FINALISTS
ANNOUNCED FOR 2004 RADIO AWARDS
Many of Australia’s radio personalities and stars from across metropolitan and
regional stations have made it to the finals of the 2004 Australian Commercial
Radio Awards (ACRAs), which have been announced today.
Five of Australia’s best-known broadcasters are in the running for Best Metropolitan Talk Presenter including Macquarie Radio Network’s Alan Jones (2GB) and Ray Hadley (2GB); and Southern Cross Broadcasting’s Neil Mitchell (3AW); Derryn Hinch (3AW); and Mike Carlton (2UE).
Finalists for the Best Metropolitan Current Affairs Commentator include DMG Radio’s Paul Murray (NOVA969); Southern Cross Broadcasting’s Neil Mitchell (3AW), Derryn Hinch (3AW) and Steve Price (2UE); and Macquarie Radio Network’s Alan Jones (2GB);
Radio stars to battle it out for Best Metropolitan On Air Team are Southern Cross Broadcasting’s John Miller and Ross Davie (4BC), Sammy Power and Jason Bouman from ARN’s MIX 106.5 in Sydney; Merrick and Rosso from DMG’s (Nova 969); Austereo stars Jackie O and Kyle Sandilands (2DAYFM) and Brisbane’s Morning Crew (B105).
Best Metropolitan Music Presenter finalists this year are Bogart Torelli of ARN’s Mix 106.5, Austereo’s Adam Willis, (2DAYFM) and Dean Kesby (B105 FM) and Rabbit (Dave Rabbetts) from DMG Radio’s NOVA 969.
Non-metropolitan On Air Team finalists include Hitman & Hughesy, (ZOO FM, Supernetwork Radio); DMG’s Rod Cuddihy and Loretta Smit (93.5 STAR FM) and Pottsy & Leighton (93.1 STARFM); Damien Willoughby and Jessica Doupē (97.7 SNOW FM, Capital Radio); Win Corp’s Marty & Erica (i98 FM); and Grant Broadcastings Pete & Lisa for Breakfast on MIX 104.9.
Finalists in non–metropolitan categories of Best Talk Presenter include Janice McGilchrist, (Bathurst Broadcasters); Leo Dekroo, (Supernetwork Radio Dubbo); Steve Mills, (6KG Radio West DMG); RG Capital Radio’s Graham Healy (4GR) and Steve Allan (2GGO); and Mike Jeffreys and Mike Welsh from 2CC Capital Radio.
Ace Radio Broadcasters and new station Hot Tomato also appear in the lists of country and provincial finalists
Organised by Commercial Radio Australia, on behalf of the radio industry, the Awards include 28 award categories, which cover all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, comedy, sport and music across metropolitan, provincial and country radio stations in most categories. The Australian Commercial Radio Awards differ from television’s Logie Awards, in that they are peer judged awards with judging panels comprised of industry members.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the list of finalists this year reflects the impressive wealth of talent working in metropolitan and regional radio stations in Australia. “The Awards provide a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of Australia’s radio broadcasters and the role radio plays in informing, entertaining and providing a voice for the community,” Ms Warner said.
A new Award introduced this year is Best Sales Person, which recognises an individual’s outstanding performance in sales and the key role played by sales in radio stations around the country.
Winners of the 2004 Awards, the 16th annual event, will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on October 16. Master of ceremonies (MC) for the night is renowned radio personality, Kyle Sandilands.
The 2004 ACRAs will once again enjoy the support of Arbitron, Nielsen Media Research, Australian Retirement Fund, RCS Sound Software, Comsyst and The Music Network.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson. Ph: 02 9281 6577 or 0402 214 039 Note: A list of finalists in 21 categories is attached. Finalists in a further seven categories will be announced at a later date.