ARN's Jonesy & Amanda took out the Best On-Air Team (Metro) at audio's night of nights took place on Saturday evening, with the 35th annual Australian Commercial Radio (ACRA) Awards recognising the duo, Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller, for the fifth time, with previous victories in 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2023.

Hosted at Sydney's The Star, the ACRAs celebrated the best of Australian radio and audio talent, with 2GB Sydney breakfast host Ben Fordham named Individual Talent of the Year (Metro) as well as winning Best Talk Presenter (Metro) for the second consecutive year. The Kyle & Jackie O Hour of Power (ARN) took home the award for Best Networked Show.

CRA Chief Executive Officer Lizzie Young said: "These awards recognise the talent, passion, and creativity that drive the audio industry forward. From impactful local news to engaging entertainment, the ACRA winners are setting the bar for excellence in Australian radio and audio."

In the podcasting realm, Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne of Life Uncut were awarded Podcast Host(s) of the Year, while 9Podcast show Hannah's Story took out Podcast of the Year. The true crime was produced by Jess Lodge, Melissa Downes, and Adam Buncher.

“Podcasting is rewriting the rules of modern media. Tonight’s winners reflect the magic of this medium—the intimacy, depth, and creativity allow listeners to feel connected. Whether it’s an investigative series like Hannah’s Story or the unfiltered, relatable stories of Life Uncut, these podcasts are shaping conversations in Australia,” said Young.

Recent data from the Australian Podcast Bi-Annual Report showcases a nearly 9% increase in monthly podcast listeners in 2024. Genres like true crime, society and culture, and comedy lead the pack, while health and fitness and family content are seeing a surge as audiences diversify their listening habits.

"Podcasting is bridging generations and offering a powerful on demand experience that drives incredible engagement,” Young continued. “It’s giving creators a platform to tell stories that resonate, and tonight’s winners are proof of the boundless potential of this medium.”

The Gudinski Award for Australian Music Champion was presented to Triple M Homegrown with Matty O (SCA). Honouring the late Michael Gudinski, the award celebrates outstanding contributions to Australian music, recognising how Matty O's dedication to showcasing local talent has made Triple M Homegrown a key platform for artists.

In regional radio, Christmas by the Lake by the 3CS & Mixx FM Team from Colac, VIC (ACE Radio Broadcasters) took home Best Community Campaign – Country, for their success in uniting the community through a festive, feel-good celebration. Meanwhile, Wollongong’s i98FM was recognised for their outstanding work in supporting one of the region’s largest charity convoys, with the i98FM Illawarra Convoy Team winning Best Community Campaign – Provincial.

“Regional radio plays a vital role in connecting people and telling local stories that matter,” said Young. “These winners demonstrate the power of radio to inspire and create real impact in their communities, showcasing the strength of local broadcasting.”

Also on the night, the late Bob Roger was posthumously inducted into the CTA Hall of Fame in a moving tribute that recognised his nearly eight decade long radio career. After starting out in 1942 at SXY in Melbourne, Rogers became one of Australia's most beloved and influential broadcasters. In 1958, he hosted Australia’s first Top 40 countdown on 2UE, and in 1964, he made history when he joined the Beatles on their Australian tour as 2SM’s exclusive interviewer, earning the nickname "the fifth Beatle."

"Bob Rogers was a monumental figure in Australian radio, whose voice and pioneering spirit shaped the industry," said Young. "His remarkable career and enduring influence are deserving of the highest recognition. It is with immense pride that we welcome Bob into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of broadcasters."

During the ceremony, Rogers' family expressed their gratitude for the recognition. "This award is a welcome acknowledgment of the genuine passion Bob had for the medium of radio and for his audiences. We knew he couldn’t survive even a week away from his natural ‘home’ behind the microphone,” said his daughter, Justy Rogers.

Fellow broadcasters Ray Hadley also paid tribute. "It's not often you get the chance to work alongside a true legend in your chosen profession. But I had the great honour of being able to watch and study Bob Rogers for over 40 years. No-one lasted longer and had greater success than Bob. He was there when radio was in its infancy in 1942 and was still on air well into his 90s. Despite his fame he was completely unaffected by his success. He was a great broadcaster and a wonderful man," said Hadley.