The triple j Hottest 100 won’t be counting down on Australia Day in 2018.
The ABC youth network radio station made the announcement today, that the Hottest 100 will now be held on Saturday 27 January 2018.
The move is a result of an online survey in which listeners “agreed that the Hottest 100 shouldn’t be part of a debate about the day it’s on”, a statement on their website said.
Australia Day can polarise members of the community, some of whom feel it dishonours Indigenous Australians.
“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,” the statement continues.
“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.”
