Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has formalised a significant shift in its governance, naming NOVA Entertainment chief executive Peter Charlton as the new Chair of the peak industry body.
Charlton replaces ARN CEO Ciaran Davis, who exits the role after three years of sector-wide transformation across measurement, digital capability and industry standards.
Charlton brings substantial experience in audience strategy and digital audio, underpinned by his tenure leading NOVA Entertainment.
“I’m honoured to be taking on the role of Chair at such an exciting time for commercial radio and audio,” he said.
“The industry has never had as much opportunity and CRA demonstrates the power of collaboration as we strengthen our industry’s voice and drive innovation, exemplified by the recent announcement of CRA Audio ID.”
He added that his long working relationship with CRA CEO Lizzie Young will help maintain momentum: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Lizzie for over 20 years, so having a formidable senior media executive like her leading the team is invaluable.
“Thank you to Ciaran for his incredible stewardship of the role and I look forward to building on his work by supporting Lizzie and the CRA team in our shared mission to deliver for customers, listeners and our members.”
Lizzie Young welcomes the new Chair
Young thanked outgoing Chair Davis and said Charlton steps into the role at a moment of shared industry strength.
“I’d like to thank Ciaran for his commitment to CRA, having served on the Board many years, through a period of significant transformation for the sector,” she said.
Speaking to Mediaweek, Young added: “Pete’s right about the opportunity ahead. Our annual industry showcase event HEARD, the power of audio campaign, and the launch of CRA Audio ID clearly demonstrate the industry’s collaboration.
“The opportunity to build on this growth with our customers, combined with our mission to secure radio prominence for our audiences through government regulation, is exciting as we continue to build the future of Australian audio.”
Charlton will lead a board comprised of senior executives from ARN Media, NOVA Entertainment, Southern Cross Austereo, Nine, ACE Radio and the Super Radio Network, with Rowly Paterson re-elected as Vice Chair – Regional.