Triple J Confirms ‘Hottest 100’ Date Will Not Change In 2017, But Future Years Are Up In The Air

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Despite early rumours, ABC broadcaster triple J has announced that it will not be moving its annual Hottest 100 away from Australia Day in 2017 – but this might be set to change.

Speculation had been mounting for several weeks after an online petition was established calling for the yearly music countdown not to be held on the 26 January public holiday – one that many Indigenous Australians regard as Invasion Day.

Triple J representatives released a statement yesterday saying that they recognise the views held by those passionate about a date change.

“We will continue to talk to Indigenous communities, artists and our audience about the date for the Hottest 100 in future years,” they said.

“Triple j is heavily involved in the growing dialogue around Indigenous recognition and perspectives on 26 January. This is really important to us.”

Indigenous music duo A.B Original had earlier told Music Feeds that it would be a ‘salute’ to Australia’s first people if the date was changed.

“That’s a conversation that we should all be having with why we are celebrating that day,” they said.

“Changing the day is just a symptom of what racism is in Australia, and Australia’s attitude towards its Indigenous people.”

In the end triple J was ultimately unable to change the date of the annual countdown but made it clear that the date for future years beyond 2017 is under review and could possibly be altered.

Changing the date could dislodge a favourite Australian pastime. The Hottest 100 has been an establishment for music lovers since its inception in 1989.

However, the date for Australia Day itself has long been a point of contention. It’s at odds with the majority of other countries which national day of the year falls on a date where the nation gained independence, had a change in governance or celebrate a royal figure’s birthday, rather than a starting date on which an entire population was colonised.

Whether the Hottest 100 can be changed to another date and remain as widely enjoyed will remain to be seen.