Only 4 radio names on most powerful list

Who are the most important people in the music industry?

According to the AMID Power 50 list, compiled by SPA (Street Press Australia) and TheMusic, only four of them work in radio.

And of those, only two are are directly on the list due to their radio role, and both are Triple J executives;

• Triple J Station Manager Chris Scaddan ranks number 13.
• MCM Media CEO Simon Joyce ranks at 33
• Triple J Music Director Richard Kingsmill ranks 45
• and Nova DJ Grant Smilie ranks at 50. 

Smilie is on the list presumably for his influence as a Club DJ and record producer, rather than for his role on Nova.

The most powerful person in the Australian music industry, according the the AMID Power 50, is Michael Gudinski, and it's difficult to argue with that selection.

Number two on the list were Paul Piticco and Jessica Ducrou of Splendour in the Grass and Powderfinger fame, whilst Michael Chugg was ranked third. Also, hard to disagree with.

Speaking on being named the most powerful person in Australian music, Michael Gudinski commented;

“Like many on this list I’ve been working in this business for a long time, and more than anyone have constantly maintained an enormous passion for Australian music.  It’s an honour to have my contribution to the music and entertainment industry recognised. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am without the support and contribution of all the people around me”.

SPA and the Music have said that the criteria used included an individual's ability to 'shape' scene, involvement in industry initiatives, career accomplishments, economic impact and public profile. 

Scott Fitzimons, Editor of themusic.com.au said;

"This isn't a list of winners and losers, but recognition of the best of the best. And we think we've got a pretty good list. There's a few familiar faces as well as a few string-pullers who don't have such a public profile and some young new thinkers. There's one thing that's certain about this list and that is discussion and debate".

You can see the complete list here.

Without disputing many of the names on the list, it does seem slightly bizarre that the influence of the radio industry is so poorly represented.