Triple J Reignite Hottest 100 Debate With New Survey

Triple J has again sparked conversation around the date of their annual Hottest 100 countdown, today launching a survey asking their listeners if they agree with the 26 January date.

Currently held on Australia Day each year, there has been debate surrounding the event for the past few years, with calls to move the countdown to a more inclusive date. 

The youth broadcaster has opened the survey to encourage listeners to share their opinions on the station, countdown and its current date. 

The survey comes off the back of discussions with a wide-range of stakeholders including ABC staff, Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups, artists and the triple j audience.

A statement posted on triple j's website reads;

"Over the past 10 months we’ve been consulting with a range of people, musicians, community leaders and representative groups on their opinions of Australia Day and the implications of holding the Hottest 100 on that day…

And now we need to hear from you – triple j’s audience. You are the people who vote, listen to and celebrate the Hottest 100.  We want your thoughts on how you feel about triple j, the Hottest 100, and holding the Hottest 100 on Australia Day, January 26…"

The statement concludes that the survey feedback will be used to help shape triple j's decisions around the countdown. You can read the entire statement here.

The Music has previously reported on calls for the countdown to change dates, including prior to Australia Day this year when triple j content director Ollie Wards explained that moving the annual event is "an ongoing discussion".

Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) founder and chief executive Jack Manning-Bancroft has previously shared that "Australia Day represents pain and mourning for many Australians, including our first Australians. It also represents immense pride for many Aussies, reflecting on how far we've come.

"The past has been written. What I love about triple j and the Hottest 100 is that we have a chance to speak to millions of Australians and provide a platform to shape a narrative for the future filled with colour, joy and love of our difference." 

Triple J declined to comment when contacted by The Music.

The survey will be open until 9 August, you can have your say via the triple j website.