CRA boss Ford Ennals resigns, effective immediately
The CEO of industry body Commercial Radio & Audio, Ford Ennals, has announced his resignation, effective immediately.
Ennals served as CEO for two years, during which he “successfully led the rebranding of the industry body from Commercial Radio Australia to Commercial Radio & Audio, and oversaw the successful launch of Radio 360.
“Ford has made some great contributions during his tenure with CRA,” said chair of the CRA board, Ciaran Davis, in a statement sent on Monday afternoon.
“We wish him well for his future role.”
Ennals said of his time as CEO: “I’ve had the privilege to successfully guide the CRA through a key period of transition. I extend my gratitude to the CRA team and our members. I am confident that the commercial radio and audio sector is well-positioned for future growth and success.”
Ennals has recently been vocal in his fight against the removal of royalty caps proposed by record labels that would see radio stations pay higher royalty rates to the Australian musicians whose music they play.
He has also been outspoken about the need for radio to be included in the Prominence and Anti-siphoning Bill, which would force smart speaker makers to feature easy access to free-to-air radio streaming.
“It is essential to both the radio industry and Australian communities that there is always free, easy, and universal access to Australian radio on smart speakers and in cars,” Ennals wrote in a recent submission to a Senate inquiry on the Bill.
“If Australians cannot easily access local radio during emergencies such as bushfires, storms, floods, or traffic incidents, it can be an issue of community safety.”
Jo Dick, current CCO, will step into the CEO role whilst the Board undertakes a search for a new CEO.
Mumbrella has contacted CRA for further comment.
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Nathan Jolly is the Deputy Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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