Commercial radio comes together with a common message in the COVID19 crisis

The commercial radio industry has come together  to share a message of support and unity to its community of listeners.

Commencing this week, commercial radio stations across Australia will begin broadcasting a special message to the broader community, letting them know that no matter where they are or who they are listening to, radio will be there to keep them informed and connected.

Voiced by a range of high-profile national radio personalities, including Kyle & Jackie O, Ben Fordham, Ray Hadley, Kate Ritchie and Tim Blackwell, and Carrie &Tommy, the message will air nationally at the same time every day across all networks. Rivals will be heard on each other’s networks to reinforce the message of unity as the radio industry reaches out to help listeners during this difficult time. 

Listen to the messages here

Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner, shared the following message with member stations.
 

The media landscape has changed, and while we can no longer do some of the things that we used to, it’s affirming to see consumers and businesses are rapidly adapting and inventing new ways of surviving the period of lockdown.
 
Radio is the great survivor and shines in tough times. As we have done through countless emergency situations in the past, commercial radio stations are supporting listeners and businesses with live and local content and community initiatives.
 
We have heard stories from across the country of how radio is a trusted and reliable source of stability and escape for audiences. Some stations are running special programs to support mental health and provide advice on working from home. Others have changed their programming to help promote small businesses that are still trading and open for business. One network has even created an eCommerce solution to help local cafés take orders and process payments.
 
While we are being tested by these challenging times, it’s reassuring to remember that we are all in this together. That’s why commercial radio networks have come together as one to share a message of support and unity. This week, stations will begin broadcasting a special message to the broader community, letting them know that no matter where they are or who they are listening to, radio will be there to keep them informed and connected. The message – voiced by a range of well-known radio personalities – will air nationally at the same time every day across all networks. You can expect to hear this message on air over the next few weeks.
 
Radio is also working hard to support our advertisers, large and small. One of the attributes of radio is its responsiveness and this has been demonstrated by networks in some cases being able to receive a brief and getting an advertising message to air the same day. This has been of great value where the situation is fluid and businesses need to respond quickly.
 
As has been announced, we have made the decision to pause the radio ratings after Survey 2 results are delivered on April 16. Regional surveys will be paused after Survey 1 for Canberra, Gold Coast and Newcastle. CRA has asked GfK to accelerate work on the multi-million dollar measurement innovation project in the interim, which will incorporate survey, electronic measurement, app and streaming data.
 
We will also continue to share other relevant data and explore new avenues to report on audience listening, including data from RadioApp and the Australian Podcast Ranker. The majority of radio listening takes place from home, and the industry’s strategy to ensure radio is available on multiple platforms and devices ensures we remain in easy reach of our listeners wherever they are.
 
With reductions in local print and TV production, radio is more important than ever. Radio has always been good at adapting and we are doing that again now, with a continued commitment to deliver vital services for Australian audiences.
Joan Warner
CEO – Commercial Radio Australia

 

 
 

 
 
 
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