This award recognises the ability of sporting clubs and organisations to engage with members and fans through their own media channels. A strong emphasis is on unique approaches that engage fans and encourage people to become more actively involved in sport. This can be via website articles, podcasts or video, and the use of social media channels.
The grassroots spirt of surfing in Australia was captured in the live broadcast the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle produced by Surfing Australia Studios. Through affable commentary, frenetic pacing and loads of action the true essence of this grassroots, national club event – which bucked the traditional solo format of surfing – was brought to life and a new favourite of both surf and sports fans on Fox Sports and Kayo emerged. Overall, the event received 3.8 million views across the live coverage and digital channels.
The AOC’s official campaign for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, AllezAus reached over 600 million users globally, with 57,000 pieces of content created between August 2023 and August 2024. Launching exactly one year prior to the Games getting underway, the campaign included a broad range of content, delivered across @AUSOlympicTeam channels, in schools and in the community. The campaign’s inclusive structure meant all Olympic fans and stakeholders could easily get on board, boosting awareness of the stories of Australian athletes across various media channels.
In 2024, Bowls Australia live-streamed 268 hours and 29 minutes of matches with their Rinkside Live coverage taking fans deep into each national event. The broadcast coverage was supported in the written word with 180 news articles covering players, events, clubs, incentives, programs and charities published on their website. Bowls Australia also rose to the occasion of the Bowls Premier League and the Australian Open finals to provide televised broadcasts and maintained continued coverage through The Bowls Show on Fox Sports and Kayo, Without Biason 1116SEN radio, their official podcast The Right Line and their social media channels.
When a member of your club's royal family reaches a significant milestone, you roll out the red carpet. And the Richmond Football Club’s digital team did exactly that to recognise Dustin Martin’s 300th AFL game. From the full-length documentary Don’t Argueand innovative photo shoots with the famous number four and fellow club legends, to rolling out 3D animations and an augmented reality filter which allowed fans to walk alongside Dusty, no stone was left unturned. With thousands engaged online, the team surely played their part in attracting 92,311 fans to the MCG for the milestone game.