If there was one topic that sparked the most controversy and discussion last year, it would have to be that of triple j talking about changing the date of the Hottest 100. First gaining traction around this time last year, the proposal requested that triple j change the date of the countdown from Australia Day on January 26th, a public holiday which has attracted criticism in recent years for celebrating colonialism and genocide. Now, triple j are asking for opinions from the public in regards to potentially changing the date for future countdowns.
The topic of changing the date become quickly divisive, with much discussion as a result. Music festivals, such as Falls Festival, offered tickets to anyone who could convince triple j to change the date, and noted Indigenous musicians and commentators also spoke on the topic at great length. Despite this, triple j eventually decided not to change the date… at least not for 2017.
In September of last year, the station issued a statement on the current state of the proposal. “We’ve been aware of, and have been a part of, the discussions around 26 January for some time. triple j is heavily involved in the growing dialogue around Indigenous recognition and perspectives on 26 January. This is really important to us.”
“We will continue to talk to Indigenous communities, artists and our audience about the date for the Hottest 100 in future years. In short: it’s under review.”
triple j did also put forth ideas about potential dates that the countdown could be held on instead, with New Year’s Day being the strongest contender – the original date of the countdown back in 1989. triple j’s Ollie Wards said that moving the date “might not be the most popular decision but when people have a little bit of empathy for those in the minority, hopefully they’ll realise that there’s something broader and more important than the particular day that they want to do this cool thing.”
Now, almost a year later, triple j have opened up a survey for listeners and the general public to voice their opinion on the changing of the date. The survey is more than just a basic yes or no questionnaire, but also asks about your engagement with the station, the Hottest 100, and what your opinion is in regards to the date change, undoubtedly as a way to gain greater insight into the vast amount of differing opinions its listeners hold.
While it is, and will most likely remain a contentious topic for some time to come, here’s hoping that this survey can result in a decision which is seen as suitable by the vast majority of Australians.
Be sure to have you say in the matter here.
