Community radio shines at 2019 CBAA awards

Community radio broadcasters have had their moment in the spotlight with hundreds attending the 2019 CBAA Community Radio Awards in Melbourne.

The event recognises excellence in community broadcasting across the spectrum and were this year presented to a diverse range of winners from across the country.

Chief executive officer Jon Bisset says they are a great way to reflect on the sector’s successes and ongoing value.

“It’s our pleasure to have this opportunity to celebrate some of the fantastic work happening in community radio stations across the country,” he said.

“Their body of work reflects the sector’s crucial role in providing a platform for local information and news shared by local voices, diverse programming and Australia and specialist music.”

Tony Staley was on hand in Melbourne to present the award named in his honour.

The team from Wilcannia River Radio in Dubbo was the winner of the 2019 Tony Staley Award for Excellence in Community Broadcasting.

The prestigious Michael Law Award was presented to David Turrell, CEO of 1079 LifeFM in Gippsland. He was recognised for a “sustained and outstanding contribution to community broadcasting”.

Winners: 2019 CBAA Community Radio Awards

National Features and Documentary Series: The CWA and the F Word, Alice Ansara (2EAR FM)
Excellence in Technical Innovation: Creative Automation Solution, Alastair Ling (Edge Radio 99.3FM)
Best New Radio Program: That’s What I Call Science (Edge Radio, Hobart, TAS)
Best Online Content: The AFL Multicultural Football Show (3ZZZ, Melbourne, VIC)
Best Radio Program: Music: Revolver – A History of Feminist Music (RTRFM 92.1, Perth, WA)
Best Radio Program: Talks: ArtSwank (MAINfm, Castlemaine, VIC)
Best Special Event Broadcast: Mardi Gras Special 2019 (JOY 94.9, Melbourne, VIC)
Best Station Fundraising Campaign: You Make Hope Possible, (Hope 103.2, Sydney, NSW)
Best Station Production: Will Ryan (FBi Radio, Sydney, NSW)
Contribution to Australian Music Initiative: Music Masala, A Spicy Blend of Music and Life (Radio 4EB, Brisbane, QLD)
Contribution to Australian Music: Radio Program: The Dotted Line | Dotted Live (3MDR, Melbourne, VIC)
Excellence in Community Engagement: School of Thought (897fm, Perth, WA)
Excellence in Creative Audio: History Lab (2SER, Sydney, NSW)
Excellence in Digital Media: Wangki Radio (Wangki Radio, Fitzroy Crossing, WA)
Excellence in Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting: Ireland Calling (2RDJ, Sydney, NSW)
Excellence in Indigenous Broadcasting: Carnarvon Lock Hospital Centennial (Ngaarda Media, Roebourne, WA)
Excellence in Innovative Programming and Content: Checkpoint (JOY 94.9, Melbourne, VIC)
Excellence in Journalism: Police, Perverts & Public Exposure: Uncovering Byron’s Nude Beach (Bay FM 99.9, Byron Bay, NSW)
Excellence in Music Presenting: Road to Bluesfest (Triple H 100.1FM, Sydney, NSW)
Excellence in News & Current Affairs Programming: Dylan Storer, The Edge (Wangki Radio, Fitzroy Crossing, WA)
Excellence in Outside Broadcasting: Ballina Meet the Candidates 2019 (Bay FM 99.9, Byron Bay, NSW)
Excellence in Technical Innovation: Creative Automation Solution by Alastair Ling (Edge Radio, Hobart, TAS)
Excellence in Technical Services: Jim Bickers (Fleurieu FM, Victor Harbor, SA)
Excellence in Training: Hear Me Roar (SYN Media, Melbourne, VIC)
Outstanding Small Station Award: 4CRM -Something for Everyone (4CRM, Mackay, QLD)
Outstanding Volunteer Contribution: Maurice Besgrove – Triple T 103.9 (Townsville, QLD)
Outstanding Youth Contribution: Sandy Al-Aweik – 92.1 2MFM – Muslim Community Radio (Sydney, NSW)

The 2019 CBAA Awards were presented with the support of Hindenburg, Deutsche Welle, Agile Broadcast, Broadcast Components, AFTRS, RODE Microphones, and AAIS.