Crafting joyous radio: The countdown that became a national conversation

Zan Rowe and Lucy Smith. Image: LinkedIn

It was the radio countdown that morphed into a national conversation.

And ABC Director of Audio Ben Latimer has reportedly hinted that triple j’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs won’t be the last initiative for local music we’re set to see across its networks this year.

According to online magazine The Music – at a ‘town hall’ meeting of ABC staff this week, sources say Latimer spoke to the success of the integration and simulcasting between the various ABC networks, and of its triple j and Double J brands having come full circle.

The intention? To lean even further into local music.

A powerful reminder of our rich music legacy, the Hottest 100 not only prompted an overdose of nostalgia, it united music fans across the generations.

More than 2.6 million people cast their vote in the mid-year poll which saw INXS take the crown with its power ballad Never Tear Us Apart.

For triple j Content Director Phoebe Bennett, a particular thrill was having Zan Rowe and Lucy Smith (main photo) bring home the top 20.

Bennett said on LinkedIn “The pair hadn’t worked together on a broadcast before, but their craft, technique, music journalism background and care for the Australian music scene made them the perfect match.”

Bennett says that, as a woman who has witnessed many fantastic female broadcasters navigate this industry, it was a privilege to watch these two do the dance from the producer’s booth.

“From Jimmy Barnes to Missy Higgins, The Veronica’s and INXS – they spoke to some of Australia’s biggest acts while holding down one of Australia’s biggest appointment radio moments.”

For her part, Zan Rowe said “What a privilege to host the 20-1 in triple j’s Hottest 100 of Australian songs alongside the brilliant Lucy Smith.”

“Very proud of the team who busted a gut to craft a joyous day of radio and so many memories.”

“Big shout outs to Nick Gerber, Phoebe Bennett, and the whole J family for doing what we do best.”

*Images: ABC and LinkedIn