The Australian radio community is reeling after it was announced that the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will be axed for good.

Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) CEO Lizzie Young said the decision to scuttle the industry’s night of nights was due to cost concerns.

‘Our focus on long-term sustainability across the industry needs to be our number one priority,’ she said in a statement.

Continuing, Ms Young added that axing the awards event was a decision not taken lightly.

‘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.

‘Individual networks continue to celebrate the amazing work being done across our industry through their own recognition programs.’

The Australian radio community is reeling after it was announced the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will be axed for good. Pictured: Jackie 'O' Henderson at 2023 ACRAs

The Australian radio community is reeling after it was announced the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will be axed for good. Pictured: Jackie ‘O’ Henderson at 2023 ACRAs

Ms Young continued, saying that moving ahead without the event will place the industry on a much firmer footing. 

‘I firmly believe radio has a bright and exciting future in Australia, and this positions us to build that future.’

CRA announced in April that the 2025 ACRA Awards would not proceed, but industry officials were hopeful the event would return next year.

The news was met with shock and disappointment from radio stars across the country.

ABC presenter Kate Meade took to Instagram to share her heartbreak over the cancellation.  

‘Shattered to hear the ACRAS has been permanently cancelled by @comradioau,’ she wrote, sharing a photo with her coveted award.

‘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.’

Kate continued: ‘It was radio’s night of nights. Our Logies. The memories that last a lifetime.

Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) CEO Lizzie Young said the decision to scuttle the industry's night of nights was due to cost concerns. Pictured: Kate Ritchie

Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) CEO Lizzie Young said the decision to scuttle the industry’s night of nights was due to cost concerns. Pictured: Kate Ritchie

'Our focus on long-term sustainability across the industry needs to be our number one priority,' she said in a statement. Pictured: Lauren Phillips Pictured: Brittany Hockley at the 2023 ACRAs

‘Our focus on long-term sustainability across the industry needs to be our number one priority,’ she said in a statement. Pictured: Lauren Phillips (L) and Brittany Hockley(R)

‘We played down the nominations & the winning. But it did mean something. For that moment. For that year you were the best at what you did in your category. Even in Covid the work was recognised.

‘This is disappointing news today for a small but mighty industry.’

Hit Network star Nic Kelly also voiced his disappointment, sharing the news on his Instagram story.

‘Where the f*** am I meant to be the most annoying person in the entire radio industry and lose an award to Mel Doyle now?’ he joked.

The shock news comes after CRA revealed in April that the awards had been cancelled for 2025.

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

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

‘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,’ the memo read.

ABC presenter Kate Meade took to Instagram to share her heartbreak over the cancellation. 'Shattered to hear the ACRAS has been permanently cancelled by @comradioau,' she wrote

ABC presenter Kate Meade took to Instagram to share her heartbreak over the cancellation. ‘Shattered to hear the ACRAS has been permanently cancelled by @comradioau,’ she wrote

'Where the f*** am I meant to be the most annoying person in the entire radio industry and lose an award to Mel Doyle now?' Hit Network star Nic Kelly also said

‘Where the f*** am I meant to be the most annoying person in the entire radio industry and lose an award to Mel Doyle now?’ Hit Network star Nic Kelly also said

Often likened to TV’s night-of-nights, the Logies, the ACRAs served 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 line-up.

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.