Oh, what a night

When veteran broadcaster Tim Webster looked around the room at the Australian Audio Awards in Sydney last Thursday night, he was heartened to see the place heaving with people spanning all generations.

People like sixteen-year-old podcast finalist Max Munday, whose industry knowledge and passion belies his age.

“As a sixteen year-old, being nominated for a second time in an audio related award was an achievement I am very proud of and will cherish forever,” Max tells Radio Today.

“Also having the opportunity to meet so many of my idols was incredible. I got to interview Mitch Churi, Bianca Dye, Craig and Chels, Gordie Waters, Pedro Cuccovilla Vitola, Jen Seyderhelm, Josh Mansour, Chris Smith and Cheralyn Darcey.”

“I had such an incredible time.”

Held in the dynamic, repurposed heritage railway space known as Carriageworks, Max says the atmosphere inside the building was electric.

“You could feel the energy as soon as you walked in. Everyone proceeded through the red carpet and into the auditorium, where Mitch and Bianca did an incredible job of MCing.

“I also got to meet Patrina Jones and Greg Byrnes, and finally got to meet Duncan Campbell in person.”

For Max, there was no one particular highlight. “It was all so incredible. Even just thinking about it now, a smile appears on my face.

A thoroughly enjoyable night was also had by Australian Independent Radio News boss Terry Daniel, who presented 3AW’s Eddie Summerfield with his award for Best Newsreader/Reporter (large market).

“The Australian Audio Awards night was a real showcase of talent from across commercial and community radio plus the ABC and an incredible diverse range of podcasts,” says Terry, brother of the late, legendary newsreader Glenn Daniel.

“Despite around 57 awards being presented the night went very smoothly and all present agreed the scene has been set for bigger and better things to come in future years.”

“I was delighted to be on a judging panel this year and to present the Best Newsreader Award. For 2026, it went to a gentleman whose reports I’ve used in many Air News bulletins but had never met.”

“Congratulations Eddie! A well-deserved award!”

As high-profile broadcaster and former ABC radio host Spencer Howson tells Radio Today, the event served as a sharp reminder of the importance of industry awards, particularly for those just starting out and/or in regional areas.

“For Erin Govers in Nowra, winning Best Newcomer at the Australian Audio Awards is a massive career-boosting achievement, and well-deserved industry recognition for all the long hours she puts in as does her lap of the map.”

“For Frank Hodgkinson and Jon Fearnley, winning Best Non-Commercial Show means not only Wild Horse FM but the entire township of Yarraman (population 1000) can hold its head up high.”

Howson emphasises that it’s not just the winners who benefitted.

“The awards enabled every single person who entered to reflect on their work, and feel a sense of pride in the way they serve their audience.”

“You can’t put a price that.”

But he says what made the awards truly special was having all sectors of the Australian radio industry competing against each other – and all sectors winning awards!

“For someone who has worked in community, commercial and ABC Radio, the awards night was like a dream family Christmas where everyone was invited and no-one felt left out!”

“I only wish I’d had time to get around the room and say hi to all the radio cousins that I hadn’t met before!”

“Here’s to an even bigger Australian Audio Awards in 2027!”

Images: Facebook, LinkedIn & Anton Rehrl Photography

Read the judges citations for the winning entries here.