Aussie radio's night of nights, the ACRA Awards, permanently cancelled
It's time to say goodbye to an Aussie icon, with radio's night of nights officially hanging up the mic.
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA) have officially been permanently cancelled, according to Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) CEO Lizzie Young.
In a statement, she said the axing of the awards was due to cost concerns.
Jackie 'O' Henderson often attended the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) WireImage
"Our focus on long-term sustainability across the industry needs to be our number one priority," Young said.
"After careful consideration in consultation with our Board and Members, we're directing our resources into initiatives like Sound Start, CRA Audio ID and HEARD, and regulatory matters such as Radio Prominence where we can have the greatest impact supporting our industry's future," she said of future investments.
"Individual networks continue to celebrate the amazing work being done across our industry through their own recognition programs."
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Ray Hadley and Sophie Baird are seen here at the 2024 awards. WireImage
Sarah Maree Cameron and Hamish Blake pictured at the event. Instagram/@sarahmareelife
"I firmly believe radio has a bright and exciting future in Australia, and this positions us to build that future."
Many radio personalities are mourning the loss, including ABC's Kate Meade.
"Shattered to hear the ACRAS has been permanently cancelled by @comradioau,' she penned in a tribute, sharing photos throughout the years at the ceremony.
"This wasn't just about the awards. (*Though shameless posting of being lucky enough to win.) This was about meeting our heroes. Celebrating with colleagues and nurturing the next generation of audio makers.
"It was radio's night of nights. Our Logies. The memories that last a lifetime."
Comedian and Nine radio presenter Sarah Maree Cameron called it an "End of an era."
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ABC's Kate Meade shared a memory of herself at the ACRAs Instagram/@katemeade
"Commercial Radio Australia announced today they've permanently cancelled radio's night of nights. The ACRAs were more than just awards – they were a yearly reunion for an industry that moves around so much.
"I went on and off for almost 20 years, and even landed a network nights show after chasing down a boss at the ACRAs… because that was another big part of the night: networking.
"For so many of us, just a nomination was enough. I was lucky to win... It's beyond disappointing to see them gone for good. Here's hoping CRA finds a way – even online – to keep recognising the work of people in this industry," she wrote, sharing her own memories.
This year's ACRAs were known to be cancelled back in April, but those in the industry hoped that it would make a triumphant return in 2026.
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