Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has kicked off 2026 extending its lead in the ‘Audience That Matters’, the key 25-54 demographic, signalling strong momentum in the first GfK survey of the year.* Driven by live, local, and consistent lineups, the strength of the Triple M and Hit Networks continue to deliver dominant results nationally.

When combined with ACE Radio, SCA’s commercial share of the 25-54 demographic sits at 37.6%, a massive 9.3 points ahead of the next commercial competitor.

With a 5.1% increase in SCA’s total reach (P10+) – now informing and entertaining 9,095,700 listeners nationally** – SCA further flexes its strength as a network achieving ‘the trifecta’ in the ‘Audience That Matters’:

• All People 25–54: SCA network wins – 37th consecutive survey.
• Men 25–54: Triple M dominates – 25th consecutive survey.
• Women 25–54: The Hit Network secures the key demo across metro markets.

The Hit Network have started the year strongly, with audience growth across all metro Breakfast shows and achieving key demographic wins. The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick achieved the biggest audience growth in the Melbourne radio market (up 82,000 to 611,000 listeners). The F25-54 demographic was won around the country by Fifi, Fev & Nick, B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt,and SAFM’s Bel, Bernie & EmmaG. The Hit Network’s lineup was further strengthened by the success of Carrie & Tommy in Drive, which secured the Number 1 spot in Brisbane (14.8%) and grew share in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

After a stellar 2025, Triple M continues to set the pace, claiming the Number 1 spot in Brisbane (13.1%) and Adelaide (12.5%). Brisbane’s Marto, Margaux & Dan (14.0%)maintained their leadership in a competitive market, while Triple M Adelaide’s Roo, Ditz & Loz (14.4%)continue to dominate, winning 26 of the last 27 surveys.^ Triple M Melbourne has kicked off the year with its second-highest Survey 1 audience ever (782,000 listeners).

In Sydney, SCA’s investment in a live and local strategy for Triple M and 2DayFM is paying off. Now Sydney’s longest-running Breakfast team, Triple M’s Beau, Cat & Woodsy are seeing rewards for their hard work, rising to a 5.0% share (up 1 point) with an additional 62,000 listeners (up to 356,000) choosing Triple M to start their day. 2DayFM grew by 54,000 listeners to achieve an audience of 742,000, while in Breakfast Nath & Emma’s natural chemistry is resonating across Sydney’s suburbs (growing audience by 14,000, rising 0.7 share points). 

Matthew O’Reilly, SCA’s Head of Broadcast Content said: “New year, new momentum. This is a great start for SCA, with our live, local and consistent approach paying off. Both the Hit and Triple M networks are performing strongly across the country, with the Hit Network securing audience growth in all breakfast shows throughout Australia and pleasing results for Carrie & Tommy in Drive. Triple M’s leadership in Brisbane and Adelaide highlights the strength of our brands, which drive our dominance in the audience that matters.

“It’s also encouraging to see the hard work and investment from our Sydney teams starting to translate into results on 2DayFM and Triple M. Huge credit to Nath & Emma and Beau, Cat & Woodsy – we’re building strong foundations, and there’s plenty more to come. Congratulations to SCA’s content teams around the country.”

John Kelly, Southern Cross Media Group’s Interim Chief Executive Officer – TV & Audio, added: “Today’s results highlight the power of our combined networks, with SCA and ACE delivering a massive 37.6% commercial share amongst the Audience That Matters, 9.3 share points above our nearest competitor. Our live and local approach, combined with consistency across all our shows around the country, is driving results for our audience and brands. SCA remains unmatched in its ability to reach the Audience That Matters, and when combined with the scale of Seven West Media, Southern Cross Media Group offers advertisers a truly unrivalled platform to connect with audiences at scale.”

Commercial radio has delivered consistent audience performance since mid-2022 in an increasingly fragmented landscape. Reaching more than 12.7 million Australians weekly, it connects audiences through trusted, live and local content, delivering the scale and relevance advertisers require.

Sourcing:  GfK R360 Metro Survey #1 2026, P10+/P25-54/M25-54/W25-54, Mon-Sun ROS, Mon-Fri 05.30-09.00/Mon-Fri 06.00-09.00/Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00/Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-19.00, Share % / Commercial Share % / Cume Reach (000’s).  * 37th consecutive survey since S5 2021.  ** Source:  GfK R360 Metro Survey #1 2026.  GfK Canberra/Newcastle/Gold Coast Survey #3 2025, P10+, Mon-Sun ROS, Cume Reach (000’s)  Xtra Insights SCA regional markets surveyed as at 19th March 2026, Mon-Sun ROS, P10+, Cume Reach (00’s). ^ Comm FM.

About Southern Cross Media Group

Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) (Southern Cross) is one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence across broadcast television, audio, publishing and digital.

SCA audio assets include the LiSTNR digital audio app, offering free and compelling digital audio content including SCA’s FM, AM, and DAB+ radio stations, live AFL, NRL, and international cricket coverage, over 50 music playlists, local news and over 800 podcast titles from leading Australian and global creators. With more than 2.5 million signed-in users on the LiSTNR app and with a total LiSTNR Audience Network that reaches an estimated ten million* people each month.

SCA owns 104 radio stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio under the Triple M and Hit network brands and provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations, with more than 8.7 million listeners across the Hit and Triple M networks nationally.