Start wins prestigious design award for RTRFM project at the 29th Annual Webby Awards

Start has won international recognition with a prestigious Webby Award for their design and development work for community radio station RTRFM, taking top honours in the Websites and Mobile Sites – Music category at the 29th Annual Webby Awards.

The win places the Western Australian studio alongside global powerhouses Apple Music, Lady Gaga, SoundCloud x Billie Eilish, and Splice – an achievement that showcases Perth’s creative talent competing successfully on the world stage.

This year’s Webby Awards saw more than 13,000 entries submitted from over 70 countries, with more than 3.6 million votes cast by over 800,000 people.

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

The award-winning RTRFM website which launched in August 2024, exemplifies Start’s innovative approach to digital design, bringing the station’s eclectic, community-driven identity into a bold, modern digital space. The comprehensive redesign features a reimagined brand identity, seamless access to live radio and podcasts, a sprawling mix archive, and RTRFM’s experimental new sister station, RTR2.

Simon Miraudo, General Manager at RTRFM, said: “Start has given us a world-class website that never forgets its roots in the WA community that RTRFM represents, from the musical artists to our volunteer presenters.”

The award, chosen by a panel of judges from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, recognises outstanding achievement in digital media and represents one of the highest honours in the internet industry. The official Webby Awards ceremony will take place in New York City on May 12.

This achievement represents a significant milestone for Perth’s digital and creative community, demonstrating that Western Australian design talent not only competes but excels on the global stage.

To view the award-winning project, click here.