Energy is running high from last weekend’s 35th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), a night that brought together the brightest talent of the radio industry at The Star in Sydney. The yearly ACRAs honours the on-air and off-air achievements that shape the world of Australian radio, podcasting, news, and entertainment. With over 1159 entries from radio stations across the nation, the competition was fierce, and the talent set the bar for excellence on the industry.
This year, 71 winners were selected from 361 finalists, representing the metropolitan, provincial, and country commercial radio stations. From impactful local news to engaging entertainment, the ACRA winners showcase the diverse voices and practitioners that drive Australian radio.
The AFTRS community had plenty to celebrate, with alumni taking home awards in seven distinct categories across country, provincial, and metropolitan markets, ranging from recognition for excellence in journalism to music and creative promotion.
For the third consecutive year, Clinton Maynard was awarded the prestigious Brian White Award for Excellence in Journalism (Metro) for his outstanding work with 2GB, Nine Radio. The Brian White Award is one of the highest honours in radio journalism, recognising sustained excellence and above-and-beyond efforts in news coverage.
In the on-air talent category, Matt Lipiarski from Mixx FM in Colac, VIC, took home the Best On-Air Team award for his work on Mixx Brekky with Jimmy & Lippi, alongside James Thwaites. This marked their second consecutive win, showcasing their unique ability to deliver engaging, entertaining content to the Great South West.
AFTRS alumni also made waves in the music categories, with awards in three key areas. The Gudinski Award for Australian Music Champion went to Triple M Homegrown with Matty O, featuring AFTRS alum Andrew Very. Andrew’s passion for Australian music was further recognised with his win for Best Music Feature for the Taylor Swift Triple M Versions.
Adding to the list of music accolades, Cam Hilder was named Best Music Host (Provincial) for his work at i98FM at WIN Network in Wollongong. His win follows last year’s success of AFTRS alum Sean Brown, who also received recognition for his work in the music hosting space.
AFTRS proudly sponsors the Best New Talent Off Air award, which recognises up-and-coming talent in the radio industry. This year, the award went to Ella Kanna from KIIS 1065 (Metro) and Leesa Singleton from 864 Triple M (Non-Metro) in Toowoomba/Darling Downs.
From news and talk to sport and music, the winners of this year’s ACRAs demonstrate the immense talent that fuels the commercial radio industry. The diverse voices and creative minds celebrated at the event highlight the power of local content in engaging audiences and delivering impactful stories that resonate.
AFTRS is incredibly proud to be a part of this thriving industry and to see our alumni consistently recognised for their contributions. Their achievements reflect the School’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of radio professionals and leaders.
Here’s the roundup of AFTRS alumni awarded and the teams they work with. You can see all the ACRA winners here.
- Brian White Award For Excellence In Journalism
Clinton Maynard; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
- Best On Air Team (Country)
Mixx Brekky with Jimmy & Lippi Matt Lipiarski, James Thwaites
- The Gudinski – Australian Music Champion
Triple M Homegrown with Matty O; Matthew O’Gorman; Kalun Townsend; Andrew Very; Shaun Gough; Julia Di Gregorio, Triple M Melbourne, VIC, SCA
- Best Music Host (Provincial)
Cam Hilder; i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network
- Best Music Feature
Taylor Swift Triple M Versions; Andrew Very, David Konsky, Kalun Townsend, Triple M Network, Sydney, NSW, SCA
- Best Comedy Segment (Non Metro)
Hans The Aldi Mole; Sam Archie Arenson, Henry Bretz, Power100, Townsville, QLD, ARN
- Most Creative Station Promotion (Non Metro)
Lyndal & Crammy’s Origin or Bust; Lyndal & Crammy, 96.5 Wave FM, Wollongong, NSW, ARN
The radio and podcasting industry is thriving and evolving, with AFTRS alumni setting the bar for excellence and innovation, ensuring that Australian radio remains dynamic, influential and engaged with Australian audiences.
If radio and podcasting is of interest to you or someone you know, applications for the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting close on 29 October.