The IMAA and CRA hosted Audio Unlimited and welcomed the who’s who of the audio industry to Sydney’s Bar 83
The exclusive event saw attendees from audio networks unite – ARN, CRA, Nine, Nova Entertainment and SCA – united in an event for the independent sector.
Members of the industry shared their insight into the landscape, where it is headed and how Agencies and advertisers can best utilise audio platforms.
Left to right: Rachel Corbett, Lauren Joyce, Erin Molan
Left to right: Jacquie Alley, Ben Fordham and Rachel Corbett
IMAA board of director Jacquie Alley lead a discussion with chief strategy and connections officer Lauren Joyce from ARN, Nova entertainment’s head of podcasts and digital content Rachel Corbett, Erin Molan from SCA and Nine’s Ben Fordham.
Darren McKenzie, also an IMAA board of director, moderated the Q&A with ARN’s chief commercial officer Pete Whitehead, chief commercial officer of Nova Entertainment Nick Young, SCA chief sales officer Brian Gallagher and Nine’s director of sales – Total Audio Ashley Earnshaw.
Following the panels, singer-songwriter Budjerah took to the stage to perform an acoustic set that included his song Ready For The Sky.
Budjerah
CRA CEO Ford Ennals
The event comes after CRA chief executive officer Ford Ennals announced a renewed strategic direction for the peak radio industry body last week.
The CRA will have a greater emphasis on the booming digital audio market along with supporting its members to grow commercial radio advertising revenue.
“We are experiencing strong growth in digital audio so it’s timely for CRA to have a stronger focus on identifying new commercial revenue opportunities across the broader audio markets for our members,” Ennals said.
As part of the audio strategy, CRA has a refreshed brand and a new website which was launched at a CRA Board meeting in Sydney today attended by Federal communications minister Michelle Rowland.
Erin Molan and Ben Fordham
CRA chief commercial officer Jo Dick
Ennals said CRA had redefined its identity from Commercial Radio Australia to Commercial Radio & Audio but would continue to use the abbreviation CRA.
In its consumer and industry communications and messaging CRA has introduced a new strapline “Audio Unlimited”, along with the refreshed brand using contemporary and vibrant colours.
See also: Commercial Radio Australia rebrands to Commercial Radio & Audio
–
Top image: Erin Molan, Sam Buchanan and Ben Fordham