Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is pleased to announce that commercial radio share has reached its highest level since 2014, climbing to an impressive 74.6%. This surge reflects nearly 10% growth over the past three years*, underscoring radio’s role in connecting communities and delivering trusted content.
According to the latest GfK Survey 5, 2024, commercial radio now reaches 12.3 million weekly listeners, who spend an average of 12 hours and 51 minutes with their favourite stations. This growth highlights radio’s enduring appeal and its unique ability to adapt to changing listener preferences.
Lizzie Young, CRA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Radio’s capacity to seamlessly connect with listeners anytime and anywhere – is unmatched. Our commitment to delivering compelling, reliable content ensures Australians always have access to the programs they love, right at their fingertips.”
Among the 25-54 demographic, a critical audience for advertisers, commercial radio saw a 3.1% year-on-year (YOY) increase, adding 181,000 listeners to surpass 6 million weekly. Breakfast shows reach over 8.8 million listeners weekly, with Time Spent Listening (TSL) at an average of 3 hours and 37 minutes.
Radio’s reach continues to expand beyond traditional settings. Listeners in car growing by 4.8% YOY, with over 10 million people tuning in weekly this way. These listeners spend an average of 5 hours and 26 minutes tuned in, integrating it into their routines. At home and at work listeners tune in for an average of 10 hours and 1 minute and 12 hours and 41 minutes (+2 hours and 9 minutes YOY) respectively.
The digital transformation of radio is accelerating this growth, with 3.4 million Australians streaming commercial radio weekly for an average of 4 hours and 16 minutes, with 69.1% of these listeners tuning in from home, 28.1% in the car, and 26.9% at work.
Commercial DAB+ only radio stations are also on the rise, attracting an audience of over 2.6 million. TSL on Commercial DAB+ only stations have increased by 18 minutes to 6 hours and 26 minutes, highlighting the growing popularity of digital radio.
“As audio evolves, its importance as a trusted source of news, local information, entertainment, and community connection only grows stronger. Our focus remains on enhancing the listener experience and offering advertisers meaningful opportunities to engage with audiences at scale,” added Ms Young.
Source: GfK 360 Radio Ratings, SMBAP S5 2024, compared to S5 2023, All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, Cume (000’s), unless otherwise stated. Weekly Time Spent Listening (hh:mm). All numbers refer to commercial radio results unless otherwise stated.
*Compared to S5 2021