triple j has announced that their search for a music director is over, with internal appointment Claire Mooney jumping into the chair as the network’s first female to take the role.
With just three previous long-tenured appointments, Arnold Frolows, Richard Kingsmill and Nick Findlay, the position is one of the most coveted and criticised in Australian music.
Mooney arrived at triple j as an Unearthed producer in 2017 before taking on several roles in the programming department. In 2021 she was appointed assistant music director before moving into the Unearthed music director seat last year.
In October it was announced that Findlay would be taking on a new role as Manager of Music Programming, overseeing the strategy across triple j, Double J, Unearthed and ABC Country and that the triple j music director position would be externally advertised for the first time in the station’s history.
"What a privilege it is to step into this new era of triple j as our first female Music Director,” Mooney said.
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“I feel so honoured and excited to continue the legacy that's been built by my mentors. We are so lucky to have a station like triple j exist in this country: one that authentically celebrates music, art and culture, and reflects and soundtracks the lives of young people around the country.
“I'd like to think there is no place more obsessed with Australian music, and I can’t wait to help shape, support and champion the next generation of artists, alongside our passionate, hard-working triple j team and every listener who comes along for the ride."
Mooney is a popular pick, with several music industry identities The Music has spoken to speaking highly of her passion, great ear for songs and curatorial abilities.
Findlay congratulated Mooney on her new position.
“Claire lives and breathes new music and has an incredible passion for breaking Australian talent, which we saw time and time again in her recent role as Music Director during her tenure at Unearthed. As triple j’s new Music Director, she will lead the music that soundtracks the lives of young people in Australia well into the future."
Head of triple J and Double J Lachlan Macara told The Music last year that the newly restructured department was about reaffirming the station’s commitment to having music at its heart.
“Music is at the heart of what we do at triple j, so bringing our music teams closer to our content teams just makes sense. There's a symbiotic relationship between the two, and this role presents a unique opportunity to strengthen that collaboration, making sure they're tightly integrated while leading the strategic music curation across triple j on-air.”
The announcement comes after another successful Hottest 100 campaign where Australian music improved its position year on year, with Keli Holiday’s Dancing2 taking out the #2 position and a massive 54 positions being nabbed by local acts.
