A treasure trove of cherished memories: RIP ACRAs

When he was a young radio writer and audio engineer, Marc Dwyer went to work every single day thinking What can I do today that’ll get me to the ACRAs?

“That’s not an exaggeration,” Marc says. “Every. Single. Day.”

Marc (pictured above) was among a large number of industry people to express their disappointment, as the permanent cancellation of the Australian Commercial Radio Awards prompted an outpouring of shock and the sharing of many a cherished memory on LinkedIn:

“That carrot that was dangled drove me, inspired me to work harder, think better and helped make me the creative I am today,” said Marc, now a senior copywriter and voiceover artist. “The next generation of radio talent won’t have that. And I hate that for them.”

Marc thinks the decision to axe the awards is shameful.

“How do you expect to have a ’sustainable’ product if you’re not inspiring the hardworking, creative people on the ground to strive for excellence every year?”

“From Bundaberg to Brisbane, from your SEAs to your HOTs to your KIISes. From the Thunder Pilot to the Agency Sales Queen and everyone in between.”

“Decisions like this matter and will affect all of those people.”

Award-winning TV and radio presenter Sarah Maree Cameron (main photo and above) says the ACRAs really were more than just awards.

“They were a yearly reunion for an industry that moves around so much.”

“I went on and off for almost 20 years, and even landed a network nights show after chasing down a boss at the ACRAs … because that was another big part of the night: networking.”

“For so many of us, just a nomination was enough. I was lucky to win, and when I went along in 2023, I thought it would be my last – I was planning to leave radio that year, so I wanted to go out on a high. Never mind the fact I ended up back in radio less than a year later … a tale as old as time.”

“It’s beyond disappointing to see them gone for good. Here’s hoping CRA finds a way – even online – to keep recognising the work of people in this industry.”

Also shocked by the ACRAs cancellation is radio host and industry veteran Bianca Dye. For her, the ACRAs were a total game changer.

Bianca, who famously dethroned the legendary broadcaster Ray Hadley during her stint as one of the foundation presenters at Sydney’s Nova 96.9, tells Radio Today “Winning my first ‘RAWARD’ (ACRA) back in 2000 for my night show around Oz on RG Capital changed the trajectory of my whole life because Dean Buchanan approached me after winning the award and that’s how I got the job at the very first NOVA back in 2001! My life was never the same!”

“I really hope someone can come to the party and do something/establish some sort of night where we all get together and where hard working radio talent gets celebrated- especially the new up-and-coming peeps, that so rarely get an opportunity to be in a room full of such experienced peers.”

“I’m sad for our industry today.”

Former SCA audio producer Ethan Kavanagh has been part of four ACRA wins during the course of his career. One of them is sitting in his office (see above).

But Ethan is disappointed he never got the chance to attend ACRAs night in person.

“It’s a sad day for future creatives in radio who miss out on the opportunity of aspiring to win this award, but it’s not about the ACRAs… It’s all about the friends we made along the way (if you rolled your eyes at that last bit, fair enough, so did I).”

Fox FM announcer Brad Wood says the demise of the ACRAs is a sad day for the industry, but also a poignant time to look back and reflect:

“While I understand sometimes these decisions get made, I do sympathise with the newest members of our radio fraternity, and those slogging it out in regional stations, providing an important service for their communities.”

“Unfortunately, these people often feel left behind and at times, forgotten. The ACRAs were a time where the metro – regional divide was bridged for a night, and radio excellence of all kinds was celebrated.”

“And quite often, it acts as a north star for these people to work towards.”

“Having worked many years in regional radio myself, I do hope the industry can find a way to continue to recognise outstanding performance in our field, and give everyone something to strive for.”

For Ty Frost, too, the appeal of the ACRAs went well beyond just the awards.

As the Smooth FM host shares with  Radio Today “I loved the chance to get dressed up, celebrate the craft and reconnect with people I’ve shared this journey with.”

“That’s something I’ll really miss.”

Adelaide radio journalist Kerrie Turner posted to Instagram, saying the ACRAs were always one hell of a party.

“And so much more than the awards. I feel sad that they are gone for good but so lucky that I was part of the fun.”

Radio Today Podcast Awards finalist Max Munday reflected on the ACRAs cancellation in his blog:

“To some, it brings a night of acknowledgment, and for some, it’s just a fun night to reflect and spend some time with others in the radio landscape. It’s quite sad now that they are gone. It was even just saddening to hear they had been cancelled for this year, let alone, forever.”

“I’m sure someone will come along and announce some sort of radio awards night, even if it’s just online and digital.”

While Ashleigh Smith, Executive Producer of B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt Breakfast show, like many others, has been looking back over old pics from the ACRAs and is feeling grateful:

“More than just awards, they were about catching up with pals across the country, being inspired by big ideas and celebrating the people who make this industry what it is.”

“Sad to see them go but I know we’ll find new ways to connect and celebrate the talent that keeps it all going.”

*Images: LinkedIn, Instagram, CRA and NOVA Entertainment