ARIA Pushes For New Guidelines To Promote Aussie Artists On Radio

As the calls for a stronger representation of Australian artists on the airwaves continues, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) have both called for the public to have their say about what changes need to occur to strengthen local representation.

Recent months have seen a strong downturn in the amount of local music that is present on the airwaves. Notably, the 2024 triple j Hottest 100 countdown featured the lowest amount of homegrown acts in almost three decades, while the ARIA end-of-year charts showed a minimal amount of local names making the cut.

Currently, it’s been almost four years since the last time an Australian artist topped the ARIA charts, when The Kid LAROI’s Without You hit #1 in May 2021.

However, despite calls for action, ARIA and PPCA are now urging local music lovers to have their say in the public consultation of Commercial Radio Australia’s (CRA) draft Code Of Practice (The Code).

The first review of the code since 2017, ARIA have noted the Australian Communications And Media Authority’s (ACMA) recognition of a need for reform, who have also made it clear that local listeners need to share their own feedback in regard to current Australian music provisions.

“This is the first time in decades we’ve seen real momentum for change,” said ARIA and PPCA CEO Annabelle Herd. “We cannot miss the critical chance to give our homegrown music the radio airtime it is supposed to be getting under broadcasting legislation. It is long overdue.”

As ARIA explain, they are campaigning for three critical changes to be adopted by the new Code Of Practice:

1. Local Music in Prime Time.

To reach Aussie audiences Australian music should be played when people are actually listening! The code must ensure local music is played during peak listening hours.

2. More Aussie music. Bigger impact.

Local radio should play more local music: no excuses. If not 25% across the board, then at least enforce the rules we already have.

3. Champion fresh and local voices.

Redefine “new music” so fresh Aussie sounds get a spin. More new tracks mean the Code will better serve young and diverse local audiences

“These rules exist to serve Australian radio audiences. Effective rules and better enforcement will have a big impact on our local culture and the listening experience for all Australians,” Herd continued. “But change is not a given: CRA erroneously believe the current system is fair and effective.

“While there are pockets of positive change happening in commercial radio, CRA have not and will not propose any reform. To shape a system that better connects our audiences, talent, sounds, and stories – we need people to speak up.”

Anyone – including the general public, artists, and industry figures – are invited to have their say on the new review of the Code Of Practice before May 18th.