RTRFM website wins big at global Webby Awards

Perth community radio station RTRFM has been named Best Music Website at the prestigious 29th Annual Webby Awards, beating out huge names like Lady Gaga, Apple Music, and Soundcloud x Billie Eilish.

Created by Perth digital studio Start, RTRFM’s new online home, rtrfm.com.au, triumphed in the Websites and Mobile Sites – Music category, as selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Lady Gaga’s site took out the People’s Voice Award through public voting, but RTRFM clinched the jury prize—a win previously awarded to heavyweights like Metallica.

“We’re extremely chuffed and extremely flabbergasted by the win,” said RTRFM’s general manager Simon Miraudo. “Our listeners, volunteers and staff have long believed RTRFM can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best music outlets in the world. To get this kind of global recognition for our website, and for our new online-only station RTR2, is both humbling and validating. Lady Gaga now has a standing invitation to any of our upcoming events—and we’ll even throw in a plus-one for a friend.”

RTRFM’s award-winning website launched in August 2024, featuring a redesign that channels the station’s community-driven spirit into a modern digital experience. The revamp introduced easy access to live radio, a huge archive of podcasts and mixes, a reimagined brand identity, and the station’s experimental new sister channel RTR2.

“This project represents everything we love about what we do — creative freedom, cultural significance, and work that stands far apart from the crowd,” said Start managing director Neil Mason. “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised on this global stage alongside the biggest names in music and tech.”

RTRFM and Start will officially celebrate their win at the Webby Awards ceremony hosted by Ilana Glazer in New York City on Monday, May 12.

Other major Webby winners this year include Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Walton Goggins and Amelia Dimoldenberg.

RTRFM has been named Best Music Website at the 29th Annual Webby Awards. Check out RTRFM’s website at rtrfm.com.au