haaHamish and Andy, Austereo’s comic duo, have again won Best On-Air Team at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA) announced this evening at a glittering ceremony at the Sydney Entertainment and Convention Centre. The program is the highest rating drivetime show nationally with an average audience of two million people each week.

The Hamish and Andy team also won a further four awards for Best Networked Program, Best Station Promotion, Best Multimedia Execution and Best Show Producer (Entertainment and Music) for Sam Cavanagh.

Broadcaster Ray Hadley, 2GB, received three awards for Best Current Affairs Commentator, Best Sports Presenter and Best Sports Event Coverage for 2GB’s Olympic Games broadcast.

Winners in other major awards announced tonight before a crowd of nearly 1000 were:
• Best Talk Presenter - Derryn Hinch, 3AW Melbourne
• Best Newcomer – Ryan Shelton, Nova 100, Melbourne
• Best Music Personality – Dylan Lewis, Nova 100, Melbourne
• Best News Presenter - Kristy Warner, Nova 969, Sydney, (FM)
Jane Doyle, FiveAA, Adelaide, (AM)

Jason Morrison from 2GB won the Brian White Memorial award for the second time. This award recognises sustained journalistic achievement and effort and covers all aspects of radio journalism.

CEO of Commercial Radio, Ms Joan Warner, congratulated all the winners on their outstanding achievement and contribution to commercial radio in Australia: “Their commitment and dedication to their audiences continues to drive broadcasting to new levels. With the introduction this year of digital radio in five capital cities across Australia, listening audiences can expect those standards to further increase,” Ms Warner said.

Des DeCean, one of Australia’s most respected broadcast engineers and Austereo’s longest serving employee, was tonight inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame. One of Australia’s most qualified and experienced radio engineers, Mr DeCean was the first employee of Austereo 29 years ago when FM radio was launched in 1980. He has headed the technology team at the network ensuring the adoption of leading edge broadcast systems; introduced the first use of CDs on air and most recently has been integral in the introduction of digital radio in Australia.

Presenters at the Awards ceremony included Hamish and Andy from Austereo, Merrick and Rosso from DMG Radio, Jonesy and Amanda from Australian Radio Network, Derryn Hinch from Fairfax Radio, Jason Morrison from Macquarie Radio Network and the Benchwarmers – Ant and Becks, from Macquarie Southern Cross Media (MSCM). Australian performers, Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian and Kisschasy, and international star Matt Nathanson provided the entertainment.

The national Awards, organised by Commercial Radio Australia, cover all metropolitan, provincial and country commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these areas in 31 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music.

This year’s MC was Andrew Gunsberg, from Australian Idol who also hosts Australia’s biggest weekly radio countdown, “Take 40 Australia”.

Media contact: Melissa Fleming (0417) 499 529 or
Jenny Stevenson (0402) 214 039.
Photographs can be downloaded late Saturday, 10 October at http://www.oneillphotographics.com.au/radiofest09
Please note: A full list of winners is attached (two pages in total). Category Winners are denoted with the following letters: Country>Provincial>NonMetropolitan>Metropolitan

WINNERS FOR 2009 AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL RADIO AWARDS (ACRAs)
Please note: Category Finalists are denoted with the following letters: Country>Provincial>NonMetropolitan>Metropolitan

MOST POPULAR STATION MANAGER
Joel Gosper, 981 2NM/98.1 Power FM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasters Andy Mathers, Star 104.5, Central Coast, NSW, DMG Radio Australia P
Sean Ryan, Nova 106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
John Pearce, 2GO Remote Breakfast Studio, 107.7 2GO, Central Coast, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Matt Steadman & Brett Kelly, Austereo Melbourne Studios, Fox FM/Triple M, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M recipient of Max Wilson Engineering Award

BEST NEWCOMER ON-AIR
Kristen Henry, Magic 93.1 FM, Riverland, SA, Fairfax Radio Network C
Kiri Martin, The Edge 96.1, Western Sydney, NSW, Australian Radio Network P
Ryan Shelton, Nova 100, Melbourne, VIC, DMG Radio Australia M

BEST NEWCOMER OFF-AIR
Anita Buda, 5SE/96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C recipient of the Matt Ellis Encouragement Award
Ashleigh Hudson, 104.7/MIX 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/Austereo P
Michael Eva, Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST MUSIC PERSONALITY
Dave Peters, 8HA, Alice Springs, NT, Alice Springs Commercial Broadcasters C
Fyona Smith, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Dylan Lewis, Nova 100, Melbourne, VIC, DMG Radio Australia M

BEST TALK PRESENTER
Janeen Hosemans, The Morning Wireless Program, 1503 2BS Gold, Bathurst, NSW, Bathurst Broadcasters C
Mike Welsh, Mike Welsh Drive Show, 2CC, Canberra, ACT, Capital Radio P
Derryn Hinch, 3AW Drive, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M

BRIAN WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD
Jason Morrison, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network

BEST ON-AIR TEAM
Fishy Friday, Janeen Hosemans & Peter Harrison, 1503 2BS Gold, Bathurst, NSW, Bathurst Broadcasters C
Banksy & Steve Breakfast, Banksy & Steve, Hot FM, Townsville, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Hamish & Andy, Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST SHOW PRODUCER – ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
Lauren Richardson, Holmsey & Flan, Something Different for Breakfast, 102.9 FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Hot Tomato NM
Sam Cavanagh, Hamish & Andy, Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST SHOW PRODUCER – TALK & CURRENT AFFAIRS
Andrea Moore, 2BS Talk Producer, 1503 2BS Gold, Bathurst, NSW, Bathurst Broadcasters NM
Justin Smith, 3AW Mornings, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M

BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR
Ray Hadley, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network

BEST SPORTS PRESENTER
Geoff Mann, 2DU, Dubbo, NSW, Super Network C
Steve Allan, 2GO's Locker Room, 107.7 2GO, Central Coast, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Ray Hadley, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M

BEST NEWS PRESENTER
Lois Chislett, 3YB, Warrnambool, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Rod McLeod, 92.5 Gold FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Kristy Warner, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia (FM) M
Jane Doyle, FiveAA, Adelaide, SA, DMG Radio Australia (AM) M

BEST PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dayle Richardson, 98.1 Power FM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasters C
Mike Duncan, Star 104.5, Central Coast, NSW, DMG Radio Australia P
Dave Cameron, Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR
Katie Jones, 97.7 Snow FM, Cooma, NSW, Capital Radio C
Fyona Smith, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P recipient of Music Director of the Year Scholarship
Kate Casey, Nova 106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M

BEST PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR
Steve White, 90.9 Sea FM /92.5 Gold FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Tim Dwyer, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M


BEST STATION SALES ACHIEVEMENT
RadioWest/Hot FM Kalgoorlie, 6KG RadioWest, Kalgoorlie, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Flow Fm Sales Team, Flow FM, Kapunda, SA, W&L Phillips P
2Day FM Sales Team, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

BEST DIRECT SALESPERSON
Ashlee O'Brien, 6KG RadioWest, Kalgoorlie, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
Leonie Leonard, Hot FM/Sea FM, Mackay, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Marcus Ryder, Fox FM/Triple M, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST AGENCY SALESPERSON
Karyn French, 100.9 Sea FM/Heart 107.3, Hobart, TAS, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Lauren Duncan, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

BEST MULTIMEDIA EXECUTION
Tall Ships, Hamish & Andy, Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo STATION
Waterwise Widget, Brett Sandler & Shiobhan Baster, Nova 937, Perth, WA, DMG Radio Australia SALES

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Victorian Bushfire Tribute, Matt Clark, 107.7 2G0/101.3 Sea FM, Central Coast, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Obama Becomes President, Blake Gibson, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network M

BEST MUSIC SPECIAL
2NM's December All Stars, 98.1 2NM/98.1 Power FM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasters C
Running On Diesel, Fyona Smith, Ross Turner & Ryan Khay, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Chris-Mas-Isaak, Marnie Titheradge, Robert Wood and Bruno Bouchet, Mix 106.5, Sydney, NSW, Australian Radio Network M

BEST SPORTS EVENT COVERAGE
Olympians Touching Down, Paddy Gerrard, Ciel Stowe, Ignatius McBride, 101.3 Sea FM, Central Coast, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
Olympic Games Coverage 2008, 2GB Sport/Ray Hadley, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M

BEST STATION PROMOTION
Who Wants to be a Jock On Air, 98.1 Power FM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasters C
Identity Theft, Tania Kimmins, Rob Sharples, Ryan Gracie and Tia Robins, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
Tall Ship Adventure, Hamish & Andy, Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST SALES PROMOTION
Captain Costcutter, 2GN, Goulburn, NSW, Grant Broadcasters C
Laptops + Steamroller = Awesome, 104.7 Product Team, 104.7, Canberra, ACT, ARN/Austereo P
2UE Rebranding to 2UE-Wii, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network M

BEST NETWORKED PROGRAM
ACE Radio Country Today, Sandra Moon, 3WM, Horsham, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
The Benchwarmers, Ant & Becs, Sea FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Hamish & Andy, Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST SYNDICATED AUSTRALIAN PROGRAM
Remembrance Day: The 90th Anniversary, Radiowise Media Networks, Sydney, NSW

BEST STATION PRODUCED COMMERCIAL
Selga - Buckle Up, David Sell, 5SE/96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
The Chocolate Room, Stu Campbell, 102.9 FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Hot Tomato P
Ooh! Aah!, Jonathan Williams, Triple M/Fox FM, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST STATION PRODUCED COMEDY SEGMENT
The Marriage Is Up Cup, Jon Vertigan, 3YB, Warrnambool, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Disclaimer Man, Luke Bradnam, 102.9 FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Hot Tomato P
Evil Rosso Prank, Tim Ross, Merrick Watts & Kate Ritchie, The Merrick, Rosso and Kate Ritchie Breakfast Show, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
2NM Power FM Black Coal Cup Day, 981 2NM/98.1 Power FM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasters C
Jessie's Journey, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
Bushfire Appeal, Fox FM/Triple M, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION
Brett Smith, 98.1 Power FM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasters C
Mark Brewer, NX FM, Newcastle, NSW, Austereo P
Sideshow Mike Andersen, Triple M, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (Exceptional contribution to the metropolitan rollout of digital radio)
Des DeCean, Austereo Raoul Prideaux, Macquarie Southern Cross Media Wayne Dickson, BTC Australia Pty Ltd
Graeme O’Connor, ARN Max Carter, Sky Sports Radio Richard Morris, Commercial Radio Australia
Steve Adler, DMG Kath Brown, Commercial Radio Australia Alastair Reynolds, Fairfax Media