Broadcasting live from the Brisbane Truck Show, counting down the top 500 songs in January and an ever-increasing number of listeners’ song requests and shout outs are the highlights of the past 12 months for Australian Truck Radio host Simon Smith.
Mr Smith, and his Australian Big Rig Radio Show aimed at Australian’s long haul truck drivers, joined the Prime Creative Media family in August 2022.
With the backing of Australia’s leading business to business publisher the station has notched up a number of memorable milestones, including its re-launch and re-branding as Australian Truck Radio, the release of its own mobile App on Google Play and Apple stores, and wide-ranging media coverage in titles such as Big Rigs, Owner Driver, Deals on Wheels, Prime Mover, PowerTorque, Trailer Magazine and Fully Loaded.
As we head into the second half of 2023 the digital station is averaging 20,000 listeners a day, with new App download numbers growing every week.
“It’s the best 12 months I’ve ever had,” says Mr Smith. “It’s been great, the contact with listeners at the truck show, to have people come up and say they love what you do.
“This year I’ve been in radio 43 years. The music is still at the heart of everything we do, but the technology and how we’re able to use it to reach people has totally changed – for the better.”
Being an internet-based service Australian Truck Radio reaches truck drivers all over Australia via their mobile devices – allowing them to simply lock on the station and stayed tuned in for as long as they like. No more twisting the dial to find the next radio station every few hundred kilometres.
Mr Smith says the station has broadened its offerings over the 12 months, adding comedy to the line-up, along with regular bulletins covering the news of the day, traffic conditions and road conditions.
With truck drivers in mind Mr Smith also has regular chats with industry and business leaders who support and supply the companies and drivers who keep Australia moving.
Regular guests include Senator Glenn Sterle, musician Jayne Denham, Truckie Nutrition Chick Tracey Marley, Truckright’s Rod Hannifey and Transport Women Australia Ltd chair Jacquelene Brotherton.
“We’re working with the Associations, NatRoad and NHVR and have had some great commercial support too.”
Looking forward to the next 12 months Mr Smith says Australian Truck Radio will continue to grow its reach, attending more events and truck shows and listening to listeners to ensure they are delivering the music and entertainment they want.
“It’s a mix of country, classic rock, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Barnes, 70s, 80s, 90s,” he says.
“Great songs are like old friends. They’re always happy to see you and they bring back old memories.”
Australian Truck Radio General Manager Peter Hockings says the station has continued to evolve over the past 12 months with the strong support of foundation partners within the trucking industry who are keen to talk directly to drivers and operators.
Mr Hockings says there’s been plenty of support from trucking industry associations and organisations too, with one highlight being a partnership with the Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds charity which has taken on the mission of helping share information and assisting drivers and transport workers in looking after their mental health.
Australian Truck Radio can be found online at www.australiantruckradio.com.au via Spotify, or via the Australian Truck Radio App which is available at the Apple Store or Google Play. For shout-outs or song requests the ATR text line is 0401 912 255 and to report any traffic issues that other drivers should know about phone 1300 545 082.