POWER 50 2025: Lachlan Macara (Triple J)

BACKGROUND CHECK:

Having begun his career in the world of broadcasting two decades ago as a presenter and producer for Sydney’s FBi Radio, a gig at triple j soon snowballed into Lachlan Macara quietly becoming one of the most influential voices at the national broadcaster. 

Wearing many hats over the years, including producer and senior producer roles alongside time spent as executive producer of triple j Unearthed, Macara's career trajectory has seen him go back and forth from the station, ultimately taking on the role of Head of triple j, Double J, and ABC Country – a gig that allows him to combine his passion for Australian music with his commitment to supporting young creative voices. 

THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC:

Macara’s role as Head has coincided with a number of big events for triple j this year, including the station’s 50th anniversary back in January, another edition of its One Night Stand festival (with its trek to WA resulting in $230,000 raised for Support Act), two Hottest 100 countdowns (including the Australian Songs poll, which became the station’s fourth-biggest countdown to date), and a national run of birthday gigs for the station highlighting nothing but local acts historically championed by the station.

With a need for Australian music to be at the forefront of every local fan’s listening habits, Macara and the triple j team have managed to deliver a year which has not only exceeded the expectations of many, but prove that they’re able to lead the charge in delivering local content, while also providing opportunities for those listeners to engage with it on both a larger scale and at a personal level.

THE MUSIC SPEAKS:

As a multiplatform brand, triple j is the best friend Australian music ever had. They might have had a few more FM listeners twenty years ago, but didn’t have multiple different networks and millions of reach across DAB+ and social media that they have today in a world where their status as an Australian music “influencer” is without peer. 

Macara understands that, but also understands the power of radio in breaking hits. This year’s increase in rotations (implemented under previous ABC Head of Music Emily Copeland) has been a game-changer for Australian artists cutting through, implemented by Macara and music director Nick Findlay. There was also a major shake-up to specialty shows, and in the recent restructuring of roles, a focus on ensuring that music and programming were even more tightly aligned moving forward. 

With ample opportunity still to be unlocked across ABC Country and Double J, and a new staff structure (including a new triple j music director to add to the team), Macara’s role will only get more pivotal in 2026.