2024 ACRA Awards Crowns Podcasting Powerhouses

The 35th Australian Commercial Radio & Audio (ACRA) Awards lit up Sydney tonight, celebrating the creators shaping the future of Australian audio. Leading the charge was Hannah’s Story (9Podcasts, Nine Radio), which took home Podcast of the Year. Produced by Jess Lodge, Melissa Downes, and Adam Buncher (pictured above), this true crime sensation has captivated audiences and cemented its place as a genre-defining series.

Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne of Life Uncut (ARN/iHeart) were awarded Podcast Host(s) of the Year, solidifying their position as queens of the society and culture genre, where raw, real-life conversations reign supreme. Joey Watson (LiSTNR, SCA) was recognised as Best New Talent – Podcast, marking him as a rising voice in the increasingly popular comedy space.

“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,” shared Lizzie Young, Commercial Radio & Audio’s (CRA) Chief Executive Officer.

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 connecting with people in ways that traditional media simply cannot,” 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.”

Key 2024 ACRA Awards Podcast and Digital Award Winners:

• Podcast of the Year: Hannah’s Story, 9Podcasts, VIC – Jess Lodge, Melissa Downes, Adam Buncher
• Podcast Host(s) of the Year: Brittany Hockley & Laura Byrne, Life Uncut, ARN/iHeart, Sydney, NSW
• Best New Talent – Podcast: Joey Watson, LiSTNR, Sydney, NSW
• Most Innovative DAB Format: iHeartTrivia, iHeartRadio Team, NSW
• Best Podcast Producer: Jess Lodge, Hannah’s Story, 9Podcasts, Brisbane, QLD
• Best Podcast by a Radio Show: The Reporter True Stories, 6PR, Perth, WA, Nine Radio

“The 2024 ACRA Awards aren’t just about honouring great work; they’re about celebrating the future of audio. Podcasts are shaping how we consume content, and these creators are leading the way. We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible,” Young concluded.

Performances from The Screaming Jets, Dean Lewis, Baker Boy, and IVANA made the night an unforgettable celebration of Australian audio’s most exciting talents.