triple j spent almost $39K changing the Hottest 100 date

triple j‘s decision to change the date of their annual Hottest 100 countdown was contentious to say the least, however their decision was backed by a poll of almost 65 thousand listeners with 60% wanting the date changed.

Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz challenged triple j during a February Senate estimates hearing, asking how much the survey cost.

Now the cost of the survey has been revealed, with Fairfax reporting that the listener poll cost $38,690, according to documents lodged with the Senate Estimates Committee on Environment and Communications.

The decision to move the countdown was met by mix responses political figrues with communications minister Mitch Fifield stating he was “bewildered” by the decision and that triple j “shouldn’t be buying into this debate” surrounding the date.

On the other side, Greens senator Rachel Siewert welcomed the move on behalf of her party.

When the date was changed, triple j indicated the countdown will now occur on the fourth weekend in January, which for 2019 could be problematic as the fourth Saturday is January 26.

Despite the controversy surrounding the countdown earlier this year, triple j revealed that it was the most voted-in Hottest 100 of all time.