Centenary year: Radio Today’s 2023 ACRAs preview

Are you heading to the ACRAs this weekend at Sydney’s International Convention Centre?

Whether you’re looking forward to dressing up, catching up or simply soaking it all up, this year’s event promises to be one of the biggest yet, as we celebrate 100 years of radio in Australia.

The list of finalists up for awards is here. Good luck to everyone!

Art Simone is among those who’ll be walking the pink carpet at Sydney’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre come Saturday night.

Radio Today caught up with the host of Concealed with Art Simone, who’s up for several awards, including Podcast of the Year and Podcast Host of the Year.

“It’s going to be such a fun event, being in a room filled with people whose work I have admired for so many years,” she says.

“But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was also looking forward to frocking up fabulously. In an industry that is all about audio, it’s fun to be able to show off visually as well!”

“This podcast is so important to me and I’m super grateful that the hard work has been reflected by these noms.”

“It means a lot to me as someone who is fresh to the industry, but also feels like another win for queer representation within mainstream media.”

CRA Chief Executive Ford Ennals also spoke to Radio Today ahead of the ACRAs.

He says the awards are a truly unique event.

“When you get 1000 commercial radio people in one room, the alchemy is extraordinary.”

“People who work, love and live for commercial radio are coming to the ICC to celebrate all that is great in our industry, from being a trusted source of information and reassurance in times of crisis, to showcasing the best in Aussie and international music, to simply making people laugh as we play in the background of their busy lives.”

The ACRAs represent a melting pot of talent from all facets of the industry.

“They come from all across Australia proudly representing country, provincial and metro markets,” says Ennals.

“New on-airers get to mix with the Hall of Famers, while the essential behind-the-scenes people like producers, engineers and sales people tread the same stage as front-and-centre talent like Kyle and Jackie O.”

“You come away from it all with a belief in the talent and passion of our radio and audio tribe and a supreme confidence that the next 100 years are going to be pretty special.”

Now in their 34^th year, Ennals says the ACRAs have evolved to embrace what’s exciting in our industry, from new audio and digital platforms to acknowledging the best of the best, as reflected in new accolades such as the ‘Gudinski’ Australian Music Champion Award.

Ennals says the judges really have their work cut out this year.

“The outstanding finalists make it a truly tough job, and I’d like to thank the judges for their hard work.”

“In my second year in the role as CEO of CRA I am personally excited to see so many of our wonderful industry family gather together.”

This year’s entertainment line-up boasts performances from Ian Moss, Budjerah, Mia Ray and Mitch Tambo.

Tambo tells Radio Today he feels humbled to return to the ACRAs stage.

“The pressure is on, though I’m feeling elated to be a part of such an incredible night and excited to be celebrating such a historic milestone.”

“I’m looking forward to performing of course, however if it’s anything like last year, I can’t wait to feel and witness such electric community pride and spirit.”

As for giving us a sneak peek as to what we might expect from him performance-wise, Mitch says “I could potentially sing one of the oldest living languages on the planet … potentially?”

So if you’re ACRAs bound this week, expect an experience like no other.

And if you’re nominated for an ACRA, our best wishes to you. May you have a truly memorable night.

*Art Simone photo credit: Chris Bogard

*Mitch Tambo photo: Instagram