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14-Dec-06 AUSTRALIAN RADIO AUDIENCES REMAIN HIGH FOR 2006
During 2006 over 10 million people tuned into radio each week across metropolitan Australia, with over 8.6 million people tuning in to commercial radio, according to analysis of full year ratings data by Commercial Radio Australia, released today.
The analysis shows commercial radio attracted average audiences of 1.2 million people per week across Australia throughout the year and time spent listening was 17 hours and 57 minutes each week, or two hours and 33 minutes a day.
Commercial radio also remained the dominant medium at breakfast, with 6.6 million people tuning in each week during 2006.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the figures reflect the important role of radio in the Australian community from a news, information and entertainment perspective.
29-Nov-06 CARLTON DRAUGHT WINS ROUND 3 OF 2007 SIREN AWARDS
The popular Carlton Draught “Made from Beer” radio campaign by Melbourne agency, George Patterson Y&R has scooped the top awards in round three of the 2007 Siren Awards.
The ad called “Carlton Draught Story”, by Ant Keogh and Grant Rutherford, which tells the highly improbable story of the beginnings of the Carlton Draught brewery, was named single and overall winner.
George Patterson Y& R also took out the best campaign award for the winning ad which included two others in the same series titled “Made From Gold” and “Deep Voice”.
Judges and previous round winners, Jonas Peterson and Paul Reardon from Clemenger BBDO, said the “Carlton Draught Story” was a worthy winner.
“They told a great story at a gentle pace,” said Mr Reardon. “It was well branded and well directed. What’s more it made me laugh. Out loud.”
The ad’s creators, Ant Keogh and Grant Rutherford, said they wanted to get back to basics with the ad.
“I don’t know if it is unique but it has a fair sting in it. The main character dies. Most ads aren’t so black probably. There’s sophistication to doing a joke about the brewery being big, and taking over from the small guy and knowing that the audience will get that it is just a joke. Fosters were great because many clients wouldn’t be prepared to do that joke, but I think one reason people like the campaign is that it treats them as intelligent,” they said.
Among the other entries, an ad called “Chocolate Milk Song” for 7-Eleven by Andrew Woodhead from Leo Burnett Melbourne,was highly commended in the single category.
In the campaign category, three entries were highly commended. “The Strike Bowling Bar”, a campaign of four 45 second ads to launch Strike Bowling Bar had the phones ringing hot from day one. The campaign was created by Kent Howlett from Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast.
The second highly commended was “RSPCA” for RSPCA by Tim Hamlin for DMG Radio Melbourne, an emotive and highly confrontational campaign urging people to “dob in” those who are cruel to animals.
“Yakka Fake Legends” for Hard Yakka, written by Andrew Wilson from Wilson Everard Advertising and featuring comedian Austen Tayshus in the role of Makka from Yakka, was also highly commended.
The winner of the craft category was an ad called “Cirrus Communications - Anywhere in the World
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01-Nov-06 RADIO THINK TANK EXPLORES ONLINE STRATEGY
Leveraging opportunities presented by the Internet, delivering compelling content on multiple platforms and the launch of digital radio provided major opportunities for radio to innovate and expand its sources of advertising revenue, a commercial radio think tank has concluded.
Commercial radio industry leaders held a special meeting convened by peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia last week to discuss strategic marketing issues for radio and determine growth opportunities.
With advertisers taking more business to the Internet, radio has an enormous opportunity to develop its own online content, create online partnerships and demonstrate how it can be the front door for the online experience for both listeners and advertisers, said Michael Anderson, chair of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
Radio of all mediums still commands the most personal and loyal relationship with its audiences and this is a great advantage when partnered with the Internet, which on its own is a very cluttered environment, he said.
A number of issues were discussed at the think tank including how radio could benefit from the Internet and vice versa, electronic measurement and the future direction of the on air brand campaign.
Chief executive officer Joan Warner said delivering radio content through new devices, podcasts and new features presented by digital radio, such as multimedia, data and electronic program guides, were natural extensions of the radio experience and would extend opportunities for advertisers.
The industry-wide on-air brand campaign to promote radio advertising has been very successful, but with a range of competitors now launching similar initiatives, it’s time for radio to look to our next big opportunities. We will be launching a fresh new phase of the brand campaign in 2007 and also undertaking a number of other activities, she said.
Earlier this year the industry conducted research that showed radio advertisements with a strong call to action increased website hits by 60 per cent. The industry is currently commissioning a major qualitative and quantitative study in Australia to look in more detail into the role radio plays in combination with the Internet.
Advertisers and media buyers are more conscious than ever about how different media channels impact on their marketing messages - everyone wants to be able to achieve the biggest impact for their advertising dollar, Ms Warner said. US studies have demonstrated that radio is extremely powerful when used in combination with online advertising and can lead to significantly higher levels of advertising recall.
In the UK, research has shown that at any given time, 20 per cent of internet users are listening to the radio at the same time and 57 per cent said they checked things on the internet after hearing about them on radio. We want to provide solid, reliable research for Australia that will examine the way people are consuming radio and the Internet and provide useful data to help underpin effective marketing decisions.
Media contact: Judy Shaw 0418 415 965
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27-Oct-06 RADIO WELCOMES R & D GRANT
Commercial radio today welcomed the announcement of a $2.2 million industry research grant to help develop Australia’s digital radio technologies.
We’re very pleased to see the government supporting the industry in the critical planning phase for the introduction of digital radio, which will provide Australians with higher quality free to air radio services, said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia. Radio is an essential service and an important information and entertainment channel for all Australians, and this grant will help the industry with its planning to take radio to the next exciting stage of its development.
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane announced today that Digital Radio Broadcasting Australia (a consortium of commercial and public broadcasters) will receive a $2.2 million Industry Cooperative Innovation Program (ICIP) grant for a project to develop processes, infrastructure and devices that will take Australia’s broadcasting capability to the next level.
Ms Warner said the funding would partly be used to conduct a ground-breaking trial of digital radio using a new AAC+ coding which is more spectrum efficient than the current Mpeg 1 Layer II. If this trial is successful, it means broadcasters will be able to deliver higher quality and innovative multimedia radio services without using large amounts of valuable public spectrum, she said.
The industry views digital radio as one of the major platforms for future growth and is planning to invest an estimated $400 million in launching digital radio across Australia from 2009.
Commercial radio industry leaders met yesterday to conduct a strategic think tank into radio’s future.
Digital radio is one of the next big opportunities for radio, Ms Warner said. The media landscape is undergoing massive change and radio stations are coming under increased competition not only from our traditional local competitors, but also internationally from a range of new and emerging media and entertainment devices.
We are adopting a strategic and long term approach to make sure radio continues to take the lead in terms of media innovation, and that we remain relevant and engaging to listeners into the future.
Ms Warner said a number of issues were discussed at the think tank including how radio could benefit from the Internet and vice versa, electronic measurement and the future direction of the brand campaign. Ms Warner said the industry would undertake research on the role of radio and the Internet in 2007 and roll out a range of exciting initiatives.
Media contact: Judy Shaw 0418 415 965
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23-Oct-06 RADIO TRIALS EPG TECHNOLOGY
Australian radio broadcasters will partner with London based digital broadcasting software development specialists Unique Interactive to add an Electronic Program Guide service for the digital radio trial in Sydney, as the industry prepares for the multimillion dollar rollout of digital radio services across Australia.
The service will use Unique Interactive’s proprietary EPG data management software and enables broadcasters to manage and update EPG data for the radio services participating in the trial.
“The addition of EPG data means that listeners will be able to see detailed program information about their radio stations up to a week in advance on EPG enabled DAB digital radios,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
“We believe features such as electronic program guides and the ability to download music directly from digital radios will add a lot of consumer excitement to the launch of digital radio in 2009,” she said.
Australian radio broadcasters are also due to begin a separate technical trial of new digital radio technology, using AAC-plus coding with the Eureka 147 standard. This technology is favoured by the Australian Government because it requires less spectrum. It would enable radio stations to deliver either one signal at high sound quality, split their signal to deliver two audio services, or provide a combination of both audio and data.
“If the trial is successful, this next generation technology future proofs the industry’s investment in digital radio and it’s a win win for both the government and broadcasters, because it means we can offer a richer, free to air radio experience for listeners without requiring massive amounts of broadcasting spectrum,” said Ms Warner.
“Radio is holding its own against the onslaught of new technology - but moving to digital will put us on a new playing field in terms of our ability to compete and provide innovative content.”
The trial of the AAC-plus coding will be the most comprehensive in the world and is planned to be conducted in parallel with trials in the UK. Commercial radio is partnering with Broadcast Australia and the ABC in the trial. If successful, the new standard could then be approved by international authorities early next year.
Ms Warner said the industry expects to have the digital transmission network in place and to begin test broadcasts in key metropolitan areas in 2008. The first digital radio receivers compatible with the new technology are expected to be available on the market by mid 2008, ahead of a full scale consumer launch of digital radio in key markets in 2009.
Digital radio offers a leap in sound quality from AM and FM, as well as potential new features including a screen displaying images or text such as song titles, artist information or news and weather reports. Listeners will also be able to pause and rewind live radio, and potentially download music tracks instantly to special digital radio-enabled mobile phone handsets.
Media contact Judy Shaw 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
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19-Oct-06 CELEBRITY DRUG DISASTERS WINS NA2R
Celebrity Drug Disasters, a five piece band from New South Wales who fuse rock and dance, has won the highly competitive New Artists to Radio (NA2R) event.
The band has been given a shot at stardom winning the event which includes $100,000.00 in radio advertising across the four major radio networks: Austereo, Nova, Australian Radio Network and Macquarie Regional Radioworks.
The band’s debut single, Getting Better has also made it onto high rotation nationally from this week on Nova; and also on Macquarie Regional Radioworks Hot FM, Star FM and Sea FM.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the airplay and advertising would be a great kickstart to the band’s career, in what was an extremely competitive marketplace.
This band represents what the NA2R event is all about - discovering home-grown talent that strikes a chord with radio audiences, Ms Warner said.
Celebrity Drug Disasters features Drew Toule on guitar, Steve Allison on drums, Daina Demillo on keyboard and the vocals of Larry Lovejuice (Paul Lockwood) and Sheriden Nelson. The group supported George Clinton in early 2005 and has performed a number of headline shows in Melbourne and Sydney. Their album Art or Porn? will be released in October
The band was chosen from four finalists and more than 160 submissions of emerging artists who had yet to sign a record deal. The selection process by commercial radio heavyweights was intense with the winner decided after a live performance and voting by both a judging panel and also sms by audience members.
Grant Tothill, Austereo Network Programming Integration Director, said: Any of the four finalists could’ve easily won with all of them having a great commercial radio sound, and it was a very tough call to come to the final winner. In the end we went with Celebrity Drug Disasters based on the votes in the room on the night and the panel’s final decision. Celebrity Drug Disasters have a great unique sound and will appeal to a broad listening audience. We wish them well and will give them as much support as possible as commercial radio’s New Artist To Radio winner.
The other three finalists were Mark Wilkinson, a Sydney singer/songwriter who credits U2, Coldplay and Jeff Buckley among his influences; Bobby Kidd, a Melbourne pop/rock musician who plays a diverse range of instruments and Kurtis, a Byron Bay outfit performing mostly funky dance tracks.
Ms Warner said the commercial radio industry takes its commitment to finding, and fostering, new talent seriously. NA2R has launched the careers of Delta Goodrem, Thirsty Merc and Jade Macrae, to name a few, which shows how successful the initiative has been.
NA2R was also supported this year by MySpace website, attracting significant interest across Australia to the event.
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14-Oct-06 RADIO STARS HONOURED AT AWARD NIGHT
It was a mix of experience and irreverence when more than 850 of the radio industry saw this year’s winners of the Australian Commercial Radio Awards announced in Sydney at the gala Australian Commercial Radio Awards this evening. John Cleese opened the show and presented several gongs; he also performed his famous Monty Python dead parrot sketch with the help of the voice of radio king, John Laws; and as a finale, pop queen Marcia Hines and her daughter Deni gave a surprise performance.
Taking the top spot for Best Current Affairs Commentator was veteran broadcaster, 2GB’s Ray Hadley, after a period of dominance by Alan Jones. The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Sydney’s 2DayFM took the coveted title of Best On-Air Team from previous winners, Merrick and Rosso, and also scored the Best Networked Program Award for their Hour of Power.
Bianca Dye from Nova 96.9 in Sydney won her second Best Metropolitan Music Personality with Best Talk Presenter going to the popular Neil Mitchell on Melbourne’s 3AW Morning Program.
2GB newsman Rowan Barker scored the Best AM News Presenter with Nova 96.9’s Monique Dews being awarded the Best FM News Presenter for the second year in a row.
Best Sports Event Coverage went to the 3AW Football team for their 2005 AFL Finals Series; with Best Sports Presenter being won by Andrew Martin of NOVA 96.9. Former Big Brother housemate, Ryan Fitzgerald from Adelaide’s Nova 91.9 took out Best Newcomer on Air.
Legendary rugby league caller, Frank Hyde, who dominated the ratings at 2SM in Sydney for more than 30 years, was inducted into the Hall of Fame, with his family there to accept the Award on his behalf from Ray Hadley.
Australian Radio Network’s Mix 106.5 scored the best Community Service Award for its Variety Kid’s Radiothon as well as its Canberra station, Mix 106.3, getting a gong for Best Music Special in the provincial category.
CEO of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said this year’s winners showed the wide appeal of radio, with talk, music, comedy and news being well represented.
The diversity of the winners - male and female, young and not so young, banter and talkback – highlights the depth of radio in Australia. We are spoilt for choice and quality. All the awards are highly competitive and there have been some tough battles over the years. But it is their sustained passion and professionalism that make the winners stand out, Ms Warner said.
They show us that commercial radio in all its forms can entertain, educate and inform. Radio’s immediacy and accessibility has never been more relevant to the Australian community.
The national, annual Awards, organised by Commercial Radio Australia, cover all metropolitan, provincial and country commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in 29 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music, and nominees are all judged by their peers.
Media contact: Judy Shaw (0418) 415 965 or Jenny Stevenson (0402) 214 039
14-Oct-06 VOICE OF RUGBY LEAGUE INDUCTED TO RADIO HALL OF FAME
Legendary Frank Hyde, regarded as the voice of rugby league, was tonight inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame at the 2006 Australian Commercial Radio Awards.
Hyde, who turned 90 this year, is a former first grade player, coach, journalist, singer - he had a top 10 hit in the 1970s with Danny Boy - and charity worker. But it is as a sports broadcaster that he is best known, having dominated the ratings at Sydney station 2SM for more than 30 years.
More than 800 guests paid tribute to Hyde's achievements as the award was presented at a black tie event in Sydney in recognition of his outstanding lifetime contribution to radio broadcasting.
Frank revolutionised the way the game was called, said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia. Anyone in rugby league will tell you there is only one Frank Hyde, he set the standard for sports broadcasting and he has had an enormous impact on those who have followed him.
2GB's top rating rugby league caller, Ray Hadley, presented the award to his family on behalf of the industry.
Born in 1916, Hyde had a successful football career with Newtown, Balmain and Norths, captaining Balmain to premiership glory in 1939. Frank joined 2SM in 1953 as a rugby league and boxing caller, replacing Reg Grundy. From 1953 to 1986, Hyde was Australia's favourite rugby broadcaster. He was never defeated in the radio ratings and called 33 consecutive grand finals.
'It's long enough, it's high enough … and it's straight between the posts!' was Hyde's famous catch cry for thousands of conversions. He coined the phrase at the request of the Royal Blind Society who asked for a more descriptive call.
Hyde finished his career at 2UE, co-hosting a sports talk program until his retirement in 1985 when he was 70. He now lives a quiet life in the family home on Sydney's northern beaches with his wife of 64 years, Gaby. Hyde has been awarded an OAM, an MBE and a Dally M Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards are the industry's premier awards covering all aspects of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment.
The Hall of Fame recipients are nominated by industry colleagues and are selected by a high level judging committee. Previous inductees include radio luminaries Rod Muir, John Laws, Bob Rogers and Gary O'Callaghan.
Media contact Judy Shaw 0418 415 965
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12-Oct-06 RADIO AD REVENUE - SYDNEY REMAINS FLAT
Advertising revenue for Australia’s metropolitan commercial radio stations increased by nearly one per cent (0.9) in the September 2006 quarter to $150.8 million compared with the same period a year ago, but the Sydney market continues to be short term, leveling overall growth, according to data released today by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia.
“The continuing sluggish state of the whole NSW economy and the last interest rate rise in August have weakened business confidence, but we are still seeing good growth in other metropolitan advertising markets,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer, Joan Warner.
The data, compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the five major capital city markets, showed that if Sydney was excluded, ad revenue increased by 6.1 percent during the quarter.
Adelaide performed the strongest with around 8 per cent growth to $14.4 million in advertising revenue during the September quarter, followed by Perth, which was up around 7.5 per cent to $16 million. Melbourne grew by 5 per cent to $42.4 million and Brisbane was up 3 per cent to $23 million, compared with the same period a year ago. The Sydney market fell around six per cent to $54.7 million.
The figures were released ahead of the industry’s national conference, to be held in Sydney tomorrow, where industry analysts will look at future opportunities for growth for radio and other expert speakers will discuss the impact of new technology.
Ms Warner said the radio industry was beginning to increase revenue streams through new initiatives such as online activities and podcasting. “While the market, in Sydney in particular, is more short term in nature, the fundamentals of the radio industry remain strong, our audiences remain strong, and stations are adapting new technologies to enhance and enrich the radio offering,” she said.
“Radio is keen to work more closely with online partners, particularly as we move towards digital broadcasting in 2009, to demonstrate to advertisers that radio and the Internet are a very powerful combination.”
“Radio’s share of advertising revenue has held its own despite the challenging environment, due in part to the industry’s successful brand advertising campaign that has been on-air over the past three years,” Ms Warner said. “We’ll be holding a think-tank in October to discuss ways to refresh the campaign and the industry’s strategy going forward to 2010.”
Media contact: Judy Shaw 0418 415 965
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05-Oct-06 RADIO GEARS UP FOR GALA AWARDS NIGHT
Commercial radio is gearing up for its glittering awards night to be held at Sydney’s Luna Park next week. One of the world’s funniest comedians, John Cleese, will open the show and a host of radio personalities and entertainers will be part of the night’s line-up.
Some of Australia’s best known radio personalities will be vying for awards. Last year’s winners of the Best On Air Team award, Merrick and Rosso from Nova 969, have been nominated again this year and will be up against Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O from 2 Day FM; Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller from WS FM; the Cage from Triple M and Ross Stevenson and John Burns from 3AW.
Entertainment on the night will be provided by David Campbell, the six-times Aria-nominated band Augie March and Youth Group, who enjoyed a number one hit with their single Forever Young.
The 18th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards will be held on Saturday, 14 October before an audience of over 800 radio and music industry figures from around the country.
“There is intense rivalry in radio, but this is the one night where everyone in the industry gets together, applauds outstanding performance in commercial broadcasting and has a fantastic night,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, the industry body hosting the event.
Personalities presenting awards will include 2UE’s John Stanley, WSFM’s Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones, Bianca Dye from Nova 969, 2Day FM’s Kyle and Jackie O, Vega FM’s Tony Squires, and the breakfast duo from Hobart’s Sea FM, Dave Noonan and Kim Geale.
Radio king John Laws will also play a role in the evening’s festivities and there will be a surprise performer, but details are being kept under wraps. “We want to keep some surprises up our sleeves,” said Joan Warner.
Radio personalities Ray Hadley (2GB), Stan Zemanek (2UE), Peter Fitzsimons (2UE), Leon Byner (Fiveaa, Adelaide) and Neil Mitchell (3AW) will battle it out to win the prestigious Best Current Affairs Commentator (metropolitan) category.
Adelaide’s Ryan Fitzgerald from Nova 91.9 is a finalist for Best Newcomer On Air alongside Corey Kay from Triple M, Jabba from Nova 106.9 Brisbane, and Gabby Millgate from Brisbane’s B105FM.
Finalists for the Best Sports Presenter include 2GB’s Ray Hadley, Brian Taylor (Triple M); Graeme Hughes (2SM); Travis Winks (WS FM); Andrew Moore (2GB); Andrew Martin (Nova 969) and Clinton Grybas (3AW).
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards differ from television’s Logie Awards in that they are peer judged. A feature of the Awards is the Hall of Fame, which acknowledges a lifelong contribution to the Australian radio industry. Past Hall of Fame inductees include Rod Muir, John Laws, Bob Rogers and Gary O’Callaghan.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965
04-Oct-06 RADIO LOOKS TO INSTANT MUSIC DOWNLOADS
Consumers could be able to download music tracks from radio stations as they hear them under groundbreaking new technology being investigated as part of the launch of digital radio in Australia in 2009.
The digital music download service would allow consumers to buy tracks in real time over special mobile phone handsets.
Joan Warner, chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia, said the technology was being trialled in the UK and was proving to be very successful. Matthew Honey, the managing director of Unique Interactive, a division of the UBC Media Group plc who have developed the technology and are behind the Birmingham trial, will be presenting the research findings to the industry at the Australian radio conference in Sydney on October 13.
“Radio is the first place people usually hear new music, so combining radio with the convenience of being able to download your favourite tracks instantly could have a lot of appeal for consumers,” Ms Warner said. “It’s a very exciting development.”
One hundred listeners in the UK trial purchased an average of seven tracks per week at a price of £1.25 (equivalent to about A$3). Tracks were downloaded and purchased on impulse as the songs were broadcast on digital radio through Chrysalis Radio's 100.7 Heart digital service. This triggered a high download rate of both classic tracks and new releases.
Digital radio music downloading differs from 3G mobile music download services as it offers the ability to interact directly with radio broadcasts, rather than having to search and download tracks proactively.
Ms Warner said 83 per cent of the triallists said they were keen to use the handsets in the future, with downloading appealing strongly to women. UBC Media Group is expected to announce the full consumer launch of the music download service in the UK later this year.
In Australia, commercial radio stations are preparing for the launch of digital radio in 2009. The industry believes digital radio, which offers near CD quality sound and potential new features such as screens allowing the broadcast of pictures and text, will boost the medium’s ability to compete against new technology.
Digital radios can allow listeners to pause and rewind live radio and view images or information while listening to the audio program, such as news highlights, artist bios, gig schedules and other content.
Media contact: Judy Shaw (0418) 415 965
29-Sep-06 MIDNIGHT TO DAWN TIMESLOT ATTRACTS YOUNG RADIO LISTENERS
More than one in ten Australians are tuning in to commercial radio between midnight and dawn each week – and they’re younger and listening for longer than ever before.
In the latest, annual Midnight to Dawn survey conducted by Nielsen Media for Commercial Radio Australia, the fastest growth area for listeners was the 10 -17 age group – up from six per cent last year to nine per cent. On average, this age group listened to commercial radio for four and a half hours between midnight and dawn each week – over an hour longer than the average across all groups.
The other group to record an increase was the 18-24 years group with almost one in five in this age bracket tuning into commercial radio between midnight and dawn, for an average of almost three hours a week, up half an hour on last year’s survey.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the notion that only the elderly and the lonely listened to radio between midnight and 5.30am was being turned on its head.
“This latest survey shows that radio has increased its relevancy to young people despite the presence of other media and technology such as the internet, iPods and interactive television,” Ms Warner said.
“This is good news for radio stations across Australia and reflects the general trend of young people listening more to radio and for longer periods of time,” Ms Warner said.
Ms Warner said analysis of the research shows that time spent listening for both age groups (10-17 years and 18-24 years) between midnight to dawn is at it highest level in three years.
The largest listening group between midnight and dawn remains the 55+ age group, with 522,000 people tuning in each week, accounting for 31 per cent of the audience. The next largest group of listeners in this timeslot is the 25-39 years old who account for 25 per cent of the audience and 422,000 people.
Overall, the midnight to dawn shift attracts more than 1.7 million people per week with the average time spent listening of three hours and 22 minutes. Of those people listening to radio at this time 62 per cent listen at home, 20 per cent at work, 16 per cent in their car and two per cent elsewhere.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
Source: All figures Nielsen Media Research Survey 6, 2006, Monday-Sunday, Midnight to 5.30am, average five capital cities.
28-Sep-06 FOUR UNKNOWN ACTS VIE FOR STARDOM
Four new amazing Australian music acts have been given a shot at stardom after an intense selection process by commercial radio heavyweights.
In the highly competitive New Artists to Radio (NA2R) event, the four finalists were chosen from more than 160 emerging artists who had yet to sign a record deal. Co-ordinated by industry association, Commercial Radio Australia, NA2R has established a reputation for discovering home-grown talent that strikes a chord with radio audiences.
The four finalists are:
Mark Wilkinson: A Sydney singer/songwriter who credits U2, Coldplay and Jeff Buckley among his influences
Bobby Kidd: A Melbourne pop/rock musician who plays a diverse range of instruments
Celebrity Drug Disasters: A five piece band from New South Wales who fuse rock and dance
Kurtis: A Byron Bay outfit performing mostly funky dance tracks
All four acts will perform live at Luna Park on October 13 before a panel of judges and radio representatives with the winner chosen that evening. The successful act will then perform the next night at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) before more than 850 Australian radio executives and on-air presenters.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the winner would also receive $100,000.00 in radio advertising across the four major radio networks down the east coast of Australia.
“The winner will be heavily promoted by Austereo, Nova, Australian Radio Network and Macquarie Regional Radio which is a fabulous kickstart to their career,” Ms Warner said.
“The commercial radio industry takes its commitment to finding, and fostering, new talent seriously. NA2R has launched the careers of Delta Goodrem, Thirsty Merc and Jade Macrae, to name a few, which shows how successful the initiative has been.
“The standard of entries in 2006 was exceptionally high but ultimately the judges felt this year’s four finalists had real radio appeal.”
NA2R was also supported by MySpace website, attracting significant interest across Australia to the event.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
26-Sep-06 SNICKERS AD WINS ROUND 2 SIRENS 2007
An advertisement for Snickers called 'Hoedown', written by Paul Reardon and Jonas Peterson from agency Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, has won the overall and single category for round two of the 2007 Siren Awards.
Judges and previous round winners, Phil van Bruchem and Nick Weller from JWT Melbourne, said the ad was a worthy winner.
Phil said 'The winner of the longest radio commercial is also my winner for this round. The Snickers 'Hoedown' commercial is a nicely produced idea that has a rewarding finish to an entertaining two-minute journey.
Nick said 'The Snickers team should be congratulated firstly for securing a two minute spot. Then congratulated for using the time wisely. Granted, 90 seconds probably would have done them, but the long journey makes the end pay off that much stronger. A different and enjoyable twist to the 'Snickers Satisfies' brief.'
Highly commended for the single category was an ad called 'Hot Stuff' for Ford Motor Company’s Falcon Ute, written by Scott Glennon from agency JWT in Melbourne.
Winner of the campaign category was an ad for SIDS called 'Real Estate Agent, Switchboard, Mechanic', written by Jim Ingram and Ben Couzens from Smart agency in Melbourne.
Highly commended for the campaign category was an ad called 'Betfair' for the online betting agency, written by Andrew Foote and Glenn Dalton from agency, Gas Inc.
Winner of the craft category was sound engineer, Rod Enright from agency Song Zu for an ad called 'Workout' for Commercial Radio Australia.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the importance of good creative for radio had been highlighted recently with research by Millward Brown which looked at creative attributes of effective radio campaigns.
The research, 'Radio’s Advantage - Advertising Effectiveness Study', which was completed earlier this year, shows that radio advertisements with a strong call to action have been proven to increase website hits by 60 per cent.
'The research also found that when used in combination with television, strong radio creative can increase purchase intention among audiences. In the study, listeners exposed to radio creative in combination with television advertisements for a product, were 13 per cent more likely to choose that brand the next time they go shopping, compared to those exposed to television ads only,' Ms Warner said.
Other findings in the study showed that high levels of branding in radio ads has an impact and radio creative with a style established in earlier campaigns can generate increased awareness of the radio commercials and also increase enjoyment of the television advertisements.
The research is in line with overseas studies, which show that radio delivers branding and likeability and when working together with television, delivers higher awareness of a product.
The Siren Awards were established by the industry to help promote radio advertising and encourage excellence and creativity within the medium. Entry is free and judges base their decision on creativity, originality and impact. Commercials can be entered into three categories - Radio Single, Radio Campaign and Craft.
For more details or to enter the awards or listen to the winning commercials, visit the Siren Awards website at www.sirenawards.com.au. Entries for round 3 of the 2007 Siren Awards close on September 29 and entries for round 4 open in early October.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson (02) 9281 6577
18-Sep-06 AUDIO VERSION OF YOUTUBE LAUNCHED FOR AUSSIE RADIO
Commercial Radio Australia today launched an exciting new initiative – a website called SiVi, which will feature the best and most unusual audio that can be used for inspiration and ideas for radio advertisements.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the idea was for visitors to submit their own material, with the page eventually becoming a creative portal of original, unusual and funny audio.
SiVi is all about inspiration, Ms Warner said. It’s about getting people to think outside the usual radio creative box, getting them excited by different, quirky and out-there examples of audio – the sort of stuff that is so compelling that people want to talk about it and share it with their friends.
Ms Warner said the establishment of SiVi was part of a range of initiatives designed to help improve the standard of radio ads and ensure Australia was world-class in this important area. The SiVi site (short for Siren Viral) can be found as part of the Siren Awards website.
Creative director of Commercial Radio Australia and director of award-winning agency, Eardrum Australia, Ralph van Dijk, encouraged people to visit the site and send in their sounds – no matter how strange.
“Imagine an audio version of YouTube, where you could find anything from an 80-year-old lady telling jokes to the clicking language of the Namibian Hottentots. Anything that makes a sound can be used in a radio ad. That funny attachment you were sent, the studio out-take you kept, or the concert bootleg you recorded - send it in to SiVi now,” Mr van Dijk said. “All types of audio, including the weird and obscure, help us broaden our sound reference points and encourage us to go boldly where other radio ads fear to tread.”
The SiVi page is designed to be interactive so users can submit their own ideas, contribute blogs and download audio for emailing to friends.
Downloads on the site include, from the Guinness Book of World Records, the shortest ad ever, the classic Yahoo substitute son ad, some of the early Bud Light ads from the now world famous campaign, and an ad that takes a few pot shots at its own with an ode to advertising school. There are also some audio bloopers from the late UK broadcasting great John Peel, who loses the plot in a recording session, Orson Wells sounding off about the English language, a suspect recording of the JFK assassination and a radio station making a random call as Jack Nicholson’s character in A Few Good Men.
To go to the Sivi site, go to the Siren Awards website and follow the links.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson (0402) 214 039
15-Sep-06 RADIO CONTINUES GROWTH IN FIRST HALF OF 06 - CEASA REPORT
Commercial Economic Advisory Service of Australia (CEASA) figures, released today, for the first half of the 2006 calendar year show radio continues to perform in attracting advertising revenue with an increase of around 2 per cent (2.1%) to a total of $425.1 million.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said CEASA’s Advertising Expenditure in Main Media report for the six months ended June 30, 2006 shows radio advertising continues to perform in a competitive market with the metropolitan market recording growth of around 2 per cent (1.8%) to a total of $280.4 million and regional markets growing by 2.5 per cent to a total of $144.7 million.
Ms Warner said lower level of growth in comparison to last year reflected the short-term nature of the advertising market but radio remained an important component of any advertising mix.
“The radio industry is working hard at keeping the industry top of mind for advertisers. The award-winning, multi-million dollar advertising campaign which has been running for more than three years highlights the many benefits of radio advertising and also shows how well radio partners with other media,” Ms Warner said.
Ms Warner said the growth of internet advertising was good news for the radio sector as recent research had highlighted how well radio worked with the medium
“Radio advertisements with a strong call to action have been proven to increase website hits by 60 per cent according to research conducted by Millward Brown.”
Ms Warner said the research, called “Radio’s Advantage - Advertising Effectiveness Study” also looked at creative attributes of effective radio campaigns and would be extended to look at the overall impact of combining internet and radio advertising.
“Today’s media market is increasingly competitive and as a traditional medium we must work with emerging channels to ensure radio exposure in any advertising campaign is maximized. We are well underway with initiatives in this area,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: (02) 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039
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12-Sep-06 HUGE RESPONSE TO NEW ARTIST TO RADIO EVENT
The number of submissions received for entrants into this year’s New Artists to Radio (NA2R) has nearly trebled, increasing by 255% from last year, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said today.
“We have received 167 entries from unsigned artists this year – up from 47 in 2005 which is an overwhelmingly positive response to the event,” Ms Warner said.
The NA2R, to be held on October 13 at Sydney’s Luna Park, aims to discover the next big music star to be played on commercial radio throughout the country and has been running for four years. This year the event is open only to unsigned Australian artists – acts that do not have a record deal but may or may not have an independent distribution deal.
Ms Warner said this year the event was being supported by the social interactive website, MySpace. She said the NA2R MySpace website was visited by nearly 3,500 people in the first 24 hours it was active and more than 8,000 people in the week submissions were open on the site.
“This result is spectacular and we are very pleased that the partnership with MySpace has so effectively enabled us to target young, talented artists and musicians who hopefully will be the stars of tomorrow,” Ms Warner said.
MySpace, which features the event on its homepage, was launched last month in Australia and claims over one million Australian members as part of its 100 million members worldwide.
Ms Warner said the submissions will be judged by a panel of commercial radio network program and music directors, with four acts chosen to perform at the NA2R, based on their commercial radio play potential.
The overall winner will be chosen from the acts performing at the NA2R by a combination of the judging panel scores on the night and sms votes from the radio industry audience present at the event. The winner will be then invited to perform the following evening at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) in front of 850 Australian radio industry executives and on-air presenters.
For the first time this year, the winner also receives a prize of $100,000 in radio advertising across the four major radio networks down the east coast of Australia. The advertising, run over two weeks, will be provided on Austereo, NOVA, Australian Radio Network and Macquarie Regional Radio network stations down the east coast of Australia in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.
Ms Warner said unearthing new talent has always been one of the key roles played by commercial radio in Australia and was one of the ways in which the commercial radio industry supported Australian music and artists.
“This is an industry-wide initiative which has helped launched some very successful music careers in the four years it has been operating including artists like Delta Goodrem, Kid Courageous,Sarah Blasko, Nessa Morgan, Thirsty Merc, Jade Macrae and last year’s winner Figgkidd.
For more information visit Commercial Radio Australia’s website or contact Emma Kate Ryan on (02) 9281 6577.
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08-Sep-06 VOICE BEHIND RADIO ADS – MARK MITCHELL TO FEATURE AT CREATIVE WORKSHOP
The radio industry is taking its creative workshops for corporate clients to Melbourne tomorrow, with an event featuring comedian Mark Mitchell, the voice behind the successful, multi-million dollar radio campaign.
The workshops, run in conjunction with the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), also feature international creative expert and creator of the award-winning radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia.
The one-day workshops are part of a strategy by Commercial Radio Australia to help improve the standard of radio advertising by educating clients about the best possible use of radio. Seminars have been held earlier in the year aimed at advertising agencies and focusing on how to use radio most effectively.
Chief executive officer, Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the radio industry must be proactive to help improve the standard of radio advertising and to demonstrate to business how effective and efficient the medium is to get a message out.
“We want Australian radio ads to be amongst the best in the world – and educating corporate clients about the best use of the medium creatively, will greatly assist this process,” Ms Warner said.
Mr van Dijk, of Eardrum Australia, is contracted to Commercial Radio Australia as a Creative Director with a general brief to promote radio as an advertising medium. Eardrum is regarded as the world’s leading radio specialist advertising agency with over 120 international awards.
AANA Executive Director Colin Segelov said the partnership with CRA was a practical demonstration of the association’s commitment to professional development and training and the seminars had so far been very successful.
“It is important for clients to appreciate the nitty gritty of effective radio, and the role they can play in it, because the process starts with the briefing. So far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Clients have said they have been both informed and inspired by the seminars, which is the aim of the day,” he said.
The seminar, to be held at the Westin Hotel in Melbourne, will include tips on understanding how radio writers create radio scripts, cast talent and direct actors in the studio. Comedian Mark Mitchell will help demonstrate how good radio ads can be achieved and also add to the creativity of the day. There will be many examples of the best, most original and most outrageous radio advertising from around the world.
The workshop has representatives from large corporates with previous attendees praising the seminars as “inspiring, fun and informative.”
“Radio is consumed in a way that is unlike any other medium. When you understand how listeners actually listen, you will be able to engage and communicate on a much deeper level,” said Mr van Dijk. “Advertisers are taking radio more seriously. Now it’s your turn to see what role you, as the client, can play in achieving the best that you possibly can out of your investment,” he said.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
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04-Sep-06 TOP SPEAKERS LINE UP FOR CONFERENCE AS RADIO LOOKS TO ITS FUTURE
The impact of the Internet, cross media ownership and what radio will sound and look like in 2010 are some of the hot topics that will be discussed when the commercial radio industry gathers in Sydney next month for its annual national conference and awards.
A range of international speakers will address the conference, including:
* comic genius John Cleese, who will give the key note speech about his early days in radio, his experience in advertising and his views on creativity in life, drawing on a 42-year career spanning radio, films, TV and advertising
* Graeme Samuel, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, will discuss the future of media in Australia as a result of changes to media laws and the ACCC’s role in facilitating digital radio
* Milan Rokic, Asia Pacific Marketing Director of Cirque du Soleil, will talk about balancing creativity and the business side of managing a unique global entertainment brand
* Tasmanian-born Dirk Anthony, Group Program Director at Gcap Media, formed in 2005 from the merger of the UK’s two biggest radio companies, GWR and Capital, will talk about how to find and keep good on-air talent
* Jim Cook, Senior Vice President of Creative at Clear Channel Radio, which operates 1200 radio stations reaching 100 million listeners across the US each week, will discuss how to engage listeners in an over-communicated world
* California-based Dennis Clark, who produces Ryan Seacrest’s KIIS FM radio program and spent 10 years working for the legendary Rick Dees, will talk about successful breakfast radio
* The imaging producer for Howard Stern’s satellite radio channels in the US, Jeff Thomas, will join a discussion panel on what makes great audio imaging and promotions
* Chris Lytle, the author of the business best seller, The Accidental Salesperson, which has been published in English, Mandarin, Korean and Spanish, will offer up-to-the-minute practical strategies and tools for advertising, marketing, sales and management.
* Paul Gardner, chairman of Grey Global Group Australia, will present latest insights on communications and the media from the annual Eye on Australia study into consumer attitudes to life and brands.
There will also be a number of panel discussions, including one featuring financial analysts who will discuss the revenue outlook for radio and media, and another that will fast forward to 2010, exploring future roles and relationships between radio and the Internet. There will also be a panel examining digital radio developments featuring experts in multimedia content and technology.
This year’s Australian Radio Conference will be held at the Crystal Palace Conference Centre at Luna Park in Sydney on Friday, 13 October and is expected to attract over 400 people. Tickets can be booked now.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 0418 415 965
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24-Aug-06 RADIO INDUSTRY GET CREATIVE WITH CLIENTS
A series of free, radio creative workshops for corporate clients, run in conjunction with the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), begin today in Sydney, featuring international creative expert and creator of the award-winning radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia.
The one-day workshops are part of a strategy by Commercial Radio Australia to help improve the standard of radio advertising by advising clients about the best possible use of radio. Seminars have been held earlier in the year aimed at advertising agencies and focusing on how to use radio most effectively.
Chief executive officer, Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the radio industry must be proactive to help improve the standard of radio advertising and to demonstrate to business how effective and efficient the medium is to get a message out.
“We want Australian radio ads to be amongst the best in the world – and educating corporate clients about the best use of the medium creatively, will greatly assist this process,” Ms Warner said.
Mr van Dijk, of Eardrum Australia, is contracted to Commercial Radio Australia as a Creative Director with a general brief to promote radio as an advertising medium. Eardrum is regarded as the world’s leading radio specialist advertising agency with over 120 international awards.
AANA Executive Director Collin Segelov said the partnership with CRA was a practical demonstration of the association’s commitment to professional development and training.
“It is important for clients to appreciate the nitty gritty of effective radio, and the role they can play in it, because the process starts with the briefing,” he said.
The seminars include tips on understanding how radio writers create radio scripts, cast talent and direct actors in the studio. There is even be an opportunity for attendees to direct live talent at the workshop. With many examples of the best, most original and most outrageous radio advertising from around the world, today’s workshop has representatives from corporates including George Weston Foods, McDonalds, Network Ten, Pacific Magazines, Unilever, AGL and the Commonwealth Bank.
“Radio is consumed in a way that is unlike any other medium. When you understand how listeners actually listen, you will be able to engage and communicate on a much deeper level,” said Mr van Dijk.
“Advertisers are taking radio more seriously. It’s been described as a marketing Swiss Army Knife and these workshops are about putting that theory to the test and learn which element of the multi-purpose tool is right for each job”, he said.
A similar event will be held in conjunction with the AANA in Melbourne in September. Expressions of interest are being taken now.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
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21-Aug-06 MYSPACE COMES ON BOARD TO HELP UNVEIL NEW MUSIC STARS
The social interactive website MySpace has joined forces with Commercial Radio Australia to help discover tomorrow’s chart-toppers, through its annual event, New Artists to Radio (NA2R).
The NA2R, to be held on October 13 at Sydney’s Luna Park, aims to discover the next big music star to be played on commercial radio throughout the country and has been running for four years. This year the event is open to unsigned Australian artists – acts that do not have a record deal but may or may not have an independent distribution deal.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said it was great to have MySpace on board to help attract unsigned artists, and submissions would now be accepted until August 30. MySpace will feature the event on its homepage and provide a link to a dedicated page on its site where information about submissions and the event is available.
MySpace was launched last week in Australia and claims over one million Australian members as part of its 100 million members worldwide.
“The radio industry wants to hear from artists and bands who have at least two songs ready to be played on commercial radio but who have not yet been signed by a record label. The submissions will be judged by a panel of commercial radio network program and music directors, with four acts chosen to perform at the NA2R, based on their commercial radio play potential,” Ms Warner said.
The overall winner will be chosen from the acts performing at the NA2R by a combination of the judging panel scores on the night and sms votes from the radio industry audience present at the event. The winner will be then invited to perform the following evening at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) in front of 850 Australian radio industry executives and on-air presenters.
For the first time this year, the winner also receives a prize of $100,000 in radio advertising across the four major radio networks down the east coast of Australia. The advertising, run over two weeks, will be provided on Austereo, NOVA, Australian Radio Network and Macquarie Regional Radio network stations down the east coast of Australia in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.
Ms Warner said unearthing new talent has always been one of the key roles played by commercial radio in Australia and was one of the ways in which the commercial radio industry supported Australian music and artists.
“This is an industry-wide initiative which has helped launched some very successful music careers in the four years it has been operating including artists like Delta Goodrem, Kid Courageous, Sarah Blasko, Nessa Morgan, Thirsty Merc, Jade MacRae and last year’s winner Figgkidd.
Commercial Radio Australia is calling for entries for acts interested in participating in NA2R with submissions closing on August 30. For more information or to submit an entry, visit Commercial Radio Australia’s website or contact Emma Kate Ryan on (02) 9281 6577.
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07-Aug-06 MORE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2006 RADIO AWARDS
Finalists for the remaining six categories of the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) have been announced today.
The categories are Best Music Director, Brian White Memorial Award; Innovation and Excellence Award; Best Salesperson; Best Station Sales Achievement and Most Popular Station Manager.
Organised by Commercial Radio Australia, on behalf of the radio industry, the Awards include 29 categories, which cover all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment.
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards differ from television’s Logie Awards, in that they are peer judged with judging panels comprised of industry members.
Nearly 1200 entries were received for this year’s Awards - registering one of the strongest responses on record, which augurs well for the event, according to chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner.
Ms Warner said this year’s Awards will include a new format with awards presented over dinner and was again set to attract radio personalities and stars from around Australia.
A feature of the Awards is the Hall of Fame, which acknowledges a lifelong commitment to the Australian radio industry.
Hall of Fame inductees include Rod Muir, John Laws, Bob Rogers, Gary O’Callaghan, Janet Cameron and Paul Thompson, CEO of DMG Radio.
Media Contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039 . Please note: A list of finalists for six categories is attached. (1 Page in total). Finalists in Best New Artist on Commercial Radio are still to be announced. A list of all finalists is also available at our website.
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01-Aug-06 $100,000 PRIZE VALUE FOR RADIO MUSIC STARS OF TOMORROW
The search for new and emerging Australian music talent is on again with the commercial radio industry announcing that the New Artist to Radio Showcase (NA2R), its annual event, aimed at unveiling the chart-toppers of tomorrow, will be held on October 13 in Sydney. The NA2R will be held in conjunction with the Australian Radio Conference and 2006 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) at Luna Park.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said this year the event would focus on unsigned Australian artists – acts that do not have a record deal but may or may not have an independent distribution deal.”
“This is a refinement of the criteria used in previous years which allowed both unsigned and signed artists to submit where the latter had not had significant airplay on commercial radio,” Ms Warner said.
This year for the first time ever the winner also receives a prize of $100,000 in radio advertising across the four major networks down the east coast of Australia. The advertising, run over two weeks, will be provided on Austereo, NOVA, Australian Radio Network and Macquarie Regional Radio network stations down the east coast of Australia in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.
“The radio industry wants to hear from artists and bands who have at least three songs ready to be played on commercial radio but who have not yet been signed by a record label,” Ms Warner said.
The submissions will be judged on commercial radio play potential by a panel of commercial radio network program and music directors.
Four acts will be selected from submissions by the program and music directors to play at the NA2R Showcase on Friday, October 13. The winner will be chosen at the Showcase event by a combination of the judging panel scores on the night and sms votes from the radio industry audience present at the event. The winner will be then invited to perform the following evening at the ACRAs in front of 850 Australian radio industry executives and on-air presenters.
Ms Warner said unearthing new talent has always been one of the key roles played by commercial radio in Australia and was one of the ways in which the commercial radio industry supported Australian music and artists.
“This is an industry-wide initiative which has helped launched some very successful music careers in the four years it has been operating including artists like Delta Goodrem, Kid Courageous,Sarah Blasko, Nessa Morgan, Thirsty Merc, Jade Macrae and last year’s winner Figgkidd.
“The commercial radio industry is committed to encouraging the development of Australian music and NA2R provides an important and innovative way of opening the door for emerging Australian artists to be showcase to the decision makers in the commercial radio industry.”
Commercial Radio Australia is calling for entries for acts interested in participating in NA2R with submissions closing on August 26. For more information or to submit an entry, visit Commercial Radio Australia’s website at View PDF
27-Jul-06 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2006 RADIO AWARDS
Five of Australia’s best-known on-air teams will battle it out to win this year’s Best On-Air Team (metropolitan) gong with finalists announced today in the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), including last year’s winners Merrick and Rosso Breakfast (Nova 969); along with The Kyle and Jackie O Show (2Day FM); Brendon Jones and Amanda Keller (WS FM Breakfast); The Cage (Triple M); and Ross Stevenson and John Burns (3AW Breakfast).
The well-known on-air teams join many of Australia’s radio personalities and talking heads from across metropolitan, regional and country stations as finalists in the 18th annual ACRAs, with the winners to be announced at a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Luna Park on October 14.
Another category hotly contested is the Best Talk Presenter (metropolitan) category with finalists including Stan Zemanek (2UE); Steve Price (2UE); Bob Francis (Fiveaa, Adelaide) and Neil Mitchell (3AW).
Radio personalities Ray Hadley (2GB), Stan Zemanek (2UE), Peter Fitzsimons (2UE), Leon Byner (Fiveaa, Adelaide) and Neil Mitchell (3AW) will battle it out to win the prestigious Best Current Affairs Commentator (metropolitan) category.
Nova 969’s Bianca Dye will be looking to make it two years in a row to win Best Music Presenter category (metropolitan) and joins others finalists Dave Higgins (Fox FM); Anthony Maroon (Triple M); Tim Blackwell (Nova 969) and Claire Marshall (Nova 937 in Perth).
2GB’s Ray Hadley will also be looking to make it three years in a row for the Best Sports Presenter (metropolitan) category and is a finalist along with Brian Taylor (Triple M); Graeme Hughes (2SM); Travis Winks (WS FM); Andrew Moore (2GB); Andrew Martin (Nova 969)and Clinton Grybas (3AW).
Organised by Commercial Radio Australia, on behalf of the radio industry, the Awards include 29 categories, which cover all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment. The Australian Commercial Radio Awards differ from television’s Logie Awards, in that they are peer judged with judging panels comprised of industry members.
Nearly 1200 entries were received for this year’s Awards - registering one of the strongest responses on record, which augurs well for the event, according to chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner.
Ms Warner said this year’s Awards will include a new format with statues presented over dinner and was again set to attract radio personalities and stars from around Australia.
A feature of the Awards is the Hall of Fame, which acknowledges a lifelong commitment to the Australian radio industry. Hall of Fame inductees include Rod Muir, John Laws, Bob Rogers, Gary O’Callaghan and Paul Thompson, CEO of DMG Radio.
Media Contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039 . Please note: A list of finalists for 22 categories is attached. (4 Pages in total). Finalists in Brian White Memorial Award, Innovation and Excellence Award, Best Music Director, Best Station Sales Achievement, Best Salesperson, Most Popular Station Manager and Best New Artist on Commercial Radio are still to be announced. A list of finalists is also available at our website.
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18-Jul-06 NEW RESEARCH DISPELS PODCASTING AND MP3 MYTHS
New research shows podcasting and mp3 players have yet to live up to the hype, with only 16 percent of Australians aged 14+ owning an MP3 player and less than a quarter of owners saying they have ever downloaded a podcast.**
“The study dispels the myth that mp3 players spell the end of radio listening and that podcasting is a threat to radio. It shows that emerging technology is used in conjunction with, and as a complement to, existing radio technology,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia.
“The study shows radio is important to mp3 owners – in fact they spend more time listening to commercial radio than to their mp3 players,” Ms Warner said.
According to the Nielsen Media Research** study:
*39 per cent listen to six or more hours of commercial radio per week;
*48 per cent listen to their mp3 players for less than three hours a week;
*58 percent are male;
*43 percent are students;
*72 percent are under 39 years old;
*22 per cent have downloaded a podcast at least once;
*teenagers are more likely to own and listen to mp3 players than older people.
“At the moment, downloading podcasts is still a niche activity but one that radio stations are successfully embracing to get even closer to our loyal listeners,” Ms Warner said.
“Just as radio was the first media to successfully make use of telephones, mobiles, internet, email and sms to connect directly with our audience, radio will develop podcasting into another useful tool for communicating and interacting with our listeners,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Judy Shaw 0418 415 965
**Nielsen Media Research Consumer - Media Insights Study Panorama July 2006
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11-Jul-06 RADIO AD REVENUE UP FOR FINANCIAL YEAR
The commercial radio industry continues to perform in attracting advertising revenue with the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures released today showing an increase of three per cent for the past financial year to a total of $596.1 million – up from $578.7 million for the same timeframe a year ago.
Chief executive officer of industry body, Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said this figure followed several years of good growth with an increase of about 11 per cent for the financial year ending June 05 and 12 per cent for the financial year ending June 04. For the financial year ending June 03, radio ad revenue grew about five per cent. (PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures).
“Attracting consistent growth over several years is indicative of a strong performance by the commercial radio industry and reflects the medium’s resilience for advertisers,” Ms Warner said.
“The market has certainly softened over the past twelve months but it should be highlighted that the Sydney market has been the most affected with many of the other metropolitan markets continuing to attract good growth in revenue.”
PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures for the five main capital cities show the strongest growth over the past financial year in Brisbane (up 8% to $90.4 million) ; Melbourne (up 6% to $167.6 million); Perth (up 5% to $62 million); Adelaide (up 3.7% to $54.4 million); and Sydney (down 1.9% to $221.6 million).
Ms Warner said the revenue figures reflected a softer advertising market across the board and greater competition for attracting dollars but in Sydney the increased competition was particularly evident.
“The industry is continuing to work hard to ensure positive growth continues with its latest on-air advertisements, part of its successful, multi-million dollar advertising campaign. The latest ads highlight the key findings of a recently released Advertising Effectiveness Study, which shows that by shifting 20 per cent of a television advertising budget to radio, brand awareness can be increased by up to 20 per cent and sales lifted by up to 15 per cent.
“This is an important message - and one we believe all advertisers need to be made aware,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039
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03-Jul-06 REGIONAL SLANT FOR LATEST COMMERCIAL RADIO AD
The commercial radio industry’s latest on-air advertisement, part of its successful, multi-million dollar advertising campaign, continue to use a key effectiveness research fact as the core of the ad, but focus on the importance of using local and regional commercial radio stations to sell your message, according to chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner.
Using regional commercial radio stations is a great way to get your message across to millions of listeners while at the same time connecting with the local audience through the local commercial radio station, Ms Warner said.
Regional radio now reaches over 11 million people in regional Australia and breakfast radio in regional Australia reaches over 8 million people weekly, so it is powerful exposure for all advertisers. Also, now with only two phone calls needing to be made to two major regional representative agencies to book regional radio across the country, it is easier than ever before.
Daryl Mitchell, National Sales Director, Regional Radioworks (RRW), says any national advertiser who is not advertising regionally is missing 40 per cent of the population. RRW is one of the two major regional radio representation agencies representing 139 stations in 70 markets, including the Gold Coast.
Radio in regional Australia provides a unique opportunity given it has fewer stations per market, stations have a higher reach of the available audience and across all dayparts, commercial radio is the dominant media and a great way of connecting with the local community, Mr Mitchell said.
Dugald Cameron, director of Australia’s only other major regional radio representation agency, The Radio Sales Network (TRSN), says regional Australians are more like their city cousins than many appreciate and have similar attitudes and aspirations. TRSN represents over 85 regional radio stations.
But while there are similarities, there are also differences. Regional radio stands out as the constant in communities that delivers time and time again, given a slower uptake of new media technologies due to access constraints and dilution of free to air TV audiences to pay TV, said Mr Cameron.
The new ads, on-air nationally from today, continue to highlight the key findings of a recently released Advertising Effectiveness Study, which shows that by shifting 20 per cent of a television advertising budget to radio, brand awareness can be increased by up to 20 per cent and sales lifted by up to 15 per cent.
Commercial Radio Australia has also recently released a major collection of effectiveness research from Australia and around the world. The International Research Compendium, believed to be the biggest collection of radio research in the world, covers hot topics such as ad avoidance, return on investment and the latest in effectiveness research with other media. It can be viewed on the website.
The latest ad, written by international award-winning director of Eardrum Australia, Ralph van Dijk, follows on from ads which targeted niche markets like the insurance industry and most recently, used senior executives of major companies to explain why they use radio as part of their advertising mix.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039
Media note: To listen to the new ad please visit the website
(Source of stats about regional audience is Nielsen Media Research, Panorama National Survey 2, 2006)
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20-Jun-06 FORD'S AMAZING SEVEN AD WINS ROUND 1 SIRENS
An advertisement for Ford, written by Nick Weller and Phillip van Bruchem from agency, JWT Melbourne, has won the overall and single category for round one of the 2007 Siren Awards.
Called, “Amazing Seven”, the ad uses the character of Yul Brynner and the Magnificent Seven concept to explain the benefits of the Ford Territory, specifically the seating for seven adults.
Judge, and winner of Sirens 2006 round five, John Mescall from Smart agency in Melbourne said: ”Amazing Seven was clearly the best entrant in this round. Quirky idea, pretty well written, nice casting and production, and importantly no crappy voiceover at the end.”
The same ad also won the craft category. The winner was sound engineer, Phil Kenihan from Front of House for his work on the “Amazing Seven” ad for Ford.
Judge and previous craft category winner, Vaughan Jones from radio station, Hot 91, Sunshine Coast said: “Amazing Seven is a well-crafted, clear and easy to ingest message. Well done.”
Two ads for Ford won Highly Commended in the single category in round one. The ads, written by Scott Glennon from JWT Melbourne were “Dial-a-date” for Ford promoting a special offer on Falcon utes and “Trucker Radio”, which promotes the Ford Territory’s car-like handling compared to other 4WDs.
Winner of the campaign category was Cameron Hoelter and Josh Robbins from Clemenger BBDO Melbourne for an advertisement for Dulux called “Dulux Aquanamel Campaign” which promotes aquanamel paint.
Highly commended in the campaign category was Rob Sharples from Austereo Sydney for the advertisement “Timmy” for NEC.
Highly commended in the craft category were sound engineers, Shane O’Mara and Phil Kenihan from Front of House for “Trucker radio” for Ford.
The Siren Awards were established to help promote radio advertising and encourage excellence and creativity within the medium. Entries for Round 2 of the 2007 Awards are now open and will be received until July 31. Entry is free and judges base their decision on creativity, originality and impact. Commercials can be entered into three categories - Radio Single, Radio Campaign and Craft.
For more details or to enter the awards or listen to the winning commercials, visit the Siren Awards website at View PDF
20-Jun-06 CLEESE TO SPEAK AT RADIO CONFERENCE AND AWARDS
Renowned comedian and actor, John Cleese will be the keynote speaker at the Australian Radio Conference and will also present at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), both to be held in Sydney in October. He will also run a by-invitation only workshop at the conference on sales and marketing techniques.
Cleese, one of the founders of the comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus, is best-known for his Ministry of Silly Walks and foul-tempered hotelier Basil Fawlty of TV's “Fawlty Towers”. A British actor, Cleese has been involved as both an actor and writer in the Monty Python film projects, including 1975's Monty Python and the Holy Grail and 1979's Life of Brian. In the 1980s, he branched out into other films including the smash hit, A Fish Called Wanda (1988), which he also co-wrote and co-produced. Since then he has appeared in many television commercials and provided his voice to animated projects including 2004's Shrek 2. Most recently he took on the role of Q in the James Bond film, Die Another Day (2002).
Earlier this month, Cleese announced his intention to retire from performing comedy and write a book about its history including greats of stage, film and TV comedy, from silent screen classics to modern entertainment.
This year’s Australian Radio Conference will be held at the Crystal Palace Conference Centre at Luna Park in Sydney on Friday, 13 October. The annual conference is a highlight for the Australian radio industry and has featured legendary keynote speakers over the past few years including Sir Bob Geldof, Barry Humphries and astronaut, Buzz Aldrin. More speakers for the conference will be announced shortly.
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will also be held at Luna Park in the Big Top on Saturday 14 October. This year there will be a return to an over-dinner format for presentation of the awards. The 18th annual awards is set to be a gala event of the radio industry’s calendar this year and will again attract radio personalities and stars from around Australia.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039 or 02 9281 6577
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06-Jun-06 ENTRIES STRONG FOR 2006 RADIO AWARDS
Nearly 1200 entries have been received for this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), registering one of the strongest responses on record, which augurs well for this year’s event, according to chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner.
Categories to receive good responses include Best On-Air Team; Best News Presenter; Best Sports Presenter and Best Talk Presenter with significant increases in the number of entries from radio stations in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
This year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will be held at Luna Park in Sydney on October 14 and will include a new format with statues presented over dinner.
The 18th annual event has become a highlight of the radio industry’s yearly calendar and will again attract radio personalities and stars from around Australia.
Organised by Commercial Radio Australia, on behalf of the radio industry, the Awards include 29 categories, which cover all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment. The ACRAs differ from television’s Logie Awards, in that they are peer judged with judging panels comprised of industry members.
The Awards have previously been presented at a theatrette-style ceremony prior to dinner, but this year will be awarded over a sit-down dinner.
Ms Warner said the new format and venue for this year’s Awards would provide an exciting backdrop for the gala ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of Australia’s radio broadcasters.
“This year’s Awards look set to be bigger and better than before with some surprises in store for guests – so we are hopeful of yet another record attendance given the increasing popularity of the event, “ Ms Warner said.
Ms Warner said a feature of the Awards is the Hall of Fame, which acknowledges a lifelong commitment to the Australian radio industry. Last year, industry stalwarts, Rod Muir, who played a key role in founding FM radio in Australia, and Adelaide radio institution Bob Francis, were inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame. Other previous inductees have included John Laws, Bob Rogers and Paul Thompson. Hall of Fame recipients are nominated by industry colleagues and decided by a high level judging committee.
For more information about the Awards please visit the website at View PDF
05-Jun-06 RADIO CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH
The radio industry has focused its latest on-air advertisements, part of its successful, multi-million dollar advertising campaign, on its recent effectiveness research while still using humour as a key element, according to chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner.
“The new ads, on-air nationally from today, highlight the key findings of a recently released Advertising Effectiveness Study, which shows that by shifting 20 per cent of a television advertising budget to radio, brand awareness can be increased by up to 20 per cent and sales lifted by up to 15 per cent,” Ms Warner said.
“Everyone wants to be able to prove the effectiveness of their advertising and clients insist upon it.
“The radio industry has compelling evidence that advertisers can increase the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns by increasing their radio buy. This is an important message - and one we believe needs highlighting for potential advertisers.”
The ad campaign, written by international award-winning director of Eardrum Australia, Ralph van Dijk, continues to use comic, Mark Mitchell and rely on humour to convey the message that radio is a cost-effective medium for advertisers.
“In this campaign the message is a little more technical and that in it self can be funny. We look at how in today’s marketing climate there is so much focus on the bottom line there is no room for wastage. This makes the new ad effectiveness research even more valuable to anyone in marketing,” said Mr van Dijk.
“Because our target audience consists of marketing savvy experts, the entertainment value needs to be high. Plus the ads cut through so much they need layers to ensure they stand repeat-listening. We’re a cynical bunch at the best of times but thankfully the response has been excellent. We even get fan mail!”
The new ads, part of the industry’s ongoing, multi-million brand campaign, follow on from ads which targeted niche markets like the insurance industry and most recently, used senior executives of major companies to explain why they use radio as part of their advertising mix. Notable business leaders included were Harvey Norman’s chairman Gerry Harvey; John Symond, managing director of Aussie Home Loans and Carlton and United’s general manager of regular beer, Matt Keen, who each talked about the benefits of radio advertising and how the use of the medium helped sell their message and target their brands effectively.
“Radio advertising is now being taken very seriously at an international creative level and the industry’s own campaign reflects the great strength of good Australian radio ads,” Ms Warner said.
“Today’s advertising climate is also highly competitive and very cluttered, making it imperative for advertisers to use effective and efficient mediums for their message to get through – radio is often the best answer, “Ms Warner said.
Commercial Radio Australia has also recently released a major collection of effectiveness research from Australia and around the world that provides evidence that advertisers can increase the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns by increasing their radio buy. The organisation joined with its counterparts from the US, Canada and the UK to publish the leading studies, called the International Research Compendium, which explores the use and effectiveness of radio advertising in combination with newspapers, internet and outdoor. The compendium, believed to be the biggest collection of radio research in the world, also covers hot topics such as ad avoidance, return on investment and the benefits of synergy.
The International Research Compendium can be viewed on the Commercial Radio Australia website. Ms Warner said good research was at the heart of making sensible decisions about advertising spend and the compendium would be able to assist with this.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039
Note: To listen to the new ad please visit the website.
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16-May-06 DIGITAL RADIO - COMING TO A CAR NEAR YOU
With the Federal Government’s announcement of a 2009 start date for digital radio, commercial radio broadcasters and the automotive industry have begun discussions on the development of the next generation of in-car digital radios that will deliver near CD-quality entertainment on the move.
Digital radio offers enhanced, interference-free sound, as well as additional audio programs and automatic tuning. “Digital radio eliminates hiss and crackle and automatically tunes in to the strongest, most robust signal, which means greater listening pleasure when travelling and no more twiddling around looking for stations, a particular advantage on driving holidays,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, the national body representing commercial radio stations.
“There is also potential for digital radio to provide more frequent traffic reports, maps and other driver information to assist in traffic management,” Ms Warner said. “On average Australians spend nearly five hours listening to commercial radio in the car every week, so we want to make sure digital radio is available from 2009 – 2010 in new cars as either a factory fit or an after market option.”
The commercial radio industry will invest an estimated $400 million in launching digital radio in Australia over the next few years to enable it to compete more effectively against new and emerging technologies. The Federal Government has given the industry a launch date of 1 January 2009 for the six state capitals, with a rollout in major regional areas expected to follow soon after.
Commercial Radio Australia has held meetings with car makers including Holden, Toyota and Ford to prepare for the launch of digital radio. A briefing for car and receiver manufacturers and government officials was hosted at the National ITS Centre in Melbourne yesterday by Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia, a non-profit organisation focused on facilitating the development of technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of transport systems.
“The introduction of digital radio must be coordinated nationally to ensure systems compatibility across Australia in order that DAB can be made available to as many people on the move as possible,” said ITS Australia Executive Director Brent Stafford. “With the massive increase in congestion over recent years we must look to every opportunity to provide rich, timely, accurate and relevant traffic and public transport information to transport users. DAB is a great platform to connect people with information such as traffic maps and other driver information services.”
Digital radio is already available as a factory option or standard fit in a range of vehicles in Europe. Most Vauxhall models in the UK are now available with digital radio fitted at the factory. Mitsubishi Motors has integrated a digital radio receiver as standard equipment into its model range. The Mitsubishi L200 Animal Double Cab comes with a digital radio including a playback function for MP3 and WMA files.
Ford also has digital radio as standard on its Ranger Wildtrak. Audi is extending the electronics platform currently in the A6, which includes digital radio, to the A4 and A5 models starting in 2008. Mercedes-Benz passenger cars is well advanced in its plans, with the first model range to include digital radio audio head units to be released in Europe in the first half of 2007.
The increase in car ownership in Australia over the past decade has made in-car an increasingly important place of radio listening. In 2005, 26 percent of all commercial radio listening in an average week took place in-car, up from 20 percent in 1996. (Source: Nielsen Media Research)
A recent survey by Colmar Brunton found that 75 per cent of Australians said they were very or quite interested in buying a digital radio and 36 per cent said an in-car receiver was their number one preferred way to access digital radio.
“There is already a pleasing level of interest in, and knowledge of, digital radio among car manufacturers. They have asked to be kept fully informed of progress and we plan to make further presentations to product and technical managers later in the year,” Ms Warner said.
Australian broadcasters are working with the overseas industry and major international digital receiver manufacturers on new, more efficient audio coding that, when adopted, will allow the development of a range of new, more advanced digital receivers with greater capabilities. Receivers currently on the market will not be compatible with the new platform.
For more information about digital radio visit View PDF
14-May-06 RADIO SURPRISED AT GOVERNMENT COPYRIGHT DECISION
The commercial radio industry today expressed surprise and concern at the Attorney General’s media release signaling a lifting of the statutory cap on broadcasting fees paid by radio broadcasters to record companies.
“This could lead to spiraling payments by radio stations to record companies - and we are especially surprised as we were told by the Government only a couple of months ago that it was not inclined to change the cap at this time,” said Joan Warner, CEO of Commercial Radio Australia.
“It is of significant concern that the Federal Government has chosen to take the side of the multi-billion dollar global record industry over Australian radio stations at a time when costs are rising and revenues are unstable for the local industry - particularly for radio broadcasters in regional areas. In addition, commercial radio stations have commenced planning for the digital rollout, at considerable expense, of superior radio services to all Australians using digital radio technology.” Joan Warner said.
“It is also common knowledge that the advertising market for radio has been softer and unstable, and, as a result of Government policy, there are more radio stations than ever before competing for a shrinking advertising dollar.”
The commercial radio industry, as part of the consultation on the statutory cap, has provided the Government with a significant amount of detailed argument and rationale for retaining the cap.
“It appears the Government has, at this point, chosen to ignore the needs and concerns of the Australian radio industry,’ said Joan Warner. “However, we are pleased to note that there will be further consultation on the legislation. We will be seeking meetings with relevant Ministers, as well as with local Liberal and National Party members, during the consultation period to restate the case for the Australian radio industry.”
Commercial Radio Australia is the peak national body for the Australian commercial radio industry representing 260 services or 98% of the industry.
Media comment: Joan Warner - Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0419 410 617
11-May-06 BIC PENS WINS BEST RADIO AD FOR 2006
An ad for Bic Pens called “Chicken Inseminator” has won the 2006 Gold Siren Award, for creative excellence in radio advertising, and will be automatically entered into this year’s Cannes Radio Lions, it was announced today.
The advertisement, written by John Mescall, Rebecca Newman and Malcolm Chambers from Smart advertising agency in Melbourne, uses comedy to promote the importance of using a failsafe pen. The same ad also won a Silver Siren for winning the overall single category.
Member of the Siren Creative Council, comprising leading creative directors from national advertising agencies, and head of agency, KWP! Advertising, Peter Withy said the winning ad was a very fine, fun idea for a seemingly difficult and low interest category.
“The ad displays very fresh work, well produced and a style of humour we don't hear all that often. The writing makes it unique. Great radio starts with a great script - all the studio tricks in the world won't elevate dullness to greatness, “said Peter Withy.
Judge and member of the Siren Creative Council, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia said: “The Bic campaign was all about doing the basics extremely well. The understated delivery was perfect for the script and it has given Bic a real brand personality to work with. Chuck out your Parkers.”
The winner, announced at a breakfast in Sydney, which featured comedian Michael Veitch and Sydney Nova 969’s Bianca Dye as host, receives a free trip for two to the International Advertising Festival in Cannes in June and entry into the Radio Lions.
Mr Withy, the Australian judge on the Radio Jury at the inaugural Cannes Radio Lions last year said he expected the ad should do well at Cannes.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said close to 500 entries had been received for this year’s Siren Awards reflecting the growing credibility and importance of the honor.
“The Siren Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for excellent Australian radio creative to be recognized both at home by the advertising and radio industries and again at Cannes, alongside the world’s best at one of the most prestigious events held for creatives,” Ms Warner said.
Last year’s inaugural Gold Siren Award winner was the Victoria Bitter campaign, written by Josh Stephens and Ben Coulson from George Patterson Partners (Melbourne), with creative director, James McGrath.
The other winners at today’s presentation included a Silver Siren Award for 2006 campaign category winner, also awarded to the Smart team in Melbourne for its Bic Pens campaign including advertisements entitled “Radioactive, Guinea Pig, Chicken, Isolation Chamber.”
A Silver Siren was also awarded to the inaugural Craft Category winner, station Hot 91.1 Sunshine Coast for its ad called “The tadpole and the egg” for IVF Sunshine Coast. Sound engineer for the ad was Vaughan Jones and creative director was Kirsten Scholes.
Judge Peter Withy said the ad was unique. “I think degree of difficulty has a lot of bearing. Imagine being given the task of bring sperm and ovaries to life in situe. Pretty damn difficult.”
Ms Warner said the craft category had been introduced into the Siren Awards this year to recognise the crucial role of sound engineers in creating good advertisements for radio.
“The inclusion of the Craft Category into the 2006 Siren Awards recognizes the important role played by sound engineers and hopefully will encourage them to keep pushing boundaries in sound,
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08-May-06 RADIO AD REVENUE STRONGER IN APRIL
Advertising revenue for Australia’s metropolitan commercial radio stations increased by 7.1 per cent in April to $47.7 million, according to data released today by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
“April’s growth rate was the strongest performance in eight months but it is still too early to say whether this represents the start of a turnaround in the market,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner.
The data, compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the five major capital city markets, showed April’s increase was the best result since August 2005 and follows growth of 1.9 per cent in March and a decline of 1.9 per cent in February.
The Sydney market, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of total capital city radio advertising revenue and had been weak in February and March, returned to growth in April with a 1.7 per cent increase to $17.5 million.
Brisbane recorded the strongest growth in April with a 15.6 per cent increase, followed by Adelaide, which was up 12.5 per cent. Melbourne also performed well with a 9.6 per cent increase over April 2005.
Advertising revenue for the 10 months to end April totalled $492.9 million for the five markets, an increase of 3.3 per cent over the same period a year ago.
“Looking forward, it’s unclear how much the recent interest rate increase will affect consumer confidence and flow on to the advertising market, but the return to growth in April is good news,” Ms Warner said.
The third radio ratings survey of 2006 is due to be released tomorrow. Commercial radio has been performing well in terms of attracting audiences, with reach increasing to 8.7 million in the last survey compared with the same period in 2005.
Media contact: Judy Shaw 0418 415 965
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03-May-06 COMEDIAN, MICHAEL VEITCH, FOR SIRENS AWARDS AND MASTERCLASS NEXT WEEK
Comedian, Michael Veitch will announce the winner of the 2006 Siren Awards at a breakfast in Sydney next week and also speak at a seminar following the event, the Sirens Masterclass. Veitch, renowned for his work on D-Generation and Fast Forward, has also worked on radio and for newspapers and most recently has been involved in stagework and theatre writing.
He will talk about the art of comedy at the Masterclass, a creative seminar focusing on Australian comedy entitled, “So Who the Bloody Hell Are We?” Veitch will be joined at the seminar by members of The Chaser team, Andrew Hansen and Chas Licciardello, who will talk about why their irreverent humour works in Australia and also about confronting and lampooning key players from the world of politics, business, religion, media and culture. Best-known for their work on CNNNN (Chaser Non-Stop News Network) and election coverage specials, Chaser Decides, the team has an irreverent comic attitude to just about everything. Their latest show on ABC TV, The Chaser War on Everything, is another satirical comedy in which no target is spared.
The breakfast will be hosted by Bianca Dye from Sydney’s Nova 969 and will feature the announcement of the 2006 Siren Award winners including the Gold Siren winner. The winner of the 2006 Gold Siren, chosen by the Siren Creative Council from the winners of the five rounds of the Awards already held, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions to be held in June. The Gold Siren winner will also be awarded travel and accommodation to attend the festival in Cannes.
Last year’s inaugural Gold Siren Award winner was the Victoria Bitter campaign. The advertisement, written by Josh Stephens and Ben Coulson from George Patterson Partners (Melbourne), with creative director, James McGrath, uses comedy and the well-known VB theme song.
Also speaking at the Masterclass is Senior Lecturer in Cinema Studies at La Trobe University, Dr Felicity Collins. Dr Collins has won a two-year Australian Research Council Discovery Grant looking at how comedy can be understood in terms of nationhood and identity and will talk about radio’s role in the formative years
The Masterclass will also feature international creative expert and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia. In March this year, Van Dijk’s agency, Eardrum International, won five awards at the UK 2006 Aerial Awards for radio advertising including the Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Best Directing category.
Tickets are selling fast to both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass, which will be held at Taronga Zoo on May 11. The breakfast will run from 8am to 9:30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $550 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $60 for breakfast only. For more information contact phone 02 9281 6577 or to download your ticket booking form, visit the dedicated Sirens website.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039
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01-May-06 RADIO LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COMPENDIUM
Commercial Radio Australia today released a major collection of effectiveness research from Australia and around the world that provides compelling evidence that advertisers can increase the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns by increasing their radio buy.
Commercial Radio Australia has joined with its counterparts from the US, Canada and the UK to publish the leading studies, which explore the use and effectiveness of radio advertising in combination with newspapers, internet and outdoor. The compendium, believed to be the biggest collection of radio research in the world, also covers hot topics such as ad avoidance, return on investment and the benefits of synergy.
Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, said the industry had released the International Research Compendium in recognition of the growing demand for better research and analysis into the impact and effectiveness of different media channels.
“Advertisers and media buyers are more conscious than ever about how different media channels impact on their marketing messages. Everyone wants to be able to prove the effectiveness of their advertising and clients insist upon it,” she said.
“The research that has been conducted in Australia and overseas provides compelling evidence that radio should be used more heavily in marketing campaigns than it is at present,” she added. “Interestingly, it also suggests that radio is still as important to advertisers as it ever was in this increasingly technological world. For example, overseas studies have demonstrated that radio is extremely powerful when used in combination with online advertising. In fact, ad recall can be as much as 52 per cent higher when listeners are involved in a related activity such as browsing websites.”
“The publication of the compendium follows the industry’s release in March of the Radio Effectiveness Research conducted in Australia by Millward Brown. That study found that when 20 per cent of a television budget is re-deployed to radio, it can increase brand awareness by 20 per cent and lift sales by 15 per cent over using television alone. It also revealed that radio increased web hits by 60 per cent when added to the media mix. The industry is now commissioning a major qualitative and quantitative study in Australia to look in more detail into the role radio plays in combination with the Internet, for release in 2007,” Ms Warner said.
The International Research Compendium is available on CD and the Commercial Radio Australia website. Key findings from the research studies include:
· At any given time, 20% of internet users are listening to the radio at the same time. 57% said they checked things on the internet after hearing about them on radio (Using Radio With Online, Radio Advertising Bureau and Internet Advertising Bureau, UK, 2006)
· Radio’s return on investment is 49% higher than television based on profit per advertising dollar (Radio’s Return on Investment Advantage, Millward Brown/Information Resources, US, 2005)
· Replacing one or two newspaper exposures with two radio ads almost tripled unaided brand recall (The Benefits of Synergy, Radio Ad Effectiveness Lab, US, 2004)
· Radio advertising drove up unaided brand awareness and use. An 18% lift in consumption was achieved in the radio test markets. (Radio Active, Radio Marketing Bureau, Canada, 2003).
Media contact: Judy Shaw Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965.
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20-Apr-06 BIC PENS AD WINS ROUND 5 SIRENS
An advertisement for Bic Pens, written by John Mescall, Rebecca Newman and Malcolm Chambers from agency, Smart in Melbourne, has won the overall and single category for round five of the Siren Awards, making it eligible to win the Gold 2006 Sirens, to be announced early next month.
Called, “Chicken Inseminator”, the ad describes the disastrous results of what can happen when a pen fails in an exam. The judges said the campaign’s strength was its simplicity combined with the power of creative casting.
The team from Smart also won a Highly Commended in the campaign category for their work for Bic Pens called “Radioactive, Guinea Pig, Chicken, Isolation Chamber.”
Three ads in the single category received Highly Commended. They were: Ralph van Dijk from Eardrum for a Commercial Radio Australia ad called “VB” about the strengths of radio advertising; Nick Weller and Phillip Van Bruchem from agency JWT Melbourne for their ad “Klicken geh’n die scheren” for the Ford Motor Company and Doogie Chapman from agency Young & Rubicam Melbourne for an ad for the National Gallery of Victoria called “Landscape with Cattle.”
Winner of the campaign category was Craig Moore and Rocky Ranallo from agency Clemenger BBDO, Sydney for the ad “Turin Topical” for AHL Thredbo – a series of ads “done on the run” during the winter Olympics.
Another highly commended in the campaign category was Doogie Chapman from Young & Rubicam Melbourne for his work for the National Gallery of Victoria called “Dutch Masters”.
Winner of the craft category was sound engineer, Vaughan Jones from radio station, Hot 91, Sunshine Coast for an ad called “The Tadpole and the Egg” for IVF. Creative director was Kirsten Scholes.
Judge, Brad Grisaffe from Audiobrien said: “The IVF Sunshine Coast series covered a potentially difficult topic with great flair and humour through the excellent use of sound. These commercials are a great example of how imaginative “sound craft” coupled with strong writing can result in extremely effective radio.”
Highly commended in the craft category was sound engineer, Marty Braine from Brainestorm Production in Perth, for his work for Collie Timber and Hardware called “Getting Wood”.
The Siren Awards were established to help promote radio advertising and encourage excellence and creativity within the medium. Winners are announced every two months and the annual 2006 Gold and Silver Siren winners will be announced on May 11 this year at a gala breakfast to be held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. The breakfast will be hosted by Nova 969’s Bianca Dye. It will run from 8am to 9:30am and the Masterclass, a creative seminar focusing on comedy, will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $550 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $60 for breakfast only. For more information contact phone 02 9281 6577 or to download your ticket booking form, visit the Siren Award's website.
Media contact: Judy Shaw (02) 9281 6577 or (0418) 415 965
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11-Apr-06 CHASER BOYS SPEAKING AT SIRENS MASTERCLASS
Members of the renowned comedy and Logie Award-winning team, The Chaser will be attending the Siren Awards breakfast and speaking at the Masterclass, which will follow the breakfast, called “So Who the Bloody Hell Are We?” next month in Sydney.
The Chaser team members, Chas Licciardello and Andrew Hansen, will be talking about why their irreverent humour works in Australia and also about confronting and lampooning key players from the world of politics, business, religion, media and culture. Best-known for their work on CNNNN (Chaser Non-Stop News Network) and election coverage specials, Chaser Decides, the team has an irreverent comic attitude to just about everything. Their latest show on ABC TV, The Chaser War on Everything, is another satirical comedy in which no target is spared.
Also attending the breakfast and speaking at the Masterclass, a creative seminar focusing on Australian comedy, is well-known Australian comedy director, Ted Emery. Emery will present the winner of the 2006 Siren Awards at the breakfast and also be guest speaker at the Masterclass. Arguably one of Australia’s greatest comedy directors, and best-known for his work on the smash hit, Kath & Kim, Emery will talk about the secret to Kath and Kim’s success and any lessons that can be learnt for advertising.
The Masterclass will also feature Senior Lecturer in Cinema Studies at La Trobe University, Dr Felicity Collins. Dr Collins has won a two-year Australian Research Council Discovery Grant looking at how comedy can be understood in terms of nationhood and identity and will talk about radio’s role in the formative years.
International creative expert and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia will also talk at the Masterclass. Last month, Van Dijk’s agency, Eardrum International, won five awards at the UK 2006 Aerial Awards for radio advertising including the Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Best Directing category.
The winner of the 2006 Siren Awards will be chosen from the winners from the five rounds of the Awards already held and will be judged by the Siren Creative Council - comprising leading creative directors from national advertising agencies. The 2006 winner will be automatically entered into the inaugural Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and will also win two tickets to attend the festival.
Last year’s inaugural Gold Siren Award winner was the Victoria Bitter campaign. The advertisement, written by Josh Stephens and Ben Coulson from George Patterson Partners (Melbourne), with creative director, James McGrath, uses comedy and the well-known VB theme song to sell beer.
Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney on May 11.The breakfast will be hosted by Nova 969’s Bianca Dye. It will run from 8am to 9:30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $550 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $60 for breakfast only. For more information contact phone 02 9281 6577 or to download your ticket booking form, visit the dedicated website View PDF
05-Apr-06 RADIO PERFORMS WELL – CEASA FIGURES
Commercial Economic Advisory Service of Australia (CEASA) figures released today for the 2005 calendar year show radio continued to perform well in attracting advertising recording growth of 6.6 % to a total of $897.5 million, compared to the same timeframe last year.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said CEASA’s Advertising Expenditure in Main Media report for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 shows radio advertising continues to perform well in a competitive market with the metropolitan market recording growth of 6.2 per cent to a total of $591 million and regional markets growing by 6.6 per cent to a total of $288.76 million.
Ms Warner said while growth had slowed in 2005 the performance was still comparatively strong with good growth being maintained in regional areas.
“Radio has performed well in 2005 in what is a very crowded media marketplace and the industry has worked hard to keep the medium at top of mind with advertisers, through its ongoing ad campaign,” Ms Warner said.
Ms Warner said 2006 was proving to be just as competitive between the mediums in attracting advertising revenue.
“Even though there has been a slight overall softening of the radio market in the calendar year to date, it is pleasing to hear industry figures such as Harold Mitchell confidently predicting a “boom” after Easter. This is in line with our own thinking that the market should start to firm after this time,” Ms Warner said.
Changes in total advertising expenditure
|
Medium
|
2004-2005% change
|
2003-2004 % change
|
2002-2003 % change
|
2001-2002 % change
|
2000-2001 % change
|
|
Newspapers
|
4.95%
|
9.8%
|
6.8%
|
-2.8
|
-6.8
|
|
Magazines
|
9.48%
|
10.7%
|
6.6%
|
-0.7
|
-6.2
|
|
Television
|
3.39%
|
11.7%
|
9.9%
|
6.8
|
-9.3
|
|
Radio
|
6.64%
|
14.2%
|
4.9%
|
1.1
|
1.6
|
|
Outdoor
|
8.15%
|
10.3%
|
13.6%
|
-3.7
|
-1.8
|
|
Cinema
|
12.74%
|
12.7%
|
13.6%
|
-10.1
|
-7.0
|
|
Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source: CEASA Report, Advertising Expenditure in Main Media, 2005. Radio includes metropolitan, regional and community radio. Data for television includes metropolitan, regional and subscription TV.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
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04-Apr-06 NAME THAT TUNE?
Heard a song you like on the radio but don’t know who sings it? You’re not alone. More than 77 per cent of consumers have been frustrated by not knowing the title or artist of a song they like on the radio, according to a new poll released today.
Women (82%) and people aged 18-34 (83%) were most likely to have been troubled by not being able to identify a popular song’s title or artist, according to the survey by Colmar Brunton Media Solutions.
“Most people first hear new songs on commercial radio but nearly eight out of 10 say they have experienced difficulty naming a tune – which is maybe not so surprising considering the stream of often imaginative artist and track titles being released to air every week,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia.
“The research shows there’s a huge demand out there for more information about new music, and supports the market for digital radio technology, which will provide not only top sound quality, but will provide consumers with screens featuring track details, images of their favourite artists, CD covers and music news.”
The research, undertaken Australia-wide, showed that a significant majority - 67 per cent - of people surveyed said commercial radio was their primary source of hearing new music and 79 per cent said they listen to commercial radio every week.
It also contains good news for digital radio, with 75 per cent of people surveyed and 84 per cent of 18-24-year-olds saying they would be very or quite interested in purchasing a digital radio priced within their budget (up from 68% and 80% respectively in a similar survey undertaken in 2004).
“The uptake of mp3 players doesn’t seem to have dampened consumer enthusiasm for the concept of digital radio,” Ms Warner said. “Digital radio technology is going to be a revolution for music lovers, particularly for younger people who have grown up in the digital media age.” The commercial radio industry is planning to launch digital radio over the next two to three years following the Federal Government’s announcement last October of a broad policy framework for its introduction.
Other results from the survey included:
- the most popular features of digital radio were easy one-touch tuning by station name (89%) and enhanced sound (88% ).
- 88% said they were interested in being able to pause and rewind radio, 81% were interested in getting artist or track details by text, 77% were interested in receiving news and weather updates and 36% wanted advertiser contact details.
- 76% said they wanted to view images via radio and 59% said they were interested in accessing new digital only audio programs.
- 33% said they had listened to radio via mobile phone.
The survey was completed by 8220 people Australia wide in February as part of Colmar Brunton’s online Omnibus study. Ms Warner released the survey at the Australian Broadcasting Summit in Sydney today. Digital radio offers near CD-quality sound, the ability to pause and rewind live radio, and small screens to display information and images such as CD covers, concert ticket sales, celebrity news and tracks now playing or coming up. Radio stations will also be able to broadcast additional content such as music specials or highlights on another channel in addition to their main programming. For more information about digital radio visit www.digitalradioaustralia.com.au.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: (02) 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965. View PDF
04-Apr-06 INDUSTRY ON TARGET FOR DIGITAL RADIO START DATE
Commercial radio broadcasters said today they were pleased the Federal Government has set a start date for digital radio and were on track to launch digital radio services by 2009.
“It’s good to see we have a time frame for the industry to work towards, it is in line with what we expected, and barring any unforeseen hurdles with spectrum planning, we consider it a feasible timeframe,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
Federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan today announced that the Government would put in place legislation and regulatory arrangements to allow the introduction of digital radio by 1 January 2009.
Ms Warner said the industry had commenced business planning for a national rollout beginning in 12 capital cities and major regional areas, and would be making a significant investment in building a digital transmission network.
“Our research shows Australians are extremely interested in digital radio, and we are working towards delivering a lot of exciting new features and content that will allow radio to compete more effectively against new technologies,” Ms Warner said.
Research by Colmar Brunton Media Solutions released by Ms Warner at the Australian Broadcasting Summit today contained good news for digital radio, with 75 per cent of people surveyed and 84 per cent of 18-24-year-olds saying they would be very or quite interested in purchasing a digital radio priced within their budget (up from 68% and 80% respectively in a similar survey undertaken in 2004).
The research, undertaken Australia-wide, showed that a significant majority - 67 per cent - of people surveyed said commercial radio was their primary source of hearing new music and 79 per cent said they listen to commercial radio every week.
“The uptake of mp3 players doesn’t seem to have dampened consumer enthusiasm for the concept of digital radio at all,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: (02) 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965.
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28-Mar-06 SIREN AWARDS BREAKFAST AND MASTERCLASS TO FOCUS ON COMEDY
The winner of the 2006 Siren Awards for creative excellence in radio advertising will be announced at a gala breakfast in Sydney in May featuring renowned Australian comedy director, Ted Emery and Nova’s Bianca Dye as host.
Emery will present the winner of the 2006 Siren Awards at the breakfast and also be guest speaker at the Sirens Masterclass, a creative seminar focusing on Australian comedy, and called “So Who the Bloody Hell Are We?”, which will follow the breakfast.
Arguably one of Australia’s greatest comedy directors, Ted Emery has an extensive history in the Australian film and television industry. Best-known for his work on the smash hit, Kath & Kim, Emery has also directed comedy programs D-Generation, Acropolis Now, Fast Forward, Full Frontal, Tonight Live, Eric Bana Special, Jimeoin and The Micallef Programme. He also directed The Craic and his TV credits include popular music series Countdown, documentaries and news and current affairs for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Emery will talk about the secret to Kath and Kim’s success and any lessons that can be learnt for advertising.
The Masterclass will also feature Senior Lecturer in Cinema Studies at La Trobe University, Dr Felicity Collins. Dr Collins has won a two-year Australian Research Council Discovery Grant looking at how comedy can be understood in terms of nationhood and identity and will talk about radio’s role in the formative years.
International creative expert and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia will also talk at the Masterclass. Last week, Van Dijk’s agency, Eardrum, won five awards at the UK 2006 Aerial Awards for radio advertising including the Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Best Directing category. Commercial Radio Australia has contracted Mr van Dijk, who moved to Australia from the UK earlier this year, as consultant Creative Director with a general brief to promote radio as an advertising medium.
“This is not one of those Australia Day navel gazing exercises. The Siren Masterclass will provide practical insights to what makes Australians laugh and why. With so much advertising attempting to engage through comedy, creatives of all levels could do with improving their skills in this area,” said Mr van Dijk.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the annual Sirens breakfast and Masterclass provided a great opportunity to recognize the excellence in Australian radio advertising and also look at ways to further improve it.
“This year’s focus on comedy will help all those writing for radio to understand better about writing and performing Australian comedy for Australians,” Ms Warner said.
The winner of the 2006 Siren Awards will be chosen from the winners and highly commended from the five rounds of the Awards and will be judged by the Siren Creative Council - comprising leading creative directors from national advertising agencies. The 2006 winner will be automatically entered into the inaugural Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and will also win two tickets to attend the festival.
“This provides a fantastic opportunity for excellent Australian radio creative to be judged along with the world’s best at one of the most prestigious events held for creatives and will provide a great benchmark for the industry,” Ms Warner said.
Last year’s inaugural Gold Siren Award winner was the Victoria Bitter campaign. The advertisement, written by Josh Stephens and Ben Coulson from George Patterson Partners (Melbourne), with creative director, James McGrath, uses comedy and the well-known VB theme song to sell beer.
Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney on May 11. The breakfast will run from 8am to 9:30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $550 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $60 for breakfast only. For more information contact phone 02 9281 6577 or to download your ticket booking form visit the dedicated website View PDF
24-Mar-06 RADIO AD GURU GOES TO PERTH
The national series of radio creative workshops run by international creative expert and creator of the award-winning radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, goes to Perth next week.
The international radio creative guru will be the featured guest speaker at a breakfast seminar for advertising agencies, to be held in conjunction with the Perth Advertising and Design Club (PADC), as well as holding a seminar for in-house radio copywriters.
The breakfast seminar and workshop are part of an ongoing national strategy by Commercial Radio Australia to provide support for creatives who are writing radio ads with the overall aim of ensuring consistently high quality radio ads throughout Australia.
Chief executive officer, Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said better radio ads would help attract more advertising dollars and the radio industry must be proactive to providing support and opportunities for targeted professional development for the talented writers working on radio creative.
“We want Australian radio ads to consistently be amongst the best in the world – and while many agencies are doing excellent work it is up to the industry to work more closely with agencies to help foster talent, ideas and world class standards,” Ms Warner said.
The latest figures compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the five major capital city markets show the Perth radio advertising market is buoyant with growth of about five per cent for the eight months to the end of February, compared to the same timeframe last year, with total ad revenue of $41.4 million for this period.
Ms Warner said Commercial Radio Australia had contracted Mr van Dijk, who moved to Australia from the UK earlier this year, as consultant Creative Director with a general brief to promote radio as an advertising medium.
“Mr van Dijk is more then qualified to talk about world standards in radio advertising given his specialist agency, Eardrum, has won many international awards and, earlier this week, won five awards at the UK 2006 Aerial Awards for radio advertising including the Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Best Directing category.”
The breakfast seminar, to be held on Wednesday, 29 March at the University Club of Western Australia, will look at international trends, case studies and the power of radio.
A further workshop for radio station creatives, to be held later that day, will combine a combination of theory and hands-on studio work and seek to inspire and challenge the traditional way of approaching a radio brief.
“I have been running these workshops for the UK and Europe’s leading agencies and they never fail to inspire a greater level of enthusiasm for the medium. Effective radio requires good creative and good radio creative requires more care and attention than it currently gets. The workshop will open your eyes (and ears) to the potential of radio, and challenging the conventional ways of writing, casting and directing a radio ad,” said Mr van Dijk.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
Media note: For information on the breakfast contact PADC on 1300 764 555
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16-Mar-06 RADIO AWARDS TO BE HELD AT LUNA PARK
This year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA) will be held at Luna Park in Sydney on October 14 and will include a new format with statues presented over dinner.
The 18th annual event has become a highlight of the radio industry’s yearly calendar and will again attract radio personalities and stars from around Australia.
Organised by Commercial Radio Australia, on behalf of the radio industry, the Awards include 29 categories, which cover all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment. The ACRAs differ from television’s Logie Awards, in that they are peer judged with judging panels comprised of industry members.
The Awards have previously been presented at a theatrette-style ceremony prior to dinner, but this year will be awarded over a sit-down dinner.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the new format and venue for this year’s Awards would provide an exciting backdrop for the gala ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of Australia’s radio broadcasters.
“This year’s Awards look set to be bigger and better than before with some surprises in store for guests – so we are hopeful of yet another record attendance given the increasing popularity of the event, “ Ms Warner said.
Winners from last year’s Awards include well-known radio personalities Alan Jones and Ray Hadley from 2GB; and Merrick and Rosso and Bianca Dye from Nova 96.9 in Sydney.
Ms Warner said a feature of the Awards is the Hall of Fame, which acknowledges a lifelong commitment to the Australian radio industry. Last year, industry stalwarts, Rod Muir, who played a key role in founding FM radio in Australia, and Adelaide radio institution Bob Francis, were inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame. Other previous inductees have included John Laws, Bob Rogers and Paul Thompson. Hall of Fame recipients are nominated by industry colleagues and decided by a high level judging committee.
The 2006 Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held at the Luna Park in Sydney on October 14. Entries which are now open, close on Friday May 5. Information about entering the Awards, categories and conditions of entry can be found at the Commercial Radio Australia website.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
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06-Mar-06 RADIO LIFTS BRAND AWARENESS AND SALES – NEW RESEARCH
Shifting 20 per cent of a television advertising budget to radio can increase brand awareness by over 20 per cent and lift sales by up to 15 per cent, according to a new study by Millward Brown in partnership with media planning agency, MindShare Australia.
The research, “Radio’s Advantage - Advertising Effectiveness Study” was released today by Commercial Radio Australia, and shows that radio, used in combination with television, produces better results than using television advertising alone.
The study was conducted in Perth and Brisbane last year using two FMCG brands - a lesser-known personal hygiene product and a well-known food brand. Its findings support similar research conducted in the USA and UK in recent years which showed radio advertising has a strong multiplier effect when used in combination with television.
The key findings include:
*moving 20 per cent of your television budget to commercial radio has been proven to increase brand awareness by 22 per cent.
*even among well-known brands, moving 20 per cent of a television budget to reach your audience through commercial radio has been proven to increase brand awareness by six per cent.
*even among well-known brands, moving 20 per cent of a TV budget to commercial radio has been proven to increase sales by up to 15 per cent
The study involved test (80 % television, 20% radio) and control (100% television) markets using two brands in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods category (FMCG) – traditionally among the largest spending categories in all advertising.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the study highlights the multiplier effect of combining radio with television to create a powerful media combination and shows how effective radio advertising is for clients in combination with television in terms of awareness and sales.
“Today’s advertising climate is highly competitive and very cluttered making it imperative for advertisers to cut through and make an immediate impact on audiences,” Ms Warner said.
“Advertisers must explore media combinations that generate the most for their dollar and this research shows that combining radio with television is a very effective advertising strategy – from both a cost and impact perspective.”
Ms Warner said radio adds cost-effective frequency, more executions and coverage to television campaigns and reaches people at more relevant times – all of which result in a strong multiplier effect.
“This research shows that by including radio in your campaign, and spending the same amount on your advertising, you can enjoy significantly enhanced results with greater product awareness and sales,” Ms Warner said.
Chief executive officer of Mindshare Australia, Chris Walton said the research highlights how effectively radio and television work together and is a must consider document for everyone responsible for booking media space and planning advertising campaigns.
“These findings show that combining radio and television helps to balance a brand’s media presence across the day alongside a television campaign and provides ample opportunity for a message to reach its audience,” Mr Walton said.
The results of the research were released on the same day as a new ad in the radio industry’s multi-million dollar advertising campaign was aired, featuring Nestle and its range of food products.
During the past financial year, the FMCG categories of food, toiletries and cosmetics collectively spent $636 million on advertising, of which about 2.5% went to radio.*
Ms Warner said by illustrating how Nestle effectively uses radio combined with the results of the research may help build on the spend of this important category, which would greatly benefit from using radio as part of an advertising mix.
Ralph van Dijk, creator of the radio brand campaign from Eardrum International said: “TV will often provide the initial splash, but a radio campaign running concurrently is a way of making the message personal and relevant to the individual. That’s why the two work so well together.”
Ms Warner said Commercial Radio Australia would continue the effectiveness research looking at other combinations with radio, including online advertising.
“The radio industry is keen to continue to grow its share of the pie – that means proving to advertisers that our medium can be used effectively and efficiently as part of any advertising mix,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson or Judy Shaw. Ph: 02 9281 6577
Please note: Key research findings and exec summary available on website at commercialradio.com.au
*Source: Nielsen Media Research, AdEx Report, 2004/2005, Top Advertisers Report.
Key facts about radio and graph attached.
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02-Mar-06 VB “BROCKY” AD WINS RD 4 SIRENS
Last year’s winners of the Gold Siren Award have won the overall and single category for Round 4 of the 2006 Awards.
Josh Stephens and Ben Coulson from George Patterson Y&R are the winners of Siren’s Round 4 for their ad “Brocky” for Fosters Australia (Victoria Bitter), which promotes the VB V8 Supercar sponsorship. Stephens and Coulson also won Highly Commended in the single category for another ad for VB called “Boony” – again for the VB V8 Supercar sponsorship.
Judge and winner of the previous round, Vince Lagana from Saatchi & Saatchi in Sydney said of the winning ad: “It was the only ad I wanted to listen to again. The message was clear and the promotion wasn’t forced. It was nicely executed.”
An advertisement promoting the UN Day for the elimination of violence against women won Highly Commended for the single category. Called “Lend a Hand” for Unifem, the advertisement was written by Kathy Mattick and Shannon Sutherland from Saatchi & Saatchi in Sydney.
Winner of the campaign category was Will Edwards of Airwaves Sound Studios for the Bundy and Cola/Lime campaign for Diageo. Highly commended in the campaign category were Simon Bagnasco and Michelle Withers from agency, Publicis Mojo for their campaign “Chocettes Radio”, for Cadbury.
The winner of the craft category was sound engineer, Dylan Stephens from agency Risk Sound for his work on the commercial “Don’t Take Taste Lightly” which promotes light beer. Agency Risk Sound also won Highly Commended in the craft category for work by sound engineer, James Ashton on the commercial “Fare Evasion Musical”. Creative director was Neil Mallett.
Judge of the craft category and previous winner, Paul Le Couteur from Flagstaff Studios in Melbourne, said the winning feature of the ad was perspective.
The Siren Awards were established to help promote radio advertising and encourage excellence and creativity within the medium. Winners are announced every two months and the annual Gold and Silver Siren winners will be announced on May 11 this year at a gala breakfast to be held at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. The Gold Siren winner from the creative categories will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions in June, and receive a free trip for two people to the event.
Entries for Round 5, the last for the 2006 Siren Awards, are now open and will be received until March 17. Entry is free and judges base their decision on creativity, originality and impact. Commercials can be entered into three categories - Radio Single, Radio Campaign and Craft.
For more details or to enter the awards or listen to the winning commercials, visit the Siren Awards website at www.sirenawards.com.au. A new dedicated Cannes section has also been added to the Siren Awards website, where you can listen to all of the winning advertisements from the 2005 Cannes Radio Lions.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson (02) 9281 6577 or (0402) 214 039.
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01-Mar-06 RADIO DISPUTES ROY MORGAN DATA
Commercial radio has strongly disputed reported Roy Morgan Research findings that have indicated there has been a fall in commercial radio listeners in recent years.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner said official ratings data by Nielsen Media Research showed the number of Australians listening to commercial radio has jumped by nearly 14 per cent over the past 10 years.
The metropolitan commercial radio audience has grown to an average of 8.6 million listeners in 2005 from 7.5 million in 1996. Reach has remained steady at 78 percent over the decade, indicating that radio has attracted new listeners along with increases in population growth.
“We have written to Roy Morgan to query the reasons for the large discrepancy between their data and the accepted method for measuring commercial radio audiences used by Nielsen Media,” Ms Warner said.
“The official survey method samples more than 55,000 Australians in metropolitan areas annually using a diary system which requires people to record their day-to-day radio listening and has provided very consistent and comprehensive data since 1952,” Ms Warner said.
It was reported that the Roy Morgan data showed commercial radio listeners had declined by 8.6 per cent since 1995.
“We strongly disagree. The fact is, commercial radio has been extremely resilient in the face of emerging technology, and has gone against the trend. We have seen strong growth in audience numbers over the past decade and this appears to be continuing into 2006,” Ms Warner said. The first radio survey of 2006 released last week showed metropolitan commercial radio reached over 8.7 million Australians, representing the largest commercial radio reach figure for a single survey period in at least three years.
Source: Nielsen Media Research, average of surveys 1-8, five capital city markets.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: (02) 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965.
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27-Feb-06 DIGITAL ROLL OUT COMMENCES
Work on the rollout of a digital radio network across Australia is underway, with comprehensive coverage reports on the first 11 commercial radio licence areas now complete, Commercial Radio Australia said today.
The coverage reports, undertaken by consultants Gibson Quai-AAS, were carried out for the five major capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, as well as the key population centres of Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, Newcastle, Geelong and Wollongong. A study has also commenced for the Gold Coast licence area and will be completed by April.
The reports identify the planning and transmitter requirements for achieving at least 95 per cent population coverage for digital radio in these areas and will assist in the development of detailed project costing.
“Since the Government announcement in October 2005 of a framework for digital radio policy, the commercial radio industry has moved to commence the massive and expensive business of planning for the rollout of digital radio across Australia,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia.
“Our focus over the next 12 to 18 months will be on four key areas – technical and resource planning for the digital network; investigating a more spectrum efficient audio coding for Australia; cooperating with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on spectrum planning; and working with the Federal Government on the development of legislation,” Ms Warner said.
The industry is keen to “future proof” the technology platform and at the request of Federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan has taken a lead role in investigating Advanced Audio Coding (AAC/AAC+), a new compression technology for use with Eureka 147 that will allow more efficient use of public spectrum. If adopted, the new standards would enable the industry to broadcast more and better quality services, such as multilayering and images, using less bandwidth. However, digital radio receivers currently in the market will not be compatible with the new standards.
In January, Commercial Radio Australia, Austereo and the ABC joined an international working party investigating the development of AAC+.
“As Australia is a relatively small market, we need international support for the new coding to ensure there is a large enough market to support the development of a wide range of attractively priced receivers,” Ms Warner said. “Getting the technology platform right will impact on spectrum planning and will be crucial to our ability to deliver value added services to listeners. “
“We remain extremely optimistic about the potential of digital radio and on track with the rollout of metropolitan digital radio networks in two to three years time. The growing popularity of mp3 players, radio podcasts and digital music downloads to personal computers and mobile phones shows that listeners are ready to embrace change in the way they experience entertainment. We’re at the start of this new era, and digital radio will position radio as a key player in the future media environment.“
The industry will continue to work with the ABC, SBS and ACMA as development progresses and will continue its trial broadcasts in Sydney.
Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: (02) 9281 6577 or 0418 415 965.
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23-Feb-06 RADIO REACHES MORE AUSTRALIANS THAN TV FOR MUCH OF DAY
Radio reaches more people than television across most of the day but most significantly at breakfast, according to a comparison of full year 2005 survey figures by Commercial Radio Australia.
According to an analysis of Nielsen Media radio surveys 1-8 2005 and OzTAM TV surveys for the same timeframe, commercial radio on average reaches over four times more people than TV nationally for the three hours from 6am to 9am.
At its peak, between 8am-9am, commercial radio reaches up to 21 per cent of all Australians aged above ten years nationally– or a total average audience of 2.3 million people every fifteen minutes.
This compares to a reach of up to four per cent for breakfast television or a national average audience of around 544,000 people for the same timeframe, according to OzTAM TV surveys.
Analysis of the figures show that radio retains its higher reach until the early evening when television takes over.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the analysis highlighted how effective radio was at reaching Australians, particularly during breakfast.
“Breakfast radio is very powerful at reaching Australians throughout the nation and last year the timeslot attracted its largest breakfast audiences in more than five years,” Ms Warner said.
On average, about 6.7 million people tuned into metropolitan commercial radio during breakfast in 2005, up from 6.6 million in 2004. The trends data for Surveys 1-8, 2005, conducted by Nielsen Media Research, also shows commercial breakfast radio attracted average audiences of 2.07 million people per quarter hour throughout 2005, compared with 2.04 million in 2004, an increase of 1.6 per cent.
“Waking up to radio is an ingrained part of most people’s breakfast routine and a habit people are sticking with despite increasing demands for their attention,” Ms Warner said.
“But radio continues its domination over television for much of the day in terms of reaching more Australians – a powerful performance in what is a very crowded media market,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson 0402 214 039 or Judy Shaw 0418 415 965
Media note: Figures compared from the following sources: Radio Source: Nielsen Media Research, Radio Advisor, Survey 1-8 2005, All people 10+, Mon-Sun 6am-12MN. TV Source: OzTAM, 5 city total TV, average audience, All people 10+, Mon-Sun 6am-12MN, weeks 7-48, 2005
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17-Feb-06 AUSTRALIAN RADIO INDUSTRY EXTENDS NIELSEN MEDIA RESEARCH SURVEY CONTRACT
Commercial Radio Australia today announced the industry had decided to exercise its option to extend the current audience survey measurement contract held by Nielsen Media Research until December 2008.
“After careful consideration, the commercial radio industry is exercising its option to extend the current contract with Nielsen Media Research. This decision has been taken in light of the fact that the diary system remains the only proven currency for radio audience measurement world wide, and, in particular that the Australian diary methodology is world’s best practice for measuring radio audiences,” said Joan Warner, CEO of Commercial Radio Australia.
“By making the decision to extend the contract we have put the Australian industry in an excellent position to be able to observe developments in electronic measurement devices, and, to review the results of overseas tests of those devices planned for the next couple of years,” she said. “Significant concerns expressed by the radio industry here and internationally about deficiencies of what are, essentially, only 2nd generation devices have not yet been addressed by device manufacturers to the satisfaction of broadcasters.”
As part of the extension, three large regional markets will now also be covered by the master contract – Gold Coast, Newcastle and Canberra.
Peter Cornelius, Managing Director of Nielsen Media Research said, “We are delighted to extend our contract with Commercial Radio Australia. We committed to the industry in the last tender that whilst we were the long term incumbent, in addition to our knowledge and experience, we wanted to be evaluated as if we were the new guys on the block.”
“The fact that our contract has been extended is testament to the service levels we have and continue to provide the industry, he said. With media fragmentation now a reality, Commercial Radio is an excellent position to play an even more significant role in the Australian media scene and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the industry at this critical time.”
The current contract which commenced in January 2004 was awarded to Nielsen Media Research for a 3 year period and was due to expire at the end of 2006.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 0402 214 039
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15-Feb-06 RADIO INDUSTRY BEGINS CREATIVE WORKSHOPS FOR AD AGENCIES
A series of free, radio creative workshops for advertising agencies begin today in Sydney, run by international creative expert and creator of the award-winning radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia.
The one-day workshops are part of a strategy by Commercial Radio Australia to help improve the education and training for creatives in advertising agencies and ultimately deliver better radio ads.
Chief executive officer, Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the radio industry must be proactive to help upskill and improve the talent working in radio advertising and the workshops, planned for throughout the year nationally, would assist with this strategy.
“We want Australian radio ads to be amongst the best in the world – and while some agencies are doing excellent work it is up to the industry to work further with agencies to help foster talent, ideas and world class standards,” Ms Warner said.
Ms Warner said Commercial Radio Australia had contracted Mr van Dijk, who moved to Australia from the UK earlier this year, as a Creative Director with a general brief to promote radio as an advertising medium.
“Mr van Dijk will also help grow the industry’s Creative Advisory Planning Service which is aimed at helping advertisers and agencies use radio more effectively. This service provides creative advice to advertisers and agencies on how to better use radio - both from a planning and creative perspective - and can include existing users of radio or non-users.”
Mr van Dijk will also continue to work on the industry’s brand campaign, which was developed by Eardrum Australia in 2003, and was short listed last year in the radio category at the prestigious Clio 2005 Awards in the USA.
The workshop held today in Sydney has representatives from agencies Saatchi & Saatchi, Singleton O&M, Publicis Mojo, Clemenger DDB and Euro RSCG. The agencies were selected because they work with clients that use radio or have potential to use radio.
“I have been running these workshops for the UK and Europe’s leading agencies and they never fail to inspire a greater level of enthusiasm for the medium. It’s about opening their eyes (and ears) to the potential of radio, and challenging the conventional ways of writing, casting and directing a radio ad,” said Mr van Dijk.
The workshops combine a combination of theory and hands-on studio work and seek to inspire and challenge the traditional way of approaching a radio brief.
The latest full-year figures compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the five major capital city markets show Australia’s metropolitan commercial radio stations attracted advertising revenue of $591 million in calendar year 2005 - a 6.2 per cent increase over 2004.
Ms Warner said the radio industry must continue to work on growing its share of the advertising pie and making better ads was an important part of this process.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson Ph: 0402 214 039
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30-Jan-06 INSURANCE INDUSTRY KICKS OFF RADIO CAMPAIGN IN 2006
Insurance industry kicks off radio campaign for 2006
The radio industry has renewed its efforts to promote the effectiveness of the medium for advertisers and today started the first in a series of new on-air ads for the year, featuring the insurance industry.
The new ad, featuring Marketing Director of NRMA Insurance, Caroline Ralph-Smith, is the latest in a series of ads featuring high-profile and leading business executives, all promoting radio as an effective advertising medium.
Marketing Director of NRMA Insurance, Caroline Ralph-Smith, said the company had been a consistent user of radio advertising for a longtime.
“We have been consistent users of radio for a long time because we know it works well for us. Radio allows us to reach an important part of our target market that we otherwise wouldn't be able to reach as effectively and efficiently. Radio is a key component of our media mix and our research and modeling tells us that it will continue to be in the future,” Ms Ralph-Smith said.
Commercial radio networks and stations across Australia will air the 60-second new ad from today, which features state specific brands of NRMA Insurance (NSW, QLD and Tas); SGIO (WA) and SGIC (SA) – all part of the Insurance Australia Group.
The ads are the latest in the radio industry’s multi-million, three-year brand campaign which has been running since July 2003 and will continue throughout the year. Other notable business leaders featured so far include Harvey Norman’s chairman Gerry Harvey; John Symond, managing director of Aussie Home Loans; Carlton and United’s general manager of regular beer, Matt Keen and Mike Officer, Advertising & Communications Manager for Rinnai Australia, who each talk about the benefits of radio advertising and how the use of the medium has helped sell their message and target their brands effectively. Comic, Mark Mitchell, also features as the intrepid interviewer, who talks to the executives about why radio is perfect for their brand.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the insurance industry was a perfect fit to start the new year’s on-air campaign as it had delivered significant growth in ad spend on radio during the past financial ending June 2005 recording a 26 per cent increase in spend compared to the same timeframe a year earlier, to a total of $14.52 million. (Source: Nielsen Media Research Adex Report 04/05).
“This is significant growth and is very pleasing for the radio sector, given the industry is not traditionally one of the big top-ten spenders on radio,” Ms Warner said.
Ms Warner said the radio industry had recorded good growth for revenue last year with the latest data, complied by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the five major capital city markets, showing Australia’s metropolitan commercial radio stations attracted advertising revenue of $591 million in calendar year 2005, a 6.2 per cent increase over 2004.
“The commercial radio sector will remain competitive in 2006 against other main media in what will be a very tough year. Radio traditionally weathers periods of uncertainty well because of its immediacy and shorter production times, which provide advertisers with more flexibility,” Ms Warner said.
“Commercial radio has also been successful in retaining strong audiences through 2005, particularly in the highly competitive breakfast shift, where listener numbers reached their highest levels in more than five years,” she said.
Ms Warner said the ad being aired today was another great example of the strength of good radio ads and it was important the industry continued to reflect the high creative standards the campaign had set so far.
“Radio advertising is now being taken very seriously at an international creative level and the industry’s own campaign reflects the great strength of good Australian radio ads,” Ms Warner said.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: (02) 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039
Media note: To listen to the new ad please visit the website at commercialradio.com.au
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18-Jan-06 BABY BOOMERS SPEND MORE TIME LISTENING TO RADIO FROM MIDNIGHT TO DAWN
Forget sleep - the baby boomer generation is staying up late, getting up early and spending more time listening to commercial radio between midnight and dawn, according to survey data released today.
Australians aged 40 to 54 spend three hours and 15 minutes on average listening to commercial radio between midnight and 5.30am each week, according to the annual Midnight to Dawn survey conducted by Neilsen Media Research during the last ratings period in 2005.
Those aged 55+ spent even more time listening between midnight and dawn – an average of five hours and 19 minutes per week.
Joan Warner, chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia, said there had been a five per cent increase in the number of people aged 40 to 54 who were listening to commercial radio between midnight and dawn compared with 2004, and an eight per cent increase in those aged 55+.
“The research shows more baby boomers are listening to radio from midnight to dawn, and they are listening on average for 17 minutes longer each week than they did last year,” Ms Warner said.
“For many people, particularly older men and women in single households, radio is one of the few sources of entertainment and companionship available around the clock where you can listen and interact with real people in real time.
“Many in this age group are more active than their parents’ generation. Of all people listening to radio between midnight and dawn, 23 per cent said they had visited a casino in the past two months, 18 per cent had visited a hotel or pub in the past month, 16 per cent had attended a major sporting event and 15 per cent had eaten at a restaurant at least four times in the past month,” Ms Warner said.
The 55+ age group continued to be the dominant listeners between midnight and dawn, with 516,000 tuning in each week (accounting for 30 per cent of the audience), followed by those aged 40-54 (447,000).
Among younger audiences, those aged 25-39 comprised 25 per cent of the total listening audience (430,000), while those aged 18-24 comprised 13 per cent of listeners. Teenagers (aged 10-17) comprised just five per cent of listeners, but those listening listened for an average of four hours per week (up 37 minutes from 2004 and up by 1 hour and 2 minutes compared with 2001).
Overall, the midnight to dawn shift attracted a loyal listening audience of 1.7 million people nationally each week, with average time spent listening of three hours 36 minutes. Home was the place where most Australians listened to commercial radio between midnight and dawn (70 per cent), followed by 15 per cent in the car, 13 per cent at work and one per cent elsewhere. 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.
Source: All figures Nielsen Media Research Survey 8, 2005, Monday-Sunday, Midnight to 5.30am, average five capital cities.
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17-Jan-06 RADIO AD REVENUE UP 6.2% IN 2005
Australia’s metropolitan commercial radio stations attracted advertising revenue of $591 million in calendar year 2005, a 6.2 per cent increase over 2004, according to data released today by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
The data, compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the five major capital city markets, showed Perth recorded the strongest growth in advertising revenue over the 12 month period (up 10.3 per cent), followed by Melbourne (up 8.2 per cent). Sydney, which accounts for about 40 per cent of revenue, grew by 3.5 per cent over the year, while Brisbane rose by 6.4 per cent.
“While advertising growth has slowed compared with the exceptional 15 per cent increase experienced in 2004, the figures show commercial radio continued to perform well in 2005,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner.
“Advertising revenue grew by 8.7 per cent in the June half and 4.1 per cent in the December half, reflecting the overall slowing of the advertising market in 2005, “ Ms Warner said.
Advertising revenue for the five markets rose to $315.7 million in the December 2005 half compared with $303.4 million for the same period previously. In the month of December 2005, revenue increased by 3.3 per cent to $52 million compared with December 2004.
Ms Warner said commercial radio was expected to remain competitive in 2006 against other main media. “Radio has traditionally weathered periods of uncertainty well because its immediacy and shorter production times provide advertisers with more flexibility,” Ms Warner said.
“Commercial radio has also been successful in retaining strong audiences through 2005, particularly in the highly competitive breakfast shift, where listener numbers reached their highest levels in more than five years, ” she said.
The first radio ratings survey period for 2006 began this week, with results to be released on February 21. There will be eight surveys conducted by Neilsen Media Research during the year in each of the five mainland capital cities.
The industry will also resume its brand campaign on January 30 with the launch of a new series of ads aimed at promoting the effectiveness of radio advertising.
Metropolitan radio ad revenue 12 mths ending Dec 2005
|
Market
|
Revenue ($mln)
|
% change over 2004
|
|
Sydney
|
$227.8
|
3.5
|
|
Melbourne
|
$162.6
|
8.2
|
|
Brisbane
|
$86.6
|
6.4
|
|
Adelaide
|
$53.3
|
6.9
|
|
Perth
|
$60.7
|
10.3
|
|
Total
|
$591.0
|
6.2
|
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson 0402 214 039
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