You won’t be listening to the Hottest 100 on Australia Day next year.
Camera IconYou won’t be listening to the Hottest 100 on Australia Day next year. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

Triple J moves Hottest 100 to January 27

Staff WriterEastern Reporter

RADIO station Triple J’s famous Hottest 100 countdown of the songs of the year will not be played on Australia Day next year.

The move comes as debate intensifies on the suitability of January 26 as the date to pay tribute to Australia, with many deeming it insensitive to Indigenous Australians.

Next year’s countdown will be held on Saturday January 27.

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A secondary 100 songs that missed out on the top 100 will be broadcast on Sunday January 28.

Triple J is a division of the ABC.

In an article on the Triple J website, the station said the move was designed to make the countdown more inclusive.

“It’s fair to say there’s been increasing debate around 26 January and there are a lot of perspectives on what it means to different Australians,” it said.

“As the public broadcaster representing all Australians, triple j and the ABC doesn’t take a view in the discussions.

“However, in recent years the Hottest 100 has become a symbol in the debate about Australia Day.

“The Hottest 100 wasn’t created as an Australia Day celebration. It was created to celebrate your favourite songs of the past year.

“It should be an event that everyone can enjoy together – for both the musicians whose songs make it in and for everyone listening in Australia and around the world.

“This is really important to us.”

The station undertook a survey of listeners to ascertain the public mood on the issue, with 64,990 responses.

An analysis of the research showed 60 per cent were in favour of changing the date.

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