End of an era: From Rawards to ACRAs

The commercial media industry has changed, with more competition and less revenue than it had in past eras. In this context, the annual radio awards night, the ACRAs, has been axed.

The first ACRAs, originally known as the RAWARDS (radio awards), were held by CRA’s predecessor, the Federation of Australian Radio Broadcasters (FARB) in 1989. Until then, radio networks had their own internal awards, but there was no industry wide recognition or celebration.

At the time of introduction FARB, members decided to combine the recognition programs of each network into a commercial radio industry event and to widen the scope of the annual industry conference. It became a three day event, with a full day conference held on the Friday for clients and industry leaders, followed by a half day conference on Saturday morning, with time off in the afternoon to get frocked up for the awards that evening. The CRA Annual General meeting was also held as part of the three day event. Later, training workshops were introduced on the Thursday before the main conference, delivered by AFTRS and international consultants.

In the 1980s, the radio industry had expanded hugely, with new FM stations on air, mergers, acquisitions and additional regional licences being issued. There were many radio companies, from the big networks like Wesgo, to small regional groups owned by family companies.

Former CRA Chairman and Austereo CEO Rhys Holleran attended all the awards nights from the first year until 2015. He has told us:

Former Fairfax Radio CEO Graham Mott was there when the Rawards were introduced and was part of the awards judging and board decision making all through his career. He says:

“From what used to be a very ordinary event the ACRAs became a night of nights for commercial radio.  Lots of awards and entertainment helped to showcase radio as a vibrant industry that enjoyed honouring the best performers.  It was the highlight of the annual conference.

Both industry leaders described the axing of the annual awards as “sad,” but recognised the changed commercial circumstances behind the decision. Graham Mott commented:

“The ACRAs were widely supported by the industry; however, the cost to hold them was significant.  At a time when radio is facing challenges that impact their commercial viability, it’s not surprising that something had to give. In the end the industry leaders have decided the money could be better used elsewhere.

“Radio has faced enormous challenges during the past and has met them very well.  However, the business model must continue to change to a more cost-effective one, so everyone can survive.  Sadly, events such as the ACRAs in their current form can’t escape the focus of spending money where it is most needed.”

With the consolidation of radio stations into just a few big networks, the landscape has changed from the time when there were dozens of owners and independent stations. The networks now have their own internal awards and are likely to deliver recognition to their teams through these internal mechanisms in future.

Radio Today and radioinfo will continue to support industry recognition in whatever way we can by working with any of those networks.

Steve Ahern, with some of the ACRAs reporting team the over the years.