Coronavirus crisis: CRA CEO Joan Warner says listeners and businesses will rely on radio

Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner has released a statement in the first issue of its Radio Alive newsletter amid the coronavirus crisis.

Says Warner: “As the world grapples with the coronavirus outbreak, radio has a more important role than ever to keep our audiences well-informed.

“Isolation policies, remote working, closures of community meeting places and rapidly changing circumstances mean listeners and businesses will rely on radio for information, entertainment and to stay in touch with breaking news relevant to their local area.”

Warner said that all 260 commercial radio stations around Australia – including 220 in regional areas – have contingency plans and procedures in place to work with emergency and essential services organisations to ensure accurate and timely broadcasts as required.

Adds Warner: “The full impact of the coronavirus on ad spend and the media and marketing industries is uncertain, but what is clear is that it’s essential for governments and businesses to keep communicating with their customers during these challenging times, and radio remains an important and effective channel.

“The industry will manage short term priorities but stay focused on our medium and longer term strategies to grow radio audiences and revenue through the development of podcasting, the introduction of hybrid measurement, the industry ad buying platform RadioMATRIX, DAB+ and voice tech.

“Thanks to the teams both on and off air, who continue to ensure radio delivers a trusted and reliable service to all our customers. I hope you and your families and colleagues stay safe.”