Plenty of comfort and joy at CRA Christmas party

The great archetypal Australian greeting is “Owyagoinmate?” The required response being, “Yeah-awright”, regardless of whether one is actually goinawright or not. The standard variance used for industry business owners such as those attending last night’s CRA Christmas party is, “Owsbusinessmate?”. The stock answer being, “Yeah-Good”. Speed of reply and conviction in the delivery are the tell tale signs of veracity. A more obtuse response, designed to keep your competitors guessing is, “Can’t complain. No one would listen anyway.”

Either way, no-one was complaining last night. When they said “Business is good”, you could take it to the bank. It’s been a bumper year for commercial radio – especially for its owners. But for the economic storm clouds on the US horizon, there was plenty of optimistic sentiment in the room at the trendy Clock Hotel in trendy Surry Hills last night.

There was even optimism regarding the new government. Although radio proprietors are not traditionally Labor supporters, the regional owners are still reeling from the onerous cross ownership and local content rules imposed by the previous government and are hoping that the incoming Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy will repeal the laws and ease the pain.

Also a talking point was the recent highly publicised reports of the Prime Network’s ambition to buy up everything that MMG didn’t already own. As yet no one in the room has received an offer. But no one we spoke to seemed to be in a hurry to sell.

Perhaps the most interesting revelation of the night was the beer. It’s called Crackenback and it’s a new venture for Alison O’Neill (nee Cameron) whose family owns Grant Broadcasters.

With Alison’s marketing skills and husband Kevin’s brewing talent, the beer is already a boutique success available from over 600 outlets.

The brewery describes the beer as, Our flagship beer, Crackenback Pale Ale is a traditional ale with a distinctive balance of malt and hops, with no added sugar or preservatives. Crackenback is a premium handcrafted beer that is a delightful interpretation of a classic style to be enjoyed at any time.

Visit the Crackenback website through the link below. BTW, the beer’s not bad either.