,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia.
“The new technology has the potential to make radio more compelling for listeners because it combines new features such as crystal clear sound, a screen for pictures and text information on-demand, and multi-layering of programs, with radio’s existing strengths of portability and immediacy.
“It also adds a new dimension for advertisers because it significantly increases marketing options such as logos, visuals, replay buttons and electronic coupon downloads.”
Broadcast partners in the trial have established a consortium called Digital Radio Broadcasting Australia Pty Ltd (DRBA) to own the digital transmission system for Sydney and take responsibility for multiplex management.
Strategic partners in the trial include receiver manufacturers Alpine Electronics, Pure Digital, Factum Electronics AB and Blaupunkt; advertising agency Universal McCann; retailer Harvey Norman, and infrastructure providers Telstra, RadioScape, BSA, Comsyst, RFS and TXA.
Digital radio sets are required to access the digital services. Initially 100 listeners will be selected to participate in test panels made up of taxi drivers, youth, opinion makers, PC users and racing enthusiasts, expanding to 500 listeners as a greater range of digital radio receivers becomes available. All Alpine Car Radio dealer stores in Sydney will set up a digital display and talks are underway for consumer display centres to be set up in shopping centres and retail stores early next year. Media contact: Judy Shaw Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Note: Please see attached backgrounder on strategic partners. Images of receivers available by email.
12-Dec-03AUSTRALIANS SPEND MORE TIME LISTENING FROM MIDNIGHT TO DAWN
Australians are spending more time listening to commercial radio during the midnight to dawn shift, with women in particular increasing their average weekly listening time by nearly 30 per cent, according to a survey of listening habits conducted during the last ratings period for Commercial Radio Australia.
The survey shows the midnight to dawn shift attracts a loyal audience of 1.8 million people every week nationally.
All Australians over 10 years of age spend an average of three hours and 52 minutes each week listening to commercial radio between midnight and 5.30am. This is an increase of 24 minutes compared with the same survey in 2002.
Females aged 10+ listen for an average of four hours and 23 minutes each week, a 59 minute increase over last year. People aged 10-17 increased their average weekly listening time by 56 minutes and those aged 55+ also increased by 44 minutes.
The survey reinforces radio’s role as a constant companion and entertainment medium for people late at night and for early risers, said chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner.
People tune in to the midnight to dawn shift for a variety of reasons but the one factor they have in common is their loyalty to radio. Interestingly, more women than men are now listening to radio overnight, and they are spending more time listening than men.
The survey shows the 55+ age group continues to be the dominant listeners between midnight and dawn, with 491,000 tuning in each week, followed by those aged 40-54 (446,000) and those aged 25-39 (421,000).
The survey also showed that the number of people listening is generally highest between 4am and 5.30am, particularly with people aged over 25 years.
Home continues to be the place where most Australians listen to commercial radio overnight (74%), followed by at work (13%) and in the car (12%).
Commercial radio continues to be the dominant form of radio between midnight and dawn with a 70 per cent share of the total listening audience.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Source: All figures Nielsen Media Research Survey 8, 2003, Monday-Sunday, Midnight to 5.30am, average five capital cities
04-Dec-03LIVE BROADCAST OF WORLD ELECTRONIC MEDIA FORUM
Live broadcast of World Electronic Media Forum
As you may be aware, the proceedings of the World Electronic Media Forum (WEMF) are to be broadcast live from Geneva on 9th and 10th December.
These are available for rebroadcast by ABU members - free of any rights charges- and can be downlinked from either AsiaSat or EutelSat. The satellite coordinates can be found on the WEMF website on the following page:
1. Go to the WEMF website: www.wemfmedia.org 2. Click the icon 'web streaming'
The web streaming will commence on 9th December 2003 at 2.30pm Geneva time. If you are not able to join us in Geneva, we hope you will be able to find some time to view the proceedings onlineView PDF
The commercial radio industry’s brand campaign has been highly successful with an evaluation study showing 50 per cent of advertisers surveyed saying it has improved their opinion of radio as an advertising medium and/or they intend to use radio more heavily in the marketing mix.
The study, conducted by independent research firm TNS, found that the campaign achieved excellent cut-through, with unprompted awareness of the campaign among key advertising decision makers standing at 65 per cent four months after the campaign launch.
This is a very positive start for the campaign and demonstrates that we have been successful in getting the advertising industry to rethink the way it uses radio as an advertising medium, said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia.
The $20 million 12-month campaign, the biggest ever commitment by the commercial radio industry, began airing nationally on all radio networks on June 30, delivering the message that radio advertising is twice as effective at reaching audiences throughout the day as TV.
The evaluation found that:
81 per cent of all respondents found something worthwhile in the ads
44 per cent said it had increased their interest in using commercial radio for their advertising
60 per cent said they would like to hear the commercials again when played on radio, and
55 per cent said they were likely to mention points raised in the commercials to other people.
The survey was conducted among advertising decision makers in both agencies and clients in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in the week 29 October to 7 November.
Radio was seen as being particularly effective for prompting an immediate response. The most popular sectors for radio advertising were seen as retail, fast moving consumer goods and finance. Eighty-per cent said radio was an effective way to target younger people and 76 per cent said it was effective in integrated multi-media campaigns*.
The industry will intensify the campaign with the launch of the second phase in early 2004, which will comprise a series of new 45 second spots. Ms Warner said humour, which played an important part in the success of the first phase, would again be used to make an impact.
The campaign challenges long-held perceptions about radio advertising and we are very pleased with its impact so far – but there is still work to be done to convince agencies of radio’s effectiveness for brand building.
The campaign’s creative director, Ralph van Dijk of advertising agency Eardrum, said: The research
proves again how vital the creative is to the overall success of a campaign. In the right hands, with the
right investment, radio can deliver great results for any advertiser - but the creative is the key.
03-Nov-03COMMERCIAL RADIO CODES OF PRACTICE WORKING EFFECTIVELY
Commercial radio accounted for only two of the 50 breach findings by the Australian Broadcasting Authority last financial year, indicating the Commercial Radio Codes of Practice were working effectively, peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia said today.
“This is down from five the previous year, and demonstrates that the industry takes its responsibilities under the codes of practice very seriously,” said chief executive officer Joan Warner. “In addition, there were no breaches of licence conditions.”
The Commercial Radio Codes of Practice were developed by the industry and are part of the co-regulatory process which is administered by the ABA. The codes cover a wide range of issues including material unsuitable for broadcast, complaints handling, advertising, news and current affairs, Australian music content and the broadcast of emergency information.
“The majority of complaints received by radio stations were resolved satisfactorily through the stations’ complaint processes. Of complaints progressed to and investigated by the ABA, only two were found in breach, which indicates that the Codes of Practice are working extremely well,” Ms Warner said.
“The commercial radio sector is committed to meeting the requirements of the Codes of Practice and providing high quality programs which reflect community standards and expectations. We are pleased the overwhelming majority of Australians appear to be very satisfied with commercial radio services.”
The breach investigations were reported in the ABA’s Annual Report 2002/03 which was released last week.
Ms Warner said the findings supported a recent study by the ABA, “Understanding Community Attitudes towards Radio Content” which found high levels of satisfaction with the choice of radio services available, and that radio delivers programming that meets listener needs.
Renowned national stars and new radio talent are among the winners of the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards presented last night at a gala dinner in
Sydney . Highlights of the Award winners include:
· 2GB’s Alan Jones won Best Talk Personality for the second year in a row and also won Best Current Affairs Commentator · 2UE won Best Documentary with Alec Campbell - The Last Anzac · Best on Air Team was won by
Sydney ’s Nova 969 breakfast team, Merrick and Rosso · Rex Hunt won Best Sports Presenter for 3AW’s football coverage · Glenn Daniel of
Sydney ’s WS FM won Best News Presenter for the second year running ·
Bathurst station 2BS Gold morning presenter, Janice McGilchrist, won the country Best Talk Personality for the fourth year in a row · Austereo’s Hot 30 team of Kyle and Jackie O won the Best Music Special for The Grammy’s · The Brian White Memorial Award, honouring excellence in radio journalism, was won by 2GB’s Justin Kelly. · A new award, sponsored by DMG, ARN and RG Capital, for Most Played Australian Artist, was won by Kylie Minogue · Delta Goodrem won Best New Artist on Australian Commercial Radio sponsored by Austereo
The industry also recognised the lifetime contribution to Australian radio by John Laws, who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio , Joan Warner, which organises the awards, said the event highlights the outstanding levels of professionalism and excellence demonstrated throughout the radio industry nationally.
“Australian commercial radio delivers a first class service to millions of listeners every day – and tonight’s winners and finalists reflect the impressive wealth of talent working in metropolitan and regional radio stations across .”
The national, annual Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced in 28 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 15th year, and are judged by a panel of industry experts.
The presentation evening, held at the Sydney Convention Centre, was attended by more than 800 people and featured entertainment by international country music sensation Keith Urban, successful singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd, rising new talent Amiel, entertainer David Campbell and iconic Australian band Icehouse. “This year’s Awards have been the most successful to date with the event featuring stars from commercial radio in Australia as well as an impressive entertainment line-up,” Ms Warner said.
Two new awards were included this year: Best Networked Program (open to programs broadcast on a minimum of five stations) and the Most Played Australian Artist on Commercial Radio Award (sponsored by DMG, Australian Radio Network and RG Capital).
Media contact: Judy Shaw 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Note: A list of winners follows. Winners for 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards
Please note: Category winners are denoted with M = Metro; P = Provincial; C = Country
Category - Best Sales Promotion Nikki Rooke - Triple M Network – “KFC Cricketers Box” M The Triple T Team – Triple T Hobart – “Pig Brother” P Ben Hope, Deborah Allen, Lisa Robinson and Michael Coote – B-ROCK FM 99.3 – “Jingle
Bell Rock” C
Best Station Promotion Nova 100 – Nova 100 – “Dilemma” M Sea FM Gold Coast – 90.9 SEA FM Gold Coast – “Sea FM’s Human Flag” P Snow FM – 2SKI – “Threesome” C
Best Sports Event Coverage Triple MMM Football Team – Triple M Melbourne – “The Carey-Nixon War”
Best Current Affairs Commentator Alan Jones – 2GB
Best Sports Presenter Rex Hunt – 3AW – “3AW Football” M Matt Granland – 95.5 K-ROCK – “Sports Update” P Matt Stewart – 3YB C
Best News Presenter Glenn Daniel – WS-FM M Guy Sweeting – 2CA/2CC P Nathan Stephens – 3WM – “3WM Local News” C
Best Documentary 2UE Production – 2UE – “Alec Campbell – the Last Anzac”
Best Music Special Kyle and Jackie O’s Hot 30 Countdown – 2DAY FM – “The Grammys” M 2AY Music Team – 2AY – “2AY Classic Café Tribute: Maurice Gibb” P Marc McCreadie – 2XL – “Elvis - Top 20” C
Best Newcomer On Air Josh Szeps – 2UE M Kerry Peters – 105.7 The River - “105.7 The River Morning Crew’s Kez” P Mathew Monk – 95.3 Coast FM C
Best Newcomer Off Air David Penna – 2GB and 2CH M Toni Collett – MIX106.3/FM104.7 P Andrea Sammut – MIXXFM – “Free Falling” C
Best Music Personality Adam Willis – 2DAY FM M Tim Lordan – 90.9 SEA FM P David Gillies – 98.1 POWER FM C
Best Talk Personality Alan Jones – 2GB M Mike Jeffreys – 2CC P Janice McGilchrist – 1503 2BS GOLD – “The Morning Wireless Program”C
Best Program Director Brian Ford – FOX FM M Mitch Braund – Triple T
Hobart P Damien Willoughby – SNOW FM C
Best Networked Program Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady – 3AW- “Nightline” M Dani Torresan – RG Capital – “The Nite Mix with Dani Torresan” P Best Syndicated Program MCM Entertainment – “Take 40 ”
Best On Air Team Merrick and Rosso – Nova 96.9 – “Burn in Hell” M Pottsy and Leighton – 93.1 Star FM Wagga Wagga – “Pottsy and Leighton’s Big Breakfast” P Cathy and Monkey – 95.3 Coast FM C
Best Station Produced Commercial Eric Stephens - WS-FM – “Chambers Cellars” M Cristy Kilo - 99.7 Star FM – “Falcon Beauty” P Jenny Summerville and Glen Thomas - 2RE – “Ruby and Gordon” C
Best Station Produced Comedy Segment Triple M
Sydney – 2MMM – “Brogden vs Carr – The Debate 2003” M David Noonan – Triple T Hobart – “Dave Noonan’s Crazy Call” P Matt Sutton and Annwen Hughes – ZOO FM – “British Correspondent” C
Best Community Service Project B105 Team – B105 FM – “The B105 Christmas Appeal 2002” M Jamie and Kez, The Morning Crew – 105.7 The River – “Water for Christmas” P Alex Hilling – 105.5 Star FM – “Alex and Petula’s Children’s Ward Christmas Appeal” C
Best Achievement in Production Vicki Marr and Arden Hanley – Nova 100 – “Nova 100 Imaging” M Shane Rogers – 90.9 SEA FM P Mitch Smart – ZOO FM – “Sounds of Dubbo” C
Best Promotions Director Diane Massey – 2DAY FM M Melanie Lindquist – NX FM and KO FM P Lisa Robinson – 1503 2BS GOLD and B-ROCK FM 99.3 C
Engineering Excellence Award Frank Wilcox and Martin Quiggin –
Macquarie Radio Network –“Network Relocation” M Brett Alder and Kevin Griffiths – KO FM and NX FM – “Station Automation” P Jason Davis – 1503 2BS GOLD and B-ROCK FM 99.3 – “Studio Mate” C
Brian White Memorial Award Justin Kelly – 2GB M Ian Crouch – 2HD- “
West
Lake
Macquarie Bushfire” P Lois Chislett – 3YB C
Best Station Sales Achievement Macquarie Radio Network Sales Team – 2GB – “2GB 2002” M NX FM Sales Team – NX FM P
Best Music Director Dave Cameron – 2DAY FM M Glenn Mintern – 4TO FM P Ben Hope-1503 2BS GOLD and B-ROCK FM 99.3 C
Most Popular Station Manager Richard Barker – B105 M Paul Sweeney – 4RO 990 AM and SEA FM 101.5 Rockhampton P Steve Swadling - 2GN and Eagle FM 93.5 C
Most Played Australian Artist on Commercial Radio: Kylie Minogue Best New Artist on Australian Commercial Radio: Delta Goodrem
Australia’s king of the talkback airwaves, John Laws, was last night honoured with induction into the commercial radio industry’s Hall of Fame at the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards in
Sydney .
The Radio Hall of Fame honours people who have given a lifetime commitment and contribution to the commercial radio industry.
The award was presented to Mr Laws by special international guest, renowned astronaut Buzz Aldrin, at a gala black-tie ceremony in front of 800 radio and music industry luminaries.
Mr Laws is one of the country’s most successful and influential broadcasters. Through 2UE
Sydney his John Laws Morning Show broadcasts to more than 60 networked stations, reaching an audience of two million people.
Chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio , Joan Warner, said the inclusion of John Laws into the Radio Hall of Fame was recognition of a lifetime contribution to the industry, which had greatly benefited Australian radio over many years.
“John Laws has made an enormous contribution to radio in this country and is an icon of the industry,” Ms Warner said. “It is fitting that he should top off his 50th year in the business with an award from his industry peers recognising the extraordinary role he has played in shaping broadcasting in .”
Mr Laws began his career as an 18-year-old announcer on 3BO in
Bendigo in 1953. He made his debut in metropolitan radio at 2UE in 1957 - the first of four terms at the station. During a celebrated career, he also worked for 2SM, 2GB and 2UW, attracting top ratings, influencing the political agenda and earning the nickname “Golden Tonsils”. At his 40th anniversary dinner, former Prime Minister Paul Keating described him as “the broadcaster of the century”.
“John was one of the pioneers of talkback radio in – with his inimitable style he developed a strong and unique relationship with his listeners that has endured five decades of change and is still going strong,” Ms Warner said.
The Hall of Fame recipient is nominated by industry colleagues and is decided by a high level judging committee.
Mr Laws was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards, the industry’s annual national awards celebrating excellence in all aspects of radio broadcasting. The presentation took place at the Sydney Convention Centre.
Renowned national stars and new radio talent are among the winners of the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards presented tonight at a gala dinner in
Sydney . Highlights of the Award winners include:
· 2GB’s Alan Jones won Best Talk Personality for the second year in a row and also won Best Current Affairs Commentator
· 2UE won Best Documentary with Alec Campbell - The Last Anzac
· Best on Air Team was won by
Sydney ’s Nova 969 breakfast team, Merrick and Rosso
· Rex Hunt won Best Sports Presenter for 3AW’s football coverage
· Glenn Daniel of
Sydney ’s WS FM won Best News Presenter for the second year running
·
Bathurst station 2BS Gold morning presenter, Janice McGilchrist, won the country Best Talk Personality for the fourth year in a row
· Austereo’s Hot 30 team of Kyle and Jackie O won the Best Music Special for The Grammy’s
· The Brian White Memorial Award, honouring excellence in radio journalism, was won by 2GB’s Justin Kelly.
· A new award, sponsored by DMG, ARN and RG Capital, for Most Played Australian Artist, was won by Kylie Minogue
· Delta Goodrem won Best New Artist on Australian Commercial Radio sponsored by Austereo
The industry also recognised the lifetime contribution to Australian radio by John Laws, who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio , Joan Warner, which organises the awards, said the event highlights the outstanding levels of professionalism and excellence demonstrated throughout the radio industry nationally.
“Australian commercial radio delivers a first class service to millions of listeners every day – and tonight’s winners and finalists reflect the impressive wealth of talent working in metropolitan and regional radio stations across .”
The national, annual Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced in 28 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 15th year, and are judged by a panel of industry experts.
The presentation evening, held at the Sydney Convention Centre, was attended by more than 800 people and featured entertainment by international country music sensation Keith Urban, successful singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd, rising new talent Amiel, entertainer David Campbell and iconic Australian band Icehouse. “This year’s Awards have been the most successful to date with the event featuring stars from commercial radio in Australia as well as an impressive entertainment line-up,” Ms Warner said.
Two new awards were included this year: Best Networked Program (open to programs broadcast on a minimum of five stations) and the Most Played Australian Artist on Commercial Radio Award (sponsored by DMG, Australian Radio Network and RG Capital). Media contact: Judy Shaw 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Note: A list of winners is attached.
Winners for 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards
Please note: Category winners are denoted with M = Metro; P = Provincial; C = Country
Category - Best Sales Promotion
Nikki Rooke - Triple M Network – “KFC Cricketers Box” M
The Triple T Team – Triple T Hobart – “Pig Brother” P
Ben Hope, Deborah Allen, Lisa Robinson and Michael Coote – B-ROCK FM 99.3 – “Jingle
Bell Rock” C
Best Station Promotion
Nova 100 – Nova 100 – “Dilemma” M
Sea FM Gold Coast – 90.9 SEA FM Gold Coast – “Sea FM’s Human Flag” P
Snow FM – 2SKI – “Threesome” C
Best Sports Event Coverage
Triple MMM Football Team – Triple M Melbourne – “The Carey-Nixon War”
Best Current Affairs Commentator
Alan Jones – 2GB
Best Sports Presenter
Rex Hunt – 3AW – “3AW Football” M
Matt Granland – 95.5 K-ROCK – “Sports Update” P
Matt Stewart – 3YB C
Best News Presenter
Glenn Daniel – WS-FM M
Guy Sweeting – 2CA/2CC P
Nathan Stephens – 3WM – “3WM Local News” C
Best Documentary
2UE Production – 2UE – “Alec Campbell – the Last Anzac”
Best Music Special
Kyle and Jackie O’s Hot 30 Countdown – 2DAY FM – “The Grammys” M
2AY Music Team – 2AY – “2AY Classic Café Tribute: Maurice Gibb” P
Marc McCreadie – 2XL – “Elvis - Top 20” C
Best Newcomer On Air
Josh Szeps – 2UE M
Kerry Peters – 105.7 The River - “105.7 The River Morning Crew’s Kez” P
15-Oct-03COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER TO ADDRESS RADIO INDUSTRY
The new Federal Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, The Hon Daryl Williams, will make his first official address to the broadcast industry at the Commercial Radio National Conference in Sydney on Friday.
Senator Williams will speak live by satellite from Perth to the industry’s top executives gathered to discuss key issues and the future of radio in Australia. The Minister will present an overview of what he sees as the key policy issues for media in general and radio in particular in the short, medium and longer term.
The Shadow Minister for Communications, Lindsay Tanner, and the Democrats spokesperson for Communications, Senator John Cherry, will also outline their policies and take questions.
“The commercial radio industry is delighted the Minister has made time so soon into his new portfolio to address commercial radio executives on his perspectives on key policy areas for radio. This is the start of what we believe will be a positive and consultative working relationship with the new Minister,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner.
What: Commercial Radio National Conference
Political Panel Session
Date: Friday October 17
Place: Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour
Time: 9.30-10.30am
Commercial Radio Australia is the peak industry body representing Australia’s commercial radio broadcasters. There are currently 254 commercial radio stations on air in Australia, of which 249 are members of Commercial Radio Australia.
Other speakers at the conference include: Professor David Flint, Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Authority, Richard Hooper, Deputy Chairman of Ofcom, the new converged British regulator of broadcasting, telecoms and spectrum; Louise McCann, CEO of OzTAM, Nicola Heppenstall, International Marketing Director of Roy Morgan Research and Paul Weyland, President of Paul Weyland Training Seminars (US).
The full conference program is available on www.commercialradio.com.au
The winners of the 15th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Sydney Convention Centre on Saturday, 18 October.
The event will be hosted for the first time by Austereo’s Hot 30 Countdown host Kyle Sandilands in front of an audience of 800 radio and music industry figures.
“I’m very pleased to be hosting the radio awards because they’re the Oscars of the radio industry and once you get too big to win ‘em, all you’ve got left is to host them,” quipped Sandilands, whose program is in the running for the Best Music Special Award.
Vying for the coveted Best On Air Team Award are: the 2DAY FM Morning Crew; Merrick and Rosso from Nova 969; Jonesy and Kayley from WS FM; Melbourne’s Nova 100 breakfast team Hughsey, Kate and Dave; Tracy Bartram and Matt Tilley from Fox FM; Brisbane’s B105 Morning Crew and Perth’s Botica’s Bunch for Breakfast on Mix 94.5 FM.
In the Best Talk Personality Award, 2GB breakfast host Alan Jones will be up against his morning colleague Ray Hadley, 3AW’s Neil Mitchell and Derryn Hinch, Steve Price from 2UE and Leon Byner from 5AA.
Delta Goodrem, Bec Cartwright, Sophie Monk, the Androids, Emmanuel Carella and Amiel are in the running for the Best New Australian Artist on Commercial Radio Award.
Personalities presenting awards include: Sammy Power, Jason Bouman, Jonesy and Kayley, Mikey Robbins, Fifi Box, Bianca Dye, Dave O'Neil, John Burgess, Alan Jones, Steve Price and John Stanley. Celebrity guests include singer Mark Lizotte (Diesel) and man on the moon Buzz Aldrin.
Entertainment on the night will be provided by international country sensation Keith Urban, singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd, well-known entertainer David Campbell and rising star Amiel, who will all perform live at the ceremony.
A radio luminary will be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, which honours outstanding lifetime contribution to Australian broadcasting excellence.
The 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations with winners announced in 28 categories. The awards encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport, music and programming, and are judged by a panel of industry experts.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
NOTE: The event commences at 6.30pm. TV news crew/media – RSVP essential
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who landed on the moon with Neil Armstrong in 1969, will give the keynote address at the Commercial Radio National Conference in Sydney on Friday, October 17, and will then speak at the Radio Chairty Luncheon for Children's Cancer Institute Australia. Dr Aldrin heads a list of leading internatioanl and Australian speakers addressing the conference on current issues facing the future of radio broadcasting in Australia, as the industry celebrates its 80th anniversary. What: Commercial Radio National Conference Date: Friday October 17 Place: Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour
9.30-10.30:Political panel and Q&A
Federal Minister for Communications, Senator Daryl Williams Shadow Minister for Communications, Lindsay Tanner MP Australian Democrats spokesperson on Communications, Senator John Cherry.
10.45-11.45:Regulatory panel and Q&A
David Flint, Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Authority Richard Hooper, Deputy Chair of Ofcom (the new British converged regulator of broadcasting, telecoms and spectrum) Dr Bob Horton, Acting Chair of the Australian Communications Authority Jonathan Levy, Deputy Chief Economist, US Federal Communications Commission.
11.45-12.30: Keynote address – Dr Buzz Aldrin“Power and influence of media in the space age”.
12.30-2.30: Radio Charity Lunch for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia -Buzz Aldrin will speak at about 1.20pm. Celebrity auction starts at 1.50pm featuring prizes from the stars of The Block (Amity Dry, Waz and Gav). Other guests include: 2GB’s Ray Hadley, Mix FM’s Sammy and Jason, Nova 969’s Bianca Dye.
3.00-4.00:Creative - US ad guru John Immesoete, Group Creative Director of DDB Chicago talks about the multi-award winning “Bud Light – Real Men of Genius” campaign.
3.00-4.00:Digital radio – Nick Piggott,Digital Content Manager, Creation with GWR Group plc, the UK’s largest commercial radio broadcaster will talk about programming and content for digital radio – the future of broadcasting.
Exhibition: The 2003 conference features a mini exhibition celebrating 80 years of radio in Australia (including rare radio sets from the 1920’s) and a digital radio display featuring the latest high-tech digital receivers.
The conference is part of a two-day radio fest which concludes with the Australian Commercial Radio Awards on Saturday night. Commercial Radio Australia is the peak industry body representing Australia’s commercial radio broadcasters. There are currently 254 commercial radio stations on air in Australia, of which 249 are members of Commercial Radio Australia.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965 Media are invited to attend the conference. RSVP to gain entry. View PDF
Commercial radio advertising revenue rose 14.2 per cent to $43.8 million in the month of September 2003 compared with the same month in 2002, Commercial Radio Australia said today.
The figures by Pricewaterhouse Coopers show advertising revenue increased by double digit figures in all of the five capital city markets of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
“The result was the strongest monthly growth figure since August 2000 and augurs well for the December quarter, which is traditionally a peak period for radio advertising in the lead up to Christmas,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner.
“This is certainly a good indicator that the advertising recovery is beginning to flow through to commercial radio. The strong economic conditions, coupled with the success of the industry’s brand campaign in raising awareness of the benefits of radio advertising are likely to see good results continue into the next quarter.”
Radio advertising revenues were up 6.5 per cent for the September 2003 quarter compared with the same period in 2002.
Ms Warner said there had been a strong response to the national radio effectiveness campaign which was launched in July.
“Interest has been strong in metropolitan areas but regional response has been particularly strong – a very pleasing result.”
The major national advertising campaign, worth $20 million in airtime, was launched by the commercial radio industry to increase the sector’s share of advertising revenue among advertisers and marketers.
The series of on-air and press advertisements highlight the power of radio for advertisers, and deliver the message that radio advertising is twice as effective at reaching audiences throughout the day as television. The campaign is due to run over 12 months on all Australian radio stations and networks.
Ms Warner said an evaluation of the campaign, to begin this month, would assess perception changes about radio among advertisers and marketers and also its impact on advertisers.
“In an increasingly competitive market, it is essential that we increase radio’s share of the spend of current radio advertisers and to bring new advertisers into radio. Industries targeted include finance and banking, real estate and telecommunications and also the youth market.”
The commercial radio industry holds its annual national conference in Sydney on Friday. A range of leading international and national speakers will address the conference on issues facing the future of the industry, including government policy, regulatory issues, advertising and sales, market research and digital radio. The conference will be held at the Sydney Convention Centre Darling Harbour.
Not content with just auctioning off their apartments, The Block’s Amity Dry and the Boys - Waz and Gav - will put themselves up for auction on Friday, October 17, joining a range of personalities including leading Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse and food expert Maeve O’Meara putting their services under the hammer in the name of charity.
Guests at the Commercial Radio Charity Luncheon for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia will have the chance to bid to have the Boys come to their home for a comprehensive makeover consultation, or for Amity Dry to perform at their corporate Christmas party.
Also up for auction is a rare chance to see inside the famous Tulloch Lodge stables of Gai Waterhouse, where the winning bidder and their family will see the horses being paraded and join Gai for a glass of champagne.
Or, if rugby league is more to your taste, Macquarie Radio and 2GB sports and morning broadcaster Ray Hadley have donated an exciting afternoon in the football call box with Ray.
“This is the first time commercial radio has teamed up to help children’s cancer research and we’ve been overwhelmed at how Sydney’s personalities have come out in force to support this worthy cause and donate their time and services,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
“Being in the frontline of the action at the footy with one of the best commentators in the business - Ray Hadley - is an experience that normally money just can’t buy – but we’ll be selling this prize to the highest bidder on the day,” Ms Warner said.
The special guest at the luncheon is historical legend, astronaut and futurist Buzz Aldrin. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet their favourite radio personalities including Phil O’Neill from Triple M, Bianca Dye from Nova, Mix FM’s traffic reporter Vic “Chopper Boy” Lorusso, veteran DJ Ron E Sparks from WS FM and 2UE presenter George Gibson. Mix’s breakfast team Sammy Power and Jason Bouman will MC while Ray Hadley will be auctioneer and Amity Dry will perform a song.
Other auction prizes include:
· an exotic gourmet food safari for two people to Vietnam with food expert Maeve O’Meara.
· a Nissan 350z sports car supplied by Blue Mountains Nissan
· a luxury two-night stay at Peppers Delgany on the spectacular Mornington Peninsula.
The lunch will be held at the Sydney Convention Centre. Tickets cost $195 including GST or $1900 for a table of 10. For bookings, contact Kate Elliott at Commercial Radio Australia on (02) 9281 6577.
02-Oct-03SIX NEW AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS TO SHOWCASE FOR THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN RADIO
The AMDI, Australian Music Development Initiative, is a record company/radio industry initiative created during discussions in September 1999 about new quotas for Australian artists on radio. AMDIis a joint undertaking between the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) and Commercial Radio Australia.
In June 2002, AMDI broadened its vision to develop opportunities and reinforce communication links with commercial radio networks to improve the profile of Australian artists within Australia. The AMDI Committee is comprised of executives from both the record company and radio industries.
AMDI’sNew Music to Radio Showcase (NM2R) is designed to afford debut artists the opportunity to perform in front of the most powerful people in Australian commercial radio. This is also a unique opportunity for emerging artists, their managers and record labels to build relationships with key radio personnel.
Last year’s inaugural showcase, held in Melbourne, was a resounding success which helped to kick start the careers of Delta Goodrem, The Androids, Jeremy Gregory, Emmanuel Carella, Dan Greenwood and Irwin Thomas.
This year’s AMDI ‘New Music’ artists are:
Nessa Morgan, The Casanovas, Jet O'Rourke, Little Birdy, Thirsty Merc and Idle Vice.
Vicki Gordon, Chair AMDI statesFor the first time in many years we are experiencing real co-operation between the record company and commercial radio sectors. The NM2R Showcase is just one example of many new initiatives which now exist to support Australian artists and one where we are actually seeing results
By working closely with Commercial Radio Australia this event is guaranteed the attendance of some of the most influential people in radio with all of the key commercial Metro and Regional radio MD's and PD's present.
Denis Handlin, Chairman of ARIA addsAMDIhas enhanced good communications between the radio and record industries. In particular, it provides a great platform to develop initiatives like the showcases that get new Australian music exposed to all commercial radio stations in a great setting. Australian music significantly shapes Australian contemporary culture and it is important that both industries provide great music by local artists to the listening public. ARIA gives AMDI its full support.
This year’s Showcase will take place in Sydney at the HOME Nightclub at Cockle Bay on the evening of October 17th, the night before the Commercial Radio Awards, and will be MC'd by Andrew G (Channel V) and Jo Abi (The Edge 96.1). Channel V will also present a visual introduction for each new artist and a retrospective of last year’s showcase.
The commercial radio industry has long supported Australian artists. We are very pleased to be working cooperatively through the AMDI with the music industry to offer even more support. The NM2R Showcase is a brilliant opportunity for the two sectors to get together and develop the next generation of Australian stars,said Joan Warner, CEO, Commercial Radio Australia.
The NM2R Showcase, now firmly placed on the music industry calendar as an annual event, is just one of a number of new initiatives being developed by the AMDI.
For further information contact: Rosie O’Donoghue, AMDI Project Manager Tel: 02 8569 1147
19-Sep-03KEITH URBAN AND ALEX LLOYD TO PERFORM AT RADIO AWARDS
An exciting line up of music talent will perform at this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards to be held in Sydney on 18 October.
The awards, celebrating their 15th year, will feature international country music sensation Keith Urban and successful singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd. Rising star Amiel will also perform alongside well-known entertainer and pop star David Campbell.
We wanted to put on something special to celebrate the 15th year of the radio awards and we’re delighted that we were able to secure such an impressive entertainment line-up, said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia.
We gave the awards a major revamp last year to better showcase the energy and dynamism in the industry – and this year we are hoping it will be even bigger and better, with the artists performing live and the production featuring a panoramic screen with state-of-the-art graphics and technology.
Keith Urban’s second solo album Golden Road recently went platinum in the US and he will be touring around Australia in the second half of October with LeeAnn Rimes. Alex Lloyd, who releases his new album Distant Light next week, will also perform at the Radio Awards before embarking on his Australian tour.
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards is the industry’s night of nights and will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, October 18 and webcast on www.commercialradio.com.au
Awards will be presented in 28 categories including Best Talk Personality, Best Music Personality, Best Program Director, Best News Presenter, Best Current Affairs Presenter, Best On-air Team, Best New Australian Act on Australian Commercial Radio and the inaugural award for Most Played Australian Artist on Australian Commercial Radio. The national awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations and recognise excellence in all areas of broadcasting, including news, talkback, sport and music. A radio luminary will also be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
Award category sponsors in 2003 include Arbitron, Nielsen Media Research, Australian Retirement Fund, Yaffa Publications (Ad News), RCS Sound Software, Legion Interactive, the Music Network, Comsyst, ARN, DMG, RG Capital, Austereo, and the Macquarie Radio Network. Tickets are now available for the Awards. For details visit www.commercialradio.com.au.
18-Sep-03ASTRONAUT BUZZ ALDRIN TO SPEAK AT NATIONAL RADIO CONFERENCE AND CHARITY LUNCH
Internationally renowned astronaut, motivational speaker and futurist, Buzz Aldrin, will arrive in Sydney next month as the keynote speaker at a major radio industry conference and charity luncheon.
Dr Aldrin, who with Neil Armstrong made the historic Apollo XI moon walk in 1969, will address senior radio executives at the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Conference on the power and influence of the media; followed by an address to a combined radio, advertising and business audience at the Radio Lunch to raise funds for children’s cancer research on Friday, October 17.
“Dr Aldrin is an inspiring motivational speaker and well-known for his views on the influence and power of the media to set the agenda and provide information in times of triumph, such as the moon voyage, and in times of catastrophe, such as the Challenger disaster and September 11,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia. “Dr Aldrin has also remained firmly at the forefront of efforts to venture into space and we’re honoured that this distinguished pioneer will be able to share his insights and inspiring vision for the future with Australians,” she said
Dr Aldrin recently served on President George Bush's Commission on the Future. He has founded the non-profit ShareSpace Foundation, which is devoted to opening the doors to space tourism for all people and his think-tank company, Starcraft Boosters, Inc., is working on the rocket designs to get people there. Time Magazine has described Dr Aldrin as the man “who wants to send you into space.” Forbes said he was the astronaut who “reaches for the stars through his ShareSpace Foundation”, while talk show host David Letterman introduced him as “the guy who wants to give ordinary people a chance to ride in space”.
Since making those historic steps on the moon, Dr Aldrin has received a US patent for a permanent space station he designed, has written a number of best selling motivational books and is in high demand on the international speaking circuit.
The radio conference and charity lunch will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on Friday, October 17.
Dr Aldrin joins an impressive line-up of international and Australian speakers at the conference including the Minister for Communications, Hon Richard Alston, John Immesoete, creative force behind the award winning Budweiser American Legends commercials, Professor Paul Weyland international marketing guru and Nick Piggott, UK expert on content development and data applications for digital radio.
At the charity lunch, Dr Aldrin will join a host of radio personalities to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia.
Tickets for the conference and charity lunch are available from Commercial Radio Australia. To book tickets or for more information, visit www.commercialradio.com.au or call Kate Elliott (02)9281 6577.
Media contact: Joan Warner. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0419 410 617
26-Aug-03FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR BEST NEW AUSTRALIAN ARTIST AWARD
Commercial Radio Australia today announced six nominees for the award for Best New Australian Artist on Commercial Radio for 2003, sponsored by Austereo.
They are: Bec Cartwright, Sophie Monk, Androids, Delta Goodrem, Emmanuel Carella and Amiel.
The award is designed to contribute to the development of new artists or groups based in Australia, with the winner receiving $50,000 worth of airtime across the TODAY and Triple M networks to promote current or future releases.
The award is part of the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards, with the winner to be announced at a gala ceremony in Sydney on October 18.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner said the 2003 nominees all made the Top 50 singles chart for the first time during the judging period (July 2002 – June 2003), and further remained there for 10 weeks or more.
“The winner will be decided by voting from commercial radio program and music directors, using eight criteria including the artists’ potential to succeed, the appeal of the original material performed, their credibility as a performer, CD sales and listener requests,” she said.
“This award is an example of commercial radio’s commitment to providing a development platform for new music talent in Australia.”
The nomination list was developed in consultation with ARIA and The Music Network.
The 15th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards is the industry’s night of nights, and will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. Awards will be presented in 28 categories encompassing all aspects of excellence in commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music. Tickets are now available for the event – more information is available on this website.
Twelve-year-old cancer patient Elza Teixeira was delighted when radio personalities Kyle Sandilands, Mamajugs and the Hot 30 Countdown team dropped by recently for a visit.
Elza, who is half way through her treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at Sydney Children’s Hospital, participated in a photo shoot with the radio stars to promote a charity lunch to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA).
2UE talkback host Stan Zemanek and NOVA 969 personality Bianca Dye also showed their support for this worthy cause, and were captured on film by celebrity photographer Robin Sellick. Stan met eight-year-old Agustin Albertoni, who was treated for Wilms' tumour, a cancer of the kidney. Bianca was photographed with 10-year-old Emma Byers, who was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of two and has undergone a bone marrow transplant and a blood stem cell transplant.
“These children are absolutely amazing - despite everything they have been through, they were more than happy to take part in the photo shoot to support cancer research and help all kids who suffer from this disease,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner.
More than 500 radio luminaries and business people are expected to attend the charity lunch and auction on Friday, October 17 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. The event is part of Commercial Radio Australia’s annual convention and awards fest.
Ms Warner said the industry was known for being a strong supporter of community causes, but the appeal for childrens’ cancer had attracted special attention. CCIA is the only independent medical research institute solely devoted to research into the prevention, causes and cure of childhood cancer. In Australia, more children die from cancer than from any other disease - with over 500 new cases diagnosed each year. For every 10 children diagnosed 7 will survive, but 3 still don’t make it.
Some unique auction items and prizes will be offered at the luncheon, including:
· A trip for two to Vietnam with food expert and Channel 7 presenter Maeve O’Mara
· A Nissan 300 ZX
Tickets for the luncheon cost $180 including GST. A major keynote speaker will be announced shortly. For bookings, contact Commercial Radio Australia on (02) 9281 6577.
Lisa Cheng, CCIA’s Acting Senior Fundraising Manager said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of such a great event. Without the generous support of organisations like Commercial Radio Australia, CCIA would not be able to carry out its vital research - dedicated to saving the lives of all children with cancer and eliminating their suffering.”
The first national award for radio advertising effectiveness has been won by health insurance company Australian Unity at the Advertising Federation of Australia’s (AFA) Advertising Effectiveness Awards.
The “Smart Start” campaign was enormously successful at promoting the health insurance product to young adults – often the most difficult market to convince of the need for health cover.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive Joan Warner congratulated Australian Unity and agency Leo Burnett on winning the new “Most Effective Campaign – Radio” award at the AFA Awards last night.
“It’s great to see radio being recognised for its effectiveness by the Australian Advertising industry, and hopefully this success will further encourage advertisers to make better use of radio in their campaigns,” Ms Warner said.
“The Smart Start campaign resulted in a 44% increase in sales during six months post launch, 4,000 new members in 2002 and clear market leadership in its segment. Importantly, it demonstrated that radio advertising is an extremely effective tool for reaching target audiences and building a strong and clearly-defined brand,” she said.
The Effectiveness Awards are the only national awards in Australia dedicated to proving the commercial value or financial return of advertising and are held every two years. Commercial Radio Australia is a first time sponsor of the Silver Awards and the Most Effective Campaign - Radio Award.
AFA Advertising Effectiveness Committee Chairman, Colin Wilson-Brown, said both radio advertising and on-air promotions helped the Smart Start campaign achieve the breakthrough it needed in a particularly difficult market.
“The campaign showed that young people were interested in health insurance – but it had to be presented in a funky and relevant way. Radio advertising and on-air promotions achieved this,” Mr Wilson-Brown said.
Radio also featured in other award categories, with Saatchi and Saatchi’s campaign for the launch of NOVA in Sydney and then Melbourne in 2001 winning three awards - Silver, Most Original Thinking and Most Effective Campaign - TV.
“We congratulate Saatchi and NOVA on a campaign that was very creative and hit all its targets. NOVA 969 was the first commercial FM radio station to be launched in Sydney in 20 years and their Sounds Different campaign had an enormous impact on the level of public interest in radio,” Ms Warner said.
Radio broadcasters today welcomed Willoughby City Council’s decision to approve the installation of a digital radio antenna on Willoughby Tower, clearing the way for the start of trial digital radio services by the end of the year.
Commercial Radio Australia, which is leading the project on behalf of the 10 commercial radio stations in Sydney and the two national services, ABC and SBS, said installation of the new antenna would take place in August, with transmitter installation and field-testing to follow.
“This is exciting news as this is the trigger for digital radio broadcasts on VHF Band III to be heard Sydney-wide by the end of the year,” said chief executive officer Joan Warner.
“The trial will be closely watched by other countries as it is the most comprehensive listener and advertiser driven test of this new technology undertaken anywhere in the world. It will allow Australian listeners to experience the benefits of digital radio for themselves and will be critical in assessing what the “digital product” will be, and, which technology will work best for the Australian market.”
Initially 100 radio listeners will be selected to participate in the consumer trials, based on age, sex, demographics, geographic location, listening patterns and entertainment related technology use. As receivers with greater functionality become available, a trial of 500 listeners is planned.
Digital radio offers CD-quality sound, images, text and compelling multimedia content. For instance, over the life of the trial listeners will be able to access information about the current track playing, interviews with band members, weather and traffic reports on demand, advertising and promotional offers.
Ms Warner said Commercial Radio Australia had worked closely with Willoughby City Council over the past nine months to consult with the local community and allay any potential concerns over the extension of an existing antenna.
The Federal Government has granted broadcasters the use in Sydney of Channel 9A on VHF Band III to conduct the trials.
“The Sydney digital radio trials will possibly be the first of a number of trials around the country in other metropolitan centres and in regional areas. The other trials will only proceed if the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) allocates the appropriate spectrum as detailed in the radio industry’s request of 18 months ago. Once the Sydney trials are up and running we will expect at least temporary allocation of the nominated spectrum to be forthcoming,” said Ms Warner.
Commercial Radio Australia is the peak industry body representing 249 radio stations. It has formed strategic alliances with a range of partners for the trial, including retailers, receiver manufacturers, advertisers and car manufacturers.
21-Jul-03CHILDREN'S CAMPAIGN WINS SILVER CREAM AWARD
The use of advertising to raise public awareness about social causes has been recognised in this year’s CREAM Awards in Queensland.
The “Working Wonders” Campaign for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation won a Silver Award in the Radio Category of the Awards.
The Radio Category was sponsored by Commercial Radio Australia.
The campaign, created by advertising agency Clemenger BBDO Brisbane, featured burns victim Jandamarra O’Shane talking about his experiences and how the hospital had ‘worked wonders’ for him.
The radio component of the campaign resulted in a 23 per cent increase in donations to the hospital.
The winners of the Awards, conducted by the Advertising Federation of Australia, were announced in Brisbane on the weekend. It is the third year that the awards, which stand for Creativity, Relevance, and Effectiveness in All Media, have been held.
Qld AFA Chairman, Paul Cornwell, said the ‘Working Wonders” campaign was an excellent illustration of the power of advertising in the social causes area.
“There is more to advertising than increasing sales or getting customers through your doors. A well executed advertising campaign can help raise the profile of charities like the Royal Children’s Hospital and help them educate the public about the services they provide,” Mr Cornwell said.
He said the CREAM awards were unique as they combined creativity and effectiveness into one award system, allowing the best campaigns – those which are highly creative and effective – to rise to the top.
“In a tough business climate it is more important than ever to be able to provide convincing proof of the value of an advertising campaign.
“More than $8 billion is invested in advertising in Australia every year ($1.5 billion in Queensland). These awards help CEOs and business decision makers quantify the real benefits of an investment in advertising.”
Joan Warner, chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia said: “This campaign demonstrates just how powerful radio advertising can be and we congratulate the winners for using the medium in such an effective way.”
The finalists in the categories of Best Music Director, the Brian White Memorial Award and Most Popular Station Manager for the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards were announced today.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner said the Brian White Memorial Award was named in honour of one of the industry’s most respected radio journalists and recognises excellence in radio journalism during a period that was marked by a number important events including Canberra bushfires, the Bali bombing, the anniversary of September 11 and war in Iraq.
“It’s important that we acknowledge and encourage outstanding radio journalism,” said Ms Warner. “In good times and in bad - as important local, national and international events happen, as well as in times of crises and emergency, most people turn to radio first for breaking news and to hear the voice of the people,” Ms Warner said.
The prestigious Australian Commercial Radio Awards are in their 15th year and reward broadcasting excellence. The judging panel has now completed its selection of finalists and winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Sydney Convention Centre on Saturday 18 October. Winners of two additional awards – Best Station Sales Achievement and Engineering Excellence will also be announced at the18 October event.
Please see attached pdf file for list of finalists. The full list of finalists is available in the awards section of the commercial radio website.
03-Jul-03TOP GLOBAL BUSINESS STRATEGIST TO LEAD NEW PROGRAM FOR RADIO EXECUTIVES
Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, one of the top-ranked international business schools in the world, will run a four-day executive development program for Australian radio broadcasters in Sydney in August.
The program will be led by Professor Paul Almeida, an expert in global business strategy who has provided corporate training for firms such as IBM, AT&T, Microsoft, Gucci, the US Chamber of Commerce, Kimberly-Clark and British Aerospace among others.
Paul Almeida will lead the team of three Georgetown University academics who are travelling from Washington DC to join a UNSW academic to deliver the program in Sydney.
Commercial Radio Australia chief Executive officer Joan Warner said: The program is an exceptional opportunity for radio managers and key decision-makers to broaden their business skills and improve their understanding of how their station or network can deal with increased competition and develop the characteristics that are essential for success.
The Executive Development Program has been specifically tailored for the radio industry and will include competitive strategy, financial analysis, presentation skills, leadership and negotiation, human resources management and the regulatory environment.
It is aimed at senior radio executives whether in a corporate or station environment such as general managers, sales directors and managers, program directors and key decision makers. On successful completion of the program, delegates will receive a management certificate from Georgetown University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States.
The course will run from Saturday, 9 August to Tuesday, 12 August. All training and accommodation will be at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at Little Bay in Sydney.
Registrations are now open but numbers are limited to maximise the training opportunity for executives. For more information click on the attached PDF. View PDF
30-Jun-03RADIO HITS AIRWAVES WITH EFFECTIVENESS CAMPAIGN
Commercial radio has committed over $20 million in airtime over 12 months to a major national advertising campaign targeting advertisers and marketers.
The campaign, which begins on all radio networks on Monday, June 30, delivers the key message that radio advertising is twice as effective at reaching audiences throughout the day as TV.
“This campaign is about increasing awareness of the power of radio and underlines to both national and local advertisers that radio is an essential part of the creative and marketing mix,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
“We are seeking to increase radio’s share of the spend of current radio advertisers and to bring new advertisers into radio. We see good opportunities to grow revenue in the fast-moving consumer goods, youth, finance and banking, real estate and telecommunications categories,” Ms Warner said.
The two phase campaign will run over 12 months on all Australian radio stations and networks and is comprised of 12 different 45 second spots.
Michael Anderson, chair of the radio industry Brand Committee and chief operating officer of Austereo, said: “This is the biggest brand campaign ever conducted by commercial radio and underpins a sustained and aggressive push by the industry to encourage advertisers to use the medium more often and more effectively.”
Research shows nearly 80 per cent of Australians listen to commercial radio every week.
Ms Warner said: “In many cases advertisers opt for television campaigns when a radio-based campaign would enable them to deliver their messages to more customers more economically and with more frequency and impact.”
“Between the hours of 7am and 5pm, radio reaches on average twice as many people as free-to-air television.* Radio is not only the favourite and most used media of Australians, it is an effective brand building tool. We aim to bring this home to advertisers with clever creative and compelling facts.”
The campaign was devised by creative director Ralph van Dijk of advertising agency Eardrum, a UK sound specialist that has won over 100 awards and established operations in Australia in March.
*Sources: Radio – Nielsen Media Research, average five capital cities, all people aged 10+, surveys 1-8, 2002. TV – OzTAM, five city total TV, average audience by people and households, weeks 1-52, 2002.
20-Jun-03FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2003 RADIO AWARDS
The finalists in 21 categories of the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards were announced today. There are 28 categories all up with another 7 specialist awards yet to be judged.
The list of finalists reflects the impressive wealth of talent working in metropolitan and regional radio stations in Australia.
Six of Australia’s best-known broadcasters are in the running for Best Talk Personality in the metropolitan category (Ray Hadley and Alan Jones from 2GB, Derryn Hinch and Neil Mitchell from 3AW, Steve Price from 2UE and Leon Byner from 5AA).
Radio stars including Merrick and Rosso from Nova 969, the 2Day FM Morning Crew, Hughsey Kate and Dave from Nova 100, Jackie O and Kyle Sandilands from Austereo, Tracey Bartram and Matt Tilley from 3FOX and broadcaster Stan Zemanek are also in the running in various categories for the prestigious radio industry awards.
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards are in their 15th year and recognise the cream of Australia’s on-air and off-air talent, said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
The excellent standard of the entries made the judges’ task very difficult which is great testament to the high quality of broadcasting across Australia.
Broadcasters serving regional Australia have been well represented, with 108 finalists from regional radio stations in the finalist lists for categories announced today.
Recognising radio’s unique contribution to the community, finalists for Best Community Service Project include the Austereo Network’s Kids Helpline radiothon, which has raised in excess of $1.2 million over the past two years, Steve Price’s 2UE “Rain Train” which helped drought victims in NSW, B105’s Christmas appeal 2002 which supported the Royal Childrens Hospital Foundation and SEA FM’s Human Flag project, which brought together 5,000 people on the Gold Coast for a community event to commemorate those who lost their lives in the September 11 tragedy.
The finalists have been decided by industry judging panels with judging of the finalists to be held soon and winners announced at a gala ceremony at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, October 18.
Awards will be handed out in 28 categories in total, including two new awards introduced this year for Best Networked Program (open to programs broadcast on a minimum of five stations) and the Most Played Australian Artist on Commercial Radio Award (sponsored by DMG, Australian Radio Network and RG Capital).
Note: A list of finalists can be found in the Awards section of this web site. Seven specialist categories are judged separately and will be announced at a later date.
Radio, celebrating it's 80th birthday in Australia this year and the oldest of the broadcast technologies, is enjoying a renaissance in popularity among Australia's teenagers and young adults despite the rise of computer games, DVDs, mobile phones, pay TV and the Internet, according to research results released today.
Australian children aged between 10 and 17 spent an average of 12 hours and 22 minutes each week listening to radio in 2002, which is 79 minutes more than in 1998, while young people aged between 18 and 24 listened for an average 18 hours and 44 minutes in 2002, 56 minutes more than five years ago.
“Research trends show radio is enoying a higher level of popularity among younger Australians and they are listening in a whole new way to their parents generation”, said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner.
“Today's busy teenagers love radio because it complements a faster-paced lifestyle - they can listen to music and get information on the move. Radio is also the most interactive and immediate medium. Younger audiences, particularly the under-25s, have access to new technology and mobile phones, and they have taken very quickly to interacting with their favourite radio stations and DJs via email and SMS to request songs, have their say or enter competitions”.
It's not just music that is attracting younger audiences - some FM radio stations have launched talk programs, where young people can talk about issues that affect them and connect with other listeners.
The radio trends research, conducted by Nielsen Media Research, found that of 10-17 year olds, those in Adelaide were the keenest radio fans in Australia, spending on average 13 hours and 21 minutes listening each week (up by two hours 30 minutes since 1998), followed by Melbourne youth at 13 hours and one minute.
Nationally, commercial radio reached 85% of 10-17 year olds and 83% of those aged 18-24 in 2002, up from 82% and 78% respectively in 1998.
Commercial radio's share of listening for people aged 10-17 rose to 85% from 76% five years ago, while shares for 18-24's also increased to 79% from 70% in 1998.
“People have the perception that young adults spend hours in front of the TV, but research shows that radio is king at breakfast time. Fifty three per cent of 18-24 year olds usually listen to commercial AM or FM radio during breakfast on weekdays compared with only 26% who usually read the newspaper and 14% who usually watch TV”, Ms Warner said*.
Note: Further information and graphs, please click on the word document.
Source: Nielsen Media Research. Unless otherwise stated, all figures refer to average of surveys 1998-2002 for five capital cities, Monday-Sunday, 5.30am-12midnight. *Nielsen Media Research Panorama Jan-Dec 2002
The popular Radio Writers Workshop (RWW) will be held in Sydney from Friday, 1 August to Monday, 3 August and this year returns with a fresh format, a new panel of award-winning industry experts and will include for the first time a production session at the state-of-the-art studios of STELLAR Sound Productions.
A former student of the RWW and now award-winning senior copywriter at Saatchi & Saatchi, Tim Brown, will be one of the panelists. He will join distinguished industry experts Mark Sharman from John Bevins; Sean Cummins, CEO of cummins and partners in Melbourne; and Bradley Power, Creative Director of STELLARadio in helping train the outstanding creatives of tomorrow.
“I would recommend the workshop to all young writers because there are some tricks you can learn to write better radio and it’s a great way of learning from those in the industry and getting some fresh thoughts and perspectives,” Mr Brown said.
In 2003 the RWW will be run by Commercial Radio Australia in association with STELLARadio and AWARD (Australian Writers and Art Directors Association).
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner said: “The Radio Writers Workshop has been contributing to the development of outstanding creative talent in agencies for over 20 years. It gives participants a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from the best in the business.”
The format of the workshop has been revamped and will run over three intensive days. Attendees will hear presentations about the latest advertising ideas and issues and will work on a campaign to be judged by the panel of experts.
“We’ve broadened the workshop to include client interaction, studio production and working with professional voice over talent to give delegates a stimulating experience which will result in a comprehensive set of tools and skills for using radio as a key part of the media mix,” Ms Warner said.
Bradley Power, who is also co-Chairman of AWARD, said: “I have often noticed that good ideas get let down in the production process, so getting experience with studio production and directing talent is a very important aspect of producing effective, top quality radio advertising.”
Delegates can reserve their place at this year’s workshop, to be held at North Head Quarantine Station, by downloading the registration form atView PDF
22-May-03NEW AWARD FOR MOST PLAYED AUSTRALIAN ARTIST
Australian music artists will receive a big boost with a new award for Most Played Australian Artist being introduced as part of the 2003 Australian Commercial Radio Awards.
The winning artist will receive a total of $150,000 worth of radio airplay and promotional support across the DMG, Australian Radio Network (ARN) and RG Capital radio networks, who are sponsoring the new award.
“This is great news for Australian music and demonstrates commercial radio’s ongoing commitment to supporting Australian artists,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
“Over the past year, commercial radio has been an influential medium for promoting new and established Australian artists such as Delta Goodrem, Kasey Chambers, Holly Valance and The Androids, and we are very pleased that this new award will further raise the profile of Australian music,” Ms Warner said.
The new award is in addition to the Austereo-sponsored Best New Artist on Australian Commercial Radio Award, worth $50,000 in airtime, now in its fourth year.
Ms Warner said commercial radio music stations were comfortably exceeding their quotas for new Australian music programming, and statistics showed new and upcoming artists were making up 70-80% of the required Australian content at many stations.
The winner of the new award will be announced at a gala ceremony in Sydney on October 18. The 15th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards recognise the cream of Australia’s on-air and off-air broadcasting talent, with awards being handed out in 28 categories, including Best Talk Personality, Best News Presenter and Best Music Director.
Media contact: Judy Shaw 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
On-air radio celebrities and radio decision-makers from around Australia will host and attend a charity luncheon and auction to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA), said Joan Warner, the chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
The lunch will be held in Sydney on Friday, 17 October, and is a popular part of the annual radio fest, which attracts more than 700 industry people for a seminar, new music showcase and the Australian Commercial Radio Awards.
“Commercial radio is delighted to support the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia and their world class research into childhood cancer,” Ms Warner said.
CCIA is the only independent medical research institute solely devoted to research into the prevention, causes and cure of childhood cancer. In Australia, more children die from cancer than from any other disease - with over 700 new cases diagnosed each year. Of those children diagnosed, three out of ten do not survive.
Ms Warner said the charity luncheon would be open to the Australian business community and urged senior business people to support the event, to be held at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre.
CCIA’s Chairman John McAdam said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of such a great event. Without the generous support of organisations like Commercial Radio Australia, CCIA would not be able to carry out its vital research - dedicated to saving the lives of all children with cancer and eliminating their suffering”.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Commercial Radio Australia today announced the release of the newest version of the Commercial Radio Market Profiles.
The new profiles provide a wealth of information on all 102 radio markets across the country, with a specific focus on regional areas.
The profiles include information on all commercial radio stations serving each market as well as key data such as population trends, occupations, expenditure and household income for people living in each of the areas.
“The Market Profiles have been revamped and updated to give advertisers better information on the market demographics in each commercial radio licence area. The profiles also provide valuable insights to help advertisers use commercial radio effectively on a national basis and in specific regional and metropolitan areas,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner.
The Market Profiles are divided into five editions by state (Queensland, NSW & ACT, Victoria & Tasmania, South Australia & Northern Territory; and WA), and provide a comprehensive 550-page reference tool for advertising agencies, media buyers and radio representation companies.
For example, the profiles show:
people in the Karratha (WA) licence area are the highest earners in the country with a pre-tax average household income of $82,108;
people in the Sydney licence spend the most on clothing and footwear averaging $2,068,248,000 and $374,182,000 per year respectively;
people in the Sydney licence area also spend the most on holidays averaging $1,134,409,000 on holidays in Australia and $1,110,403,000 on overseas holidays.
The profiles will be distributed to stations, advertisers and media buyers in hard copy or CD format and are also be available to members of the Commercial Radio Australia website at www.commercialradio.com.au
Commercial radio broadcasters today welcomed Federal Government funding of $1.05 million to assist the industry bring commercial radio services to communities in regional and remote areas of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive Joan Warner said the funding under the first round of the Commercial Radio Blackspots Program would help bring commercial radio to 36 locations which currently have no commercial services or a very poor signal.
“This is great news for people living in regional and isolated areas of Australia, who will soon be able to enjoy access to free-to-air commercial radio services and the same high quality programming available to metropolitan listeners,” she said.
“We are delighted that the Government has recognised the important role commercial radio plays in providing information, entertainment and social interaction for regional audiences. All age groups will benefit from the services, but especially young people who are so often deprived of entertainment in remote communities.”
Ms Warner said music-based FM stations would be among those now able to extend services. Areas benefiting from the first round of the three-year $5 million program are:
Ace Radio – Kaniva/Nhill (Vic) – new service
Capital Radio Network - Cabramurra, Crookwell, Khancoban, Talbingo (all NSW) - all improved service
DMG - Corryong (Vic) - new service; Falls Creek (Vic), Mossman and St George (Qld) - improved services
North WestRadio - all 11 WA communities to receive a new second North Westservice (Argyle, Cue, Dalwallinu, Eneabba, JurienBay, Kalbarri, Lancelin, Leeman, Leinster, Meekatharra, Perenjori)
RG Capital - Corryong (Vic) - improved service; Omeo (Vic) - new service
Rebel Radio - all 11 Qld communities to receive a new service (Alpha, Banana, Collinsville, Cooktown, Dirranbandi, JuliaCreek, Karumba, Monto, Normanton, Richmond, Weipa)
Radio Outback - Barcaldine, Blackall, Tambo, Winton - all new services (all Qld).
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
06-May-03DIGITAL RADIO TRIALS DELAYED BY COUNCIL PROCESS
All 10 commercial radio stations in Sydney and the two national services, ABC and SBS, have signed up to launch the first consumer digital radio services in Australia in the second half of 2003.
Commercial Radio Australia, which is leading the project, said the industry had invested more than $1.1 million in developing the trials of digital radio to date.
However, chief executive officer Joan Warner said completion of the infrastructure required for the trials had been delayed by seven months by local council processes.
“All broadcasting partners have agreed on a detailed implementation plan for the trial and we are ready to move forward, but we have been frustrated for seven months waiting for Willoughby Council officers to even place it before the Council for approval,” said Ms Warner.
“In many cases local council staff have great difficulty in dealing with the complex issues relating to broadcasting transmission and State and Federal Governments need to provide a clear set of processes and guidelines for changes to broadcasting transmission sites.”
Ms Warner, who will be speaking on broadcasting issues at the Australian Broadcasting Authority conference which started in Canberra today, called on Federal Government agencies to work with State planning authorities to set up planning regulations for more efficient approvals.
“The broadcasters are seeking to simply replace an existing antenna on the Channel 9 Willoughby Tower with one three metres longer to enable digital radio broadcasting trials to commence,” Ms Warner said.
“The very disappointing delay over a three-metre extension and the recent issue with urban encroachment to AM towers at Homebush Bay highlight the serious challenge facing broadcasters in metropolitan areas,” Ms Warner said. “The listening public regards radio as an essential service, but our audience coverage is being threatened by the lack of understanding of broadcasting and broadcasters needs’ by planning authorities at both State and local level”.
The Federal Government has granted broadcasters the use in Sydney of Channel 9A on VHF Band III to conduct the consumer trials, which will test listener response to digital radio.
Ms Warner said digital radio offered CD-quality sound, images, text and compelling multimedia content free to air. “An increasing number of people want information and entertainment on the move and on demand, and the trial will be critical in gauging consumer response to digital radio content, a range of new digital receivers and the appeal of convergent technology,” she said.
Commercial Radio Australia, the industry body representing 245 radio stations, has formed strategic alliances with a range of partners for the trial, including retailers, receiver manufacturers, retailers, advertisers and car manufacturers.
Advertising expenditure on commercial radio increased by 0.8 per cent to $684.4 million in 2002, demonstrating radio’s resilience in the advertising downturn, Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner said.
“Radio is the only medium that has achieved growth in advertising expenditure for the past two years running,” Ms Warner said, commenting on the “Advertising Expenditure in Main Media” report released today by CEASA (Commercial Economic Advisory Service of Australia).
“Commercial radio is performing well compared to other media because it offers advertisers flexibility, reach and better value for money – and that’s a very attractive combination in the current market place,” Ms Warner said.
The CEASA report showed total advertising expenditure on radio (including community radio) rose by 1.1 per cent to $702.4 million in the year ending December 2002. This follows a 1.6 per cent increase for radio in 2001 compared with 2000.
Television recovered in 2002 following a sharp drop previously, while newspapers, magazines, outdoor and cinema all experienced further declines.
Ms Warner said growth in the December half was particularly strong for metropolitan radio, with advertising expenditure up by 5.3 per cent to $247.6 million over the corresponding period. The national advertising category for radio also reflected the turnaround, up 2.8 per cent to $180.1 million in the December half after a weaker first half. Total radio non-national was also stronger in the December half, up 2.2 per cent to $185.2 million compared with the same period in 2001.
“This is an excellent result and adds to evidence that the advertising recovery began in 2002,” Ms Warner said. “We are positive about the outlook for 2003 notwithstanding the uncertainty caused by the war in Iraq. In times of conflict, radio listening tends to rise as people stay tuned to their radios for news, entertainment and a sense of community.”
04-Apr-03NIELSEN MEDIA RESEARCH RETAINS RADIO RATINGS
Commercial Radio Australia has awarded the radio ratings contract for 2004-2006 to incumbent audience survey company Nielsen Media Research, Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner announced today.
The three-year contract will commence on 1 January 2004.
Ms Warner said the contract was awarded following a rigorous evaluation and tender process.
“Nielsen Media Research was chosen after very careful consideration as it offers a proven radio audience measurement system for Australia that is among the world’s best,” Ms Warner said.
“The industry also considered the likelihood of a move to electronic measurement in the next few years. As a move to electronic measurement is possible in the future the industry decided to maintain stability and certainty by awarding the contract to the incumbent.”
Ms Warner said radio would continue with the diary system as it was still the premier system around the world, but looking ahead, the industry was keen to see a trial of electronic meters.
“The decision to award the contract to NMR should not be seen as a decision in favour of the radio control watch. Both devices on offer, the radio control watch and the PPM, currently have a number of shortcomings and the further development of both devices will be closely monitored by the industry,” she said.
The other tenderer was Arbitron-TNS, a combined bid by global research firm Arbitron and Taylor Nelson Sofres.
“We were very impressed by the professionalism of the Arbitron-TNS approach and hope there will be the opportunity to work with them in the future,” Ms Warner said.
The second radio ratings survey for 2003 released today shows more listeners have turned to commercial talk stations to keep up with developments on the war in , Commercial Radio said.
An analysis of the survey shows the average weekly time spent listening to national AM commercial stations rose to 17 hours and 19 minutes compared with 16 hours and 58 minutes in the same period in 2002.
“Radio has played a key part in reporting on the conflict in and it has also provided a forum for people to voice their views on a topic of great importance to the Australian community,” said Commercial Radio chief executive officer Joan Warner.
“Radio’s strengths in times of crisis are its greater immediacy and portability, which allows people to keep up with breaking news whether they are at home, in the car or at work,” Ms Warner said.
The survey covered the period February 16 to March 22, including the build-up to war and start of the attack on March 20.
Ms Warner said the average number of people listening (each quarter hour) to commercial AM stations rose to 462,000 in the period surveyed in 2003 from 446,000 in 2002.
“The biggest increase in time spent listening to commercial AM talk stations was during the afternoon, with many people listening while at work,” Ms Warner said. “The 25-39 age group showed the most change, with the average amount of time spent listening to commercial AM stations during the week at 10 hours 58 minutes, up from 9 hours 19 minutes in 2002.”
Ms Warner said a study on radio’s key role during a crisis, released last year by international market research firm Arbitron, found that around one third of Americans believed they were spending more time with radio since the September 11 attacks, and many more voiced their support for radio, with over half feeling that radio helped them deal with the crisis and its aftermath.
Source: Nielsen Media Research. Unless otherwise stated, all figures refer to Survey 2, 2003, average five capital cities, Monday-Sunday, 5.30am-12 midnight, all people aged 10+. View PDF
Commercial Radio Australia has become a first time sponsor of the Advertising Federation of Australia’s CREAM Awards, which recognise advertising creativity and effectiveness.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner urged radio stations and creative agencies to enter and support the awards, which have been launched in Queensland for the third year.
“The CREAM radio awards are important because they highlight innovative and effective ways to use this powerful medium to get the message across,” Ms Warner said.
“The best radio ads are both entertaining and deliver a financial return to the advertiser, and our support of the CREAM awards highlights the industry’s commitment to encouraging creativity and effectiveness in radio advertising.”
Ms Warner said advertisers were becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of using radio as a brand building mechanism as well as a call to action.
The CREAM Awards (Cream stands for Creativity, Relevance and Effectiveness in All Media) were launched today with the theme “creative that delivers”.
Commercial Radio Australia is sponsoring the radio category Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.
The closing date for entries is April 11. For more information, visit www.creamawards.com.au.
21-Mar-03RADIO CAMPAIGN WINS TOP ADVERTISING AWARD
Edith Cowan University has won the prestigious Advertiser of the Year Award in Western Australia for a successful radio-driven advertising campaign.
Congratulating the university on the award, Commercial Radio chief executive Joan Warner said the campaign demonstrated innovative ways radio could be used to build brand awareness and drive business results.
“While most of its competitors used more traditional marketing methods,
Edith
Cowan
University broke the mould by implementing a unique campaign that primarily used radio to target its audience – with great results,” Ms Warner said.
The top award was presented to Lianne Cretney-Barnes, ECU’s Director of Marketing and Development, at the Campaign Brief Awards in
Perth .
“
Edith
Cowan
University chose radio as its main medium to carry its branding message,” Ms Cretney-Barnes said. “ECU is about exciting, fulfilling careers. Branding requires frequency and continuity to drive home the message and radio allowed ECU to achieve these factors.
”Radio also allowed ECU to 'own' the medium - our competitors only had a minimal presence on radio, and were utilising press as the main medium for their advertising.”
Ms Cretney-Barnes said ECU conducted market research that helped it find out more about the lifestyle habits of its target markets. “Radio proved the best way to reach the majority of people within those markets and it was also cost effective,” she said.
Various facets of the campaign ran on 92.9FM, 96FM, 93.7FM, 94.5FM and Hot FM. Since implementing its branding campaign three years ago, the university had increased its share of first preference applications from school leavers every year, she said.
10-Mar-03ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2003 AUSTRALIAN RADIO AWARDS
Entries have opened for the 15th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards, which will be held in Sydney this year and promise to be bigger and better than ever.
Awards will be handed out in 26 categories, including Best Talk Personality, Best On Air Team, Best Documentary and Best New Australian Talent.
A new award category of Best Networked Program has been introduced this year and is open to programs broadcast on a minimum of five stations. This follows the expansion of the awards last year with the introduction of the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame. Industry stalwarts Bob Rogers (2CH) and Paul Thompson (CEO of DMG Radio Australia) were the first inductees.
“The Australian Commercial Radio Awards are an opportunity to recognise the achievements of Australia’s radio broadcasters and the role radio plays in informing, entertaining and providing a voice for the community,” said Joan Warner, Chief Executive Officer of award organiser Commercial Radio Australia.
“2002 saw a record number of entries and we are hoping to beat that this year,” Ms Warner said.
The awards cover all metropolitan, regional and provincial commercial radio stations and will be announced at a gala ceremony in Sydney on Saturday, 18 October.
Entries must be received for industry categories by close of business on 2 May 2003.
Commercial Radio Australia has successfully negotiated with the business school of Georgetown University Washington DC for the delivery of the University's prestigious Executive Development for Radio Executives Certificate Course in Sydney from 9-12 August 2003. Georgetown University topped the international rankings for Global and Business Strategy in the January 2003 Financial Times ranking of business schools and MBA courses.
This is an excellent opportunity for senior and high potential radio industry executives to participate in Australia in an international management course of high standing designed specifically for radio executives. Numbers will be strictly limited. To register an expression of interest in the course contact Joanna Daly on 9281 6577 or joanna.daly@commercialradio.com.au
04-Mar-03CALL FOR PAPERS FOR 2003 RADIO THINK TANK
Got something to say about the future of radio? Here’s your chance to have your say on the issues that are important to you. Commercial Radio is calling for papers and exhibitors to be part of the industry’s annual seminar to be held in
Sydney in October.
The 2003 event carries the working title ‘The Future of Radio’ and kicks off the Commercial Radio Fest – three days of radio learning and networking, culminating in the 15th annual Commercial Radio Awards.
“This year we’ve opened up the program to give our members the opportunity to provide input into the speakers and topics that are most relevant to them,” said Commercial Radio chief executive officer Joan Warner.
The seminar, to be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on Friday, 17 October, will feature two keynote speakers and a series of up to 15 streams covering topics such as future trends, effective radio creative, industry investment and regulatory issues. The day will conclude with a showcase of new Australian music talent.
The seminar’s aim is to educate and inspire the commercial radio industry and advertising agencies on the latest advances in radio and media. In 2003, a mini exhibitors hall will also be introduced.
Interested parties who would like to be a part of the speaking agenda or the exhibitors hall should contact
Steve James with a submission of no more than 100 words outlining their company, proposed speaker and topic and target audience.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Submissions should be received no later than Friday 21 March. For more information, contact
Steve James on 61 2 9281 6577. Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
03-Mar-03NEW RESEARCH GIVES INSIGHT INTO RADIO LISTENERS
New research into the lifestyle and buying habits of commercial radio listeners will allow marketers to hit their target audiences more effectively, Commercial Radio Australia chief executive Joan Warner said today.
The research, resulting from a major revamp of the Radio Single Source Lifestyle Questionnaire conducted as part of the radio ratings surveys, provides powerful insights into the 80 per cent of Australians who listen to commercial radio in an average week.
For instance, the research from Survey 1 shows:
* 1.7 million commercial radio listeners intend to carry out major home renovations in the next 12 months, with most interested in painting or landscaping * 84% of all people who regularly buy pre-mixed spirits or ready to drink alcohol listen to commercial radio, with time spent listening averaging 21 hours and 32 minutes per week * 2.8 million listeners attended a major sporting event in the past 12 months * 3 out of every 4 people who purchased an item from a book store, department store or newsagency in the past month listened to commercial radio.
“The research allows audiences to be analysed using more than 100 different demographic categories and provides a powerful tool to help advertisers reach their target audiences,” Ms Warner said.
“For example, a computer manufacturer could use the single source category of ‘people who intend to buy a PC in the next 12 months’ rather than a simple age/sex target criteria.”
The Single Source Lifestyle research is conducted for Commercial Radio Australia by Nielsen Media Research in conjunction with the radio ratings survey. Single Source data is available to subscribers of the radio ratings data. There will be a total of eight radio surveys conducted in 2003 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Source: All figures Nielsen Media Research’s Survey 1, 2003, average five capital cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth.
Commercial radio advertising revenues rose by just over 5 per cent in the six months ending December 2002 and there were signs that 2003 was off to a good start, the chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said today.
“Figures by PricewaterhouseCoopers show commercial radio experienced very encouraging growth in advertising revenues in the second half of 2002, with December showing a particularly good turnaround when compared to the same period in 2001,” Ms Warner said.
“We are optimistic about growth prospects for 2003, and we will be looking at introducing a number of initiatives aimed at growing radio advertising dollars in a very competitive market.”
Ms Warner said the Single Source Lifestyle Questionnaire, which forms part of the radio ratings surveys conducted for Commercial Radio Australia by Nielsen Media Research, had been revamped to provide radio stations and advertisers with better data.
“The research will provide valuable insight into listeners’ lifestyle trends, as well as purchasing habits and intentions,” she said.
The first of eight metropolitan radio surveys for 2003 is due to be released on February 25, covering the period January 19 to February 15.
“2003 looks set to be an exciting year for listeners and a very competitive year for radio, with new stations coming on air in Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania, and broadcasters introducing a greater variety of programming to attract listeners,” Ms Warner said.
“The industry will be working hard on initiatives to further boost its profile, provide better services to help advertisers target their audiences more effectively and ensure radio remains an innovative and dynamic medium.”
Commercial Radio Australia is the peak industry body representing Australia’s commercial radio stations.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Commercial Radio Australia are proud Gold Sponsors of AWARD, and have updated the website to include a mini AWARD segment. For further information on 2002 AWARD radio category winners, access to a selection of photos from the evening and links to the award winning audio, select the News and Communications menu item on the left of this article.
18-Feb-03COMMUNITIES TURN TO RADIO IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY
The commercial radio industry’s Emergency Code of Practice had proved its effectiveness during recent disasters such as the bushfires in Canberra and Victoria, and floods in north Queensland, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said today.
“Radio stations provided comprehensive coverage of unfolding events and some switched to 24 hour live programming to provide emergency service information to local listeners,” Ms Warner said.
“In times of emergency, businesses and communities turn in the first instance to radio for the latest news and developments. The portability and accessibility of radio underlines its key role in providing the public with information on existing or potential emergencies, disasters and security threats.”
The Emergency Code, which was developed by the commercial radio industry in collaboration with the Australian Broadcasting Authority and emergency services organisations, requires that radio stations establish direct and formal communication links with emergency service providers such as the fire brigade and police force. The links are actionable 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
“September 11 was a prime example of the community tuning to radio to be kept up to date and express their own views,” Ms Warner said. “In the US, research showed a peak of radio listening as the disaster struck both at home and work. The listening pattern then changed as people went to TV to watch the unfolding tragedy. This event highlights the complementary role of broadcast media in reporting emergencies.”
Ms Warner said during the Canberra bushfires, radio stations broadcast information about suburbs in immediate threat, road closures and assistance services available.
“Commercial radio reaches 80 per cent of Australians in an average week, so in these times of heightened security concerns, the industry is aware of and acts on its responsibility to provide the community with information,” she said. Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
18-Feb-03BROADCASTERS CALL FOR URGENT TALKS WITH PREMIER ON RADIO TOWERS
Commercial radio broadcasters have requested an urgent meeting with NSW Premier Bob Carr to resolve the issue of the residential developments being built within the buffer zones of AM radio station transmitters at Homebush Bay.
The chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said today the broadcasters were concerned with statements by the NSW Planning Minister that the NSW Government would not fund any move forced on the broadcasters.
“The government has already admitted that it made a mistake in approving residential development so close to the AM radio transmitters without a full analysis of current and future use compatability and it is our firm view that the broadcasters should not have to bear the costs of correcting a planning mistake,” Ms Warner said.
“The broadcasters have been at Homebush for over 50 years. All broadcasters have long-term leases or own their sites. Our preferred option is to stay at Homebush Bay. We are now being asked to consider relocation as a matter of urgency with scant regard for the planning and resources that are required for an undertaking of this magnitude.”
Ms Warner said broadcasters have made representations to planning authorities since 1998, with the most recent detailed submission on the Master Plan made in 2001. “More recently we raised the matter directly with the Planning Minister in March 2002 and the Premier in July 2002 after individual radio stations had little success in gaining the attention of planning authorities to this serious issue,” she said.
“We have been working with the NSW government and the developer to find a solution, and we are seeking an urgent meeting with the Premier so we can resolve this issue as soon as possible,” Ms Warner said.
“The site at Homebush Bay is geographically ideal for transmission and we won’t agree to a solution which will impact in any way on our broadcasting capability,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
Members of the website can now access the latest marketing material including: the 2003 Advance Planner Calendar; the latest Radio Profile on the Midnight to Dawn Listener; and a brochure on the 2003 Survey Schedule and release of results for the metropolitan markets.
FREE 2003 Planning Calendar The much improved 2003 calendar features a plethora of valuable information including key dates in 2003, school holidays, public holidays, survey dates, return dates, sales and promotions planning ideas, AC Nielsen ADEX data, members mail out information, key seminars, sporting events and the latest commercial radio stations map.
Radio Profile - Midnight to Dawn Listener The 2002 Midnight to Dawn radio profile is available now on the website under Sales & Marketing>Profiles - members should be logged in first.
2003 Radio Survey Brochure The 2003 survey schedule and the release of results for the metropolitan markets: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth is available for download from the website under Sales & Marketing>Research>Audience Surveys.
The 2003 Single Source Lifestyle Questionnaire that forms part of the Radio Survey has had extensive changes. The Questionnaire is more sales focused and is likely to be more beneficial for stations and agencies.
There has been extensive changes to the questionnaire based on feedback from many sources. Questions that had low incidence or lack of sales benefit were either removed or revised. The layout and order of questions has also been revised into a more logical flow and it is hoped the response levels will be up as a result of this rebuild and reordering.
Please click on the PDF to view a summary of the 2003 single source categories for lifestyle/purchase intentions.
Radio Advisor data from the new questions will be available with the national Survey 1 results from 25 February.
