ACRAs canceled for good as CRA redirects funds to long-term industry initiatives

The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) have been cancelled for good, with the industry’s peak body confirming the move as cost pressures mount and a shift toward longer-term sustainability. The Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) announced the decision on Sept. 25, 2025, saying the awards night would not proceed as part of a broader realignment of resources.

CRA chief executive Lizzie Young framed the decision as difficult but necessary for the industry’s future. "Our focus on long-term sustainability across the industry needs to be our number one priority," Young said in a statement, noting the choice followed extensive consultation with the CRA board and its members. She added that axing the event was not taken lightly and that the organization would instead direct funds toward initiatives designed to foster growth and resilience within Australian radio.

The CRA said the shift would redirect resources toward several ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including Sound Start, CRA Audio ID and HEARD, as well as regulatory matters such as Radio Prominence, where it believes the industry can achieve the greatest impact. Young emphasized that individual networks would continue to recognize the excellent work happening across the sector through their own programs, alongside any industry-wide efforts.

The announcement marks a definitive end to a trophy night that has long served as a focal point for Australian radio peers, talent, and advertisers. It also follows a prior message from CRA in April that the 2025 ACRAs would not proceed, though there had been guarded optimism the awards might return in 2026. Industry observers say the latest decision signals a broader prioritization of stability and capacity-building over standalone celebrations.

In explaining the change, Young highlighted the need to place the industry on a firmer footing amid a rapidly evolving media landscape. She pointed to the long-term benefits of investing in programs that nurture new voices, improve audience engagement, and help stations navigate regulatory realities. While acknowledging the cultural significance of the ACRAs, she framed the move as a strategic step toward sustainable growth, not a retreat from industry recognition.

The reaction within the Australian radio community has been swift and mixed. Some industry figures described the pivot as a shock, given the awards’ role in spotlighting standout performers and innovations across networks. Others welcomed the shift as a prudent reallocation of scarce resources toward initiatives with tangible, long-lasting impact on careers and regulatory compliance.

As part of the broader strategy, the CRA said it would continue to support efforts that identify talent early, standardize best practices, and advocate for regulatory matters that affect the everyday work of radio professionals. By concentrating on programs like Sound Start and CRA Audio ID, the industry hopes to streamline pathways into on-air and production roles, while HEARD aims to address persistent equity and inclusion challenges behind the mic and behind the scenes.

The decision also underscores a broader question facing entertainment and media awards: how to balance celebrated traditions with the fiscal realities of contemporary production, distribution, and audience engagement. For participants who may have planned travel, sponsorships, or release windows around the ACRAs, the cancellation introduces adjustments but also a potential pivot toward alternative recognition channels and internal commendations.

Ultimately, the CRA said the move positions the industry to adapt more flexibly to changing listener habits and market pressures, while continuing to honor excellence through networks’ own programs and targeted industry initiatives. More information about future programs and opportunities for professional development is expected to be released in the coming months as the CRA implements its revised plan for 2026 and beyond.