Alive 90.5 and 2CCR: A Legacy of Award-Winning Community Radio
Community radio serves as the heartbeat of local communication, providing a platform for diverse voices and specialized programming. For stations like 2CCR and Alive 90.5, this commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious accolades over several decades, spanning community service, technical innovation, and popular entertainment.
Key Facts
- 2CCR received an Australia Day award for Outstanding Community Service in 1995.
- Planet Country won the People's Choice Award for Most Popular Country Music Station or Program at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2017.
- Alive 90.5 has been a consistent finalist and winner at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Awards.
- Darryn Capes-Davis was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Award in 2021.
Early Recognition and Popular Appeal
The tradition of excellence began early for 2CCR, which was honored on 26 January 1995 with an Australia Day award. This recognition was granted for "Outstanding Community Service," highlighting the station's role in supporting its local listeners.
Years later, the focus shifted toward specialized musical programming. In January 2017, the program Planet Country with Big Stu & MJ achieved significant success at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The show won the people's choice award for Most Popular Country Music Station or Program, following finalist appearances in both 2016 and 2018.
CBAA Awards and Technical Excellence
The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA)—the peak body for community radio in Australia—has frequently recognized Alive 90.5 for its high production standards. In November 2018, the station's Sunday Sports Roundup program won the "Troy Garner Excellence in Sports Programming" award during the ceremony held on the Gold Coast.
The station's success continued into 2019, with two finalists announced in August for the Melbourne awards ceremony in October. Former board member Matthew Brokenbrough was recognized as a finalist for "Excellence in Technical Services," while the program Mediterranean Mix was a finalist for "Best Radio Program: Music."
Continued Growth and Recent Triumphs
The momentum grew in 2020, when Alive 90.5 saw five different finalists announced for the CBAA Awards. By 2021, the station reached new heights of recognition. Darryn Capes-Davis was named a finalist for the Community Radio Volunteer of the Year - People's Choice Award.
The 2021 CBAA Awards culminated in two major wins: Alive 90.5 FM received the Outstanding Small Station Award, and Darryn Capes-Davis was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Award.
Summary of Major Achievements
| Year | Entity/Person | Award/Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 2CCR | Australia Day: Outstanding Community Service | Winner |
| 2017 | Planet Country | Most Popular Country Music Station or Program | Winner |
| 2018 | Sunday Sports Roundup | Troy Garner Excellence in Sports Programming | Winner |
| 2019 | Matthew Brokenbrough | Excellence in Technical Services | Finalist |
| 2019 | Mediterranean Mix | Best Radio Program: Music | Finalist |
| 2021 | Alive 90.5 FM | Outstanding Small Station Award | Winner |
| 2021 | Darryn Capes-Davis | Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Award | Winner |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBAA?
The CBAA refers to the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, the organization that recognizes excellence in community radio through its annual awards.
Which program won the sports programming award in 2018?
The Sunday Sports Roundup program from Alive 90.5 won the Troy Garner Excellence in Sports Programming award.
What recognition did Planet Country receive?
Planet Country with Big Stu & MJ won the people's choice award for Most Popular Country Music Station or Program at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2017.
Who was recognized for volunteer contributions in 2021?
Darryn Capes-Davis won the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Award at the 2021 CBAA Awards.
How many finalists did Alive 90.5 have in the 2020 CBAA Awards?
Alive 90.5 had five finalists announced for the CBAA Awards in 2020.