Apra Announces Changes To 2010 Music Awards; New 'rock Work Of The Year' Award

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ ARPA) - Reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the Australian musical landscape, the APRA Music Awards will now recognise the 'Rock Work of the Year'. "The introduction of the Rock Work of the Year is an important step forward in recognising the incredibly talented songwriters working within this genre. Over the 25 year history of the APRA Awards, we have constantly looked to evolve the Awards to accurately reflect, and celebrate, the ever-changing landscape of Australian music," said APRA|AMCOS's Director of Member Services, Sally Howland.

Also new in 2010: APRA will announce five nominees for the 'Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year' Award. The nominees will be selected by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Members. And finally, we bid farewell to the 'Jazz Work of the Year' .This Award is moving to the Classical Awards program. The Classical Awards, presented by APRA and the Australian Music Centre, is on hiatus this year, and will return in 2011 with a fresh new program.

Also announced today, from 2011, the data used to determine the nominees and ultimately, the winners, will include digital and online performance statistics. Brett Cottle, CEO APRA �� AMCOS commented, "We have restructured this year's APRA Awards to take into account the digital space as we realise the importance that online performance has upon the reach and listenership of Australian music."