Triple M has issued a statement in response to the controversy surrounding a plan to broadcast its own Hottest 100-style countdown on Australia Day 2018 — dubbed the ‘Ozzest 100’ — after triple j decided to change the date of its annual Hottest 100 so that it no longer takes place on 26th January.

In a brief statement to Music Feeds, Triple M‘s Head Of Content, Mike Fitzpatrick, says the station is standing by its decision.

“At Triple M we are avid supporters of Aussie music and like we do throughout the year and every Australia Day we will celebrate Aussie artists,” he says.

Triple M‘s statement comes after the likes of Aussie rap duo A.B. Original criticised the station for mocking triple j‘s decision to change the date of its Hottest 100.

A.B. Original member Adam Briggs has also said he wants to “ruin” Triple M‘s countdown by encouraging his fans to vote for A.B. Original’s song ‘January 26’ in the ‘Ozzest 100’ countdown.

The ‘Ozzest 100’ is set to take place on Friday, 26th January, while triple j‘s Hottest 100 will take place on Saturday, 27th January.

UPDATE: The ABC Responds To Triple M’s ‘Ozzest 100’ With Its Own Parody Video