Nine’s talk radio stations and 9Podcasts have taken home a record 15 awards at the 2024 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) held in Sydney this evening, including the prestigious award for Station of the Year for Sydney’s 2GB.
The gold winning charge was led by 2GB Breakfast presenter Ben Fordham, who was awarded Individual Talent of the Year (Metro), Best Current Affairs Presenter (National), Best Talk Presenter (Metro) – for the second consecutive year – as well as Best News Event Coverage, alongside Mark Levy and Will Bottom for their breaking reporting of the Bondi Junction Attacks.
For an incredible second year in a row, 2GB’s Clinton Maynard was recognised with the Brian White Award for Excellence in Journalism, and the Executive Producer of 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live, Liam McGuire was named Best Radio Show Producer (Metro). 3AW’s David Armstrong was awarded Best News Presenter AM (Metro).
The outstanding quality of 2GB’s content right across the week was recognised with Content Manager, Luke Davis taking out the award for Best/Program/Content Director (Metro). The station’s creativity was also acknowledged with the award for Best Station Produced Commercial – Single (Metro) for client Fisiocrem by Nikki Price and Jamie Lechner.
The powerhouse investigative podcast from 9News and 9Podcasts, Hannah’s Story, was honoured with its fourth award, taking out Podcast of the Year (National), with producer Jess Lodge also winning the gong for Best Podcast Producer (National). Hannah’s Story has previously won the Mid-Year Walkley Award for Excellence in Reporting on Violence Against Women, the Kennedy Award for Outstanding Podcast, as well as the prestigious Gold Award at the New York Festival Radio Awards.
The award for Best Podcast by a Radio Show (National) went to Perth’s 6PR for its series The Reporter True Stories.
In a poignant moment, the late David “Thirsty” Morrow was honoured posthumously for Best Sports Presenter (Metro), celebrating his lasting impact on sports broadcasting. His family accepted the award on his behalf. Morrow’s incredible 52 year career, and deep knowledge and love of sports earned him a special place in the hearts of listeners, and this award serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.
Nine Radio’s leading sports coverage was further recognised with The Continuous Call Team taking home Best Sports Event Coverage (Metro) for the second year in a row for their coverage of the heartstopping 2023 NRL Grand Final – Panthers Miracle Comeback.
Managing Director of Nine Radio, Tom Malone said, “This is an incredible result for Nine’s radio and podcast teams. It’s a great testament to the live and local strategy implemented by Greg Byrnes in our radio stations, and the pursuit of engaging and entertaining content by Mia Stern who leads 9Podcasts. I am so proud of all of our teams, right across the business, who pursue excellence every day to deliver for our listeners.”