The Australian radio community is reeling from the announcement that this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) have been abruptly cancelled.

In a memo to its members, Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) disclosed the decision, citing the need for a comprehensive review of award categories, judging procedures and event management.

The move also aims to redirect resources towards critical priorities amid ongoing legal disputes with the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA).

‘Dear members, I’m writing to share that after careful consultation with our board of directors, we have made the decision to postpone the ACRAs for 2025,’ the memo began.

‘This decision allows us to review and refresh our award categories and reallocate resources to address priorities, including the significant cost pressures incurred from our ongoing legal matters with PPCA.’

Acknowledging the gravity of the decision, the memo emphasised the importance of priming the radio industry for future success.

The Australian radio community is reeling from the announcement that this year’s Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) have been abruptly cancelled. Pictured: Radio stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson at the 2022 ACRA’s

‘This was not an easy decision, but it is necessary as we navigate positioning our industry for the future,’ it continued.

It is currently unclear whether the Awards, which began in 1989, will return in 2026.

The ongoing legal dispute with PPCA centres on issues related to rights management for recording artists and labels in Australia.

This conflict underscores broader challenges facing the industry as it navigates regulatory and financial pressures.

Often likened to TV’s night-of-nights the Logies, the ACRAs serve as a celebration of excellence in Aussie radio.

Unlike the Logies, the ACRAs are not televised and the ceremonies are renowned for their informality and spirited atmosphere, fuelled by an open bar and a lengthy awards lineup.

The most recent ACRA Awards were held in Sydney in October and KIIS FM stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson won big on the night, despite not showing up for the event.

There were some surprises, with Gold 101.7’s Jonesy & Amanda walking away with the coveted Best On-Air Team gong.

In a memo to its members, Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) disclosed the decision, citing the need for a comprehensive review of award categories, judging procedures and event management. Pictured: Lauren Phillips at the 2024 ACRA’s

Acknowledging the gravity of the decision, the memo emphasised the importance of priming the radio industry for future success. Pictured: Richard Wilkins at the 2024 ACRA’s

There was much chatter about the rivalry between KIIS stars Kyle, 53, and Jackie, 50, versus Lauren Phillips and Jason Hawkins, who were both up for Best On-Air Team.

Lauren and Jase moved to Nova after being bumped off their slot by The Kyle & Jackie O Show’s expansion into the Melbourne market.

But it was WSFM’s Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones who beat both sets of teams to take home the coveted trophy.

Kyle and Jackie still won big on the night, taking home Best Networked Show for Hour of Power.

However, the radio superstars were a no-show, with producers from their breakfast hit show collecting the gong on their behalf.