Perth’s community radio station RTRFM has won the prestigious Best Music Website award at the 29th Annual Webby Awards, beating out major industry players like Lady Gaga, Apple Music, and SoundCloud x Billie Eilish. The award was presented in the Websites and Mobile Sites – Music category, recognized by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. RTRFM’s victory marks a major achievement for the station’s digital presence and its creative efforts to connect with a global audience.
RTRFM Takes Home Jury Prize at Webby Awards
RTRFM’s website, rtrfm.com.au, launched in August 2024, has captured global attention with its community-driven design and user-friendly features. The website’s redesign was created by Perth-based digital studio Start, showcasing the station’s unique voice in the global music industry. The station emerged victorious in a competitive category, beating out renowned names like Lady Gaga’s official website. While Lady Gaga’s site won the People’s Voice Award through public voting, RTRFM secured the esteemed jury prize, a notable accomplishment previously awarded to iconic names such as Metallica.
“We’re extremely excited and humbled by this win,” said Simon Miraudo, General Manager of RTRFM. “Our team has always believed in the power of RTRFM to stand alongside the best music outlets worldwide. This recognition validates all of our hard work and dedication. We’re thrilled to share this success with our listeners, volunteers, and staff. And, of course, Lady Gaga is always welcome to join us at any of our events — we’ll even offer her a plus-one!”
A Bold Redesign with Modern Features
The award-winning website offers easy access to RTRFM’s live radio stream, a vast archive of podcasts and mixes, and a modern reimagined brand identity. It also introduced RTR2, a new online-only channel that serves as an experimental sister station, reflecting RTRFM’s commitment to both innovation and community engagement.
Neil Mason, Managing Director of Start, reflected on the project’s significance: “This redesign embodies everything we love about our work — creative freedom, cultural significance, and a product that stands out from the crowd. To be recognized alongside global tech and music giants is an incredible honor for our team.”
Webby Awards Ceremony and Upcoming Celebrations
RTRFM and Start will officially celebrate their win at the Webby Awards ceremony in New York City on May 12, 2024, hosted by comedian Ilana Glazer. The ceremony will honor other notable winners in the entertainment and technology industries, including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Walton Goggins, and Amelia Dimoldenberg.
A Major Milestone for RTRFM
This victory represents a significant milestone in RTRFM’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional, community-driven content through innovative digital platforms. The award is not just a recognition of the station’s digital presence but also a testament to the growing importance of online spaces in the music industry.
