Nine Radio No.1 Melbourne, No.1 streaming nationally and 160 in a row for Ray Hadley

TOTAL RADIO 

Melbourne’s 3AW has had a bumper ratings win, while Sydney’s 2GB dominates the talk scene in today’s GfK Radio 360 Survey 6. And across the country, Nine’s talk stations are the go-to streaming destination for live listeners.

In Melbourne, 3AW’s Ross and Russ further increased their lead as the undisputed No.1, rising to a 23.0 share (up 1.3), while Tom Elliott commands the Melbourne Mornings slot with a winning 18.3. Overall, the station was the clear No.1 with a 14.9 share.

Ray Hadley has made history in Sydney, recording his 160th consecutive survey win in the 2GB Mornings slot with a share of 12.4 – an incredible feat likely never to be surpassed. In Breakfast, Ben Fordham remains firmly on top in talk with a commanding 12.2 share, while 2GB is No.1 in talk with a 10.2 share. 

Nine Radio’s Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “At a time when audio has never been more competitive, 3AW’s dominance is extraordinary, thanks to gains in Breakfast, Drive and across the weekend in Survey 6.”

“In Sydney, and for the first time ever, positions one to four are only separated by 0.6 points! It’s a great time to be in Talk Radio and our loyal listeners know they can rely on us for Australia’s best live and local news, opinion and entertainment.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE TOTAL RADIO CUME
15.8
(4 markets)
1.813 million
listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio is the No.1 destination for live audio listeners across the country, with a commercial streaming share of 27.8 and cume of 405,000.  

2GB and 3AW remain the No.1 stations in overall commercial streaming, with a 27.1 and 29.8 share, respectively.

Ben Fordham is the outright No.1 in Breakfast, posting a commercial streaming share of 30.3 and Ross and Russ increasing their No.1 position even further with an incredible 52.4 commercial streaming share (up 2.1).

Mornings at 2GB and 3AW also recorded a No.1 commercial streaming share with 31.4 for Ray Hadley and 32.7 for Tom Elliott.

Greg Byrnes, said: “We’ve had a great streaming story to tell since the introduction of Radio360 and that’s been reflected through this survey period. Talk is the clear number one format for streaming as more and more Australians engage with our live and local content through a connected device.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE STREAMING CUME
27.8 405,000

PODCASTS 

August delivered the highest number of monthly listeners on record for Nine, with 1.984 million listeners (up 21% MoM) tuning in to 9Podcasts’ incredible slate of news, entertainment, lifestyle, sport and investigative shows during the month.

Podcast downloads also surged to 4.817 million (up 17% MoM). The Ultimate Sacrifice led the charge, with 287,000 listeners in August – ranking in the top five highest number of listeners in a single month of all time across 9Podcast titles.

Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery also saw impressive numbers with 273,000 listeners in August, demonstrating the strength and quality of Nine’s cross-platform strategy when it comes to delivering original and engaging investigative podcasts.

TOTAL DOWNLOADS TOTAL LISTENERS
4.8 million 1.94 million

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 6 2024, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

Source: Triton Podcast Metrics, August 2024, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment, unless otherwise specified.

Melbourne’s No.1 3AW records best result of 2024

Melbourne's No.1 3AW records best result of 2024

The results mark 3AW’s best result of the year, while also delivering further audience growth across breakfast and mornings.

Each week, the station’s captivating mix of live, locally-driven talk radio draws a cumulative audience of 787,000 listeners across Melbourne – an increase of over 20,000 listeners from Survey 5.

Ross and Russ command Melbourne’s breakfast radio with an impressive 23.0 share – a rise of 1.3 points since Survey 5 and a massive 12.9 points ahead of their nearest rival. Each week, 558,000 Melburnians tune into the award-winning team, representing their highest cumulative audience since Survey 1 of 2023. Additionally, the duo captured an astounding 52.4% of the commercial streaming audience.

In his sixth survey in the mornings slot, Tom Elliott has firmly established himself as Melbourne’s No. 1, achieving a leading 18.3 share. Tom added an additional 22,000 listeners since the previous survey and now boasts a weekly audience of 552,000 – his highest cumulative audience since taking the reins of the slot. He also achieved a leading commercial streaming share of 32.7%.

Tony Moclair is the No.1 Afternoon talk program with a 9.8 share – 5.9 points ahead of his closest talk rival.

Jacqui Felgate solidifies her position as Melbourne’s No.1 Drive talk program, achieving an 8.5 share. Each week, 313,000 Melburnians tune into Jacqui’s fresh and engaging approach to talk radio.

Denis Walter is No.1 in Melbourne’s evening radio listening, holding the top spot with a 14.3 share.

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “Survey 6 reaffirms 3AW as Melbourne’s leading radio station. Ross and Russ have set the pace in breakfast, achieving their largest audience in over 18 months. Together with Tom Elliott’s  dominance in the morning slot and Jacqui Felgate’s continued success in the drive shift, these results highlight the dedication of our on-air talent and the teams behind the scenes. We’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our loyal listeners, which is something we never take for granted.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 6 2024, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, Mon-Fri 8.30am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thurs 8pm-12MN, Weekends 5.30am-12MN, Cume (000s), Market Share % Total Radio, Commercial Streaming share %, AP10+ , unless otherwise specified. 

Radio Powers On – Record Growth Signals a Thriving Audio Landscape

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) welcomes another record-breaking milestone, with commercial radio’s share of listening climbing to 75.1%. This figure not only surpasses last survey’s record but also marks the highest level since 2014, highlighting the vibrancy of Australia’s audio landscape.

In the past four years, commercial radio has made remarkable strides following the disruptions caused by COVID-19. With a market share increase of over 10 percentage points since S1 2020, radio is reaffirming its resilience and solidifying its position as a dominant player in the media landscape. This growth is largely fuelled by the rise of digital distribution, which has allowed radio to adapt and maintain its audience reach.

“These results prove radio continues to connect with audiences anytime, anywhere. As listening habits diversify, our growth reflects the industry’s creativity and commitment to ensuring commercial radio remains a dynamic and trusted source of education and entertainment,” said Lizzie Young, CRA’s Chief Executive Officer.

The latest GfK Survey 6, 2024, shows commercial radio reaches 12.3 million weekly listeners, with average time spent listening (TSL) holding steady compared to last survey at 12 hours and 51 minutes. Younger audiences continue to fuel this growth, with a 2.1% rise among 18-24-year-olds year-on-year and a 2.3% increase for 25-39-year-olds year-on-year.

Breakfast radio continues to shine, drawing in over 8.6 million listeners each week, listening for 3 hours and 40 minutes. In-car listening climbed 3.3% to surpass 10 million weekly listeners, while at-work listening increased average time spent listening by a full hour year-on-year to 12 hours and 29 minutes.

The digital transformation of radio is a crucial factor in this growth. Commercial radio streaming has seen a slight increase since last survey, bringing the total number of weekly streaming listeners to nearly 3.6 million. Notably, at-home streaming has gained 109,000 listeners, reflecting a 4.6% rise since the last survey. Additionally, commercial DAB+ only stations are making their mark, with TSL rising by 26 minutes year-on-year to 6 hours and 39 minutes per week.

Source: GfK 360 Radio Ratings, SMBAP S6 2024, 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.

SCA SECURES 26TH CONSECUTIVE WIN OF 25-54s DEMOGRAPHIC

The Fox is Melbourne’s #1 FM BREAKFAST SHOW and most listened to STATION

B105 clean sweeps Brisbane: #1 STATION, #1 BREAKFAST SHOW and #1 DRIVE SHOW

Triple M is Adelaide’s #1 BREAKFAST SHOW

Triple M has #1 reach in AFL and NRL

SCA has secured a record-breaking 26th consecutive win^ of the key 25-54 buying demographic to maintain its position as Australia’s no.1 25-54 radio network* in today’s GfK Radio360 Metro Survey #6 2024 results.

In a further indicator of continued dominance, SCA’s Hit Network was again no.1 for women 25-54, while the Triple M network was no.1 for men 25-54, confirming that as the outright leaders in these commercially critical demographics, SCA is the undisputed home of the audience that matters most to Australian advertisers.

SCA’s Hit and Triple M metro station wins for Survey 6 include:

  • #1 Melbourne FM Breakfast show – The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick
  • #1 Brisbane Station, Breakfast show and Drive show – B105, Stav, Abby & MattCarrie & Tommy
  • #1 and #2 Brisbane radio stations – B105 and Triple M Brisbane
  • #1 Adelaide Breakfast show – Triple M Adelaide’s Roo, Ditts & Loz

When it comes to footy, Triple M continued its winning season:

  • #1 reach in AFL and NRL
  • #1 AFL broadcast in metro markets, reaching 700,000 P10+ across the weekend in Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth**
  • #1 AFL broadcast in metro markets, reaching 424,000 P25-54 across the weekend in Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth**
  • #1 NRL reach for P10+, reaching 376,000^^
  • #1 NRL reach for P25-54, reaching 183,000^^

SCA Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron, said: “Today’s incredible result confirms that the Melbourne market has now settled, with the re-crowning of the local and lovable powerhouse of Fifi, Fev & Nick as Melbourne’s indisputable number one FM Breakfast show.

“This show remains unwavering on creating joyful, Melbourne-focused and family-friendly fun, and Melbourne listeners have decisively responded by making the show number one again.

“SCA also continues to dominate the Breakfast shift elsewhere, with the brilliant Stav, Abby & Matt on B105 remaining Brisbane’s number one Breakfast show, and Triple M Adelaide’s Roo, Ditts & Loz continuing their record-winning number one streak.

“Triple M Perth has also achieved its highest result ever today, driven by another increase at Breakfast from Xav & Michelle.

“SCA’s strong Breakfast and Drive shows have continued to drive a dominant 25-54 ‘audience that matters’ result nationally, maintaining significant leadership over our competitors in this commercially critical demographic for our advertising clients.

Hamish & Andy, as Australia’s number one podcast, completes the set of audience-loved shows across the nation, which continues to engage Australia’s biggest 25-54 audience that matters.”

SCA Chief Commercial Officer, Seb Rennie, said: “SCA remains the clear leader as the no. 1 home of the audience that matters – 25-to-54-year-olds, as proven once again by today’s results.

“Combined with our growing SCA-ACE represented metro stations, the metro 25-54 commercial audience share is market leading at 35.3%*, ahead of our nearest competition by 8.5 share points*.

“SCA’s in-depth understanding of the commercially critical buying demographic is evident of why we have dominated for 26 surveys in a row.”

Sources:

* GfK Radio 360 Metro Survey #6 2024.  P10+/P25-54/M25-54/F25-54, Mon-Sun ROS/Mon-Fri 05.30-09.00/Mon-Fri 06.00-09.00/Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-19.00. Total Radio. Market Share/Commercial Share/Cume Reach.

26 surveys since Survey #5, 2021, FM & DAB+.

** GfK Radio Ratings. Metro Survey 6, 2024. Melbourne – Friday 1800-2230, Saturday 1200-2230, Sunday 1300-1930. Adelaide – Friday 1730-2200, Saturday 1130-2200, Sunday 1230-1900. Perth – Friday 1745-2030, Saturday 1000-2030, Sunday 1100-1730. P10+.  Cume / Market Share %

^^ GfK Radio Ratings. Metro Survey 6, 2024. Sydney / Brisbane. – Thursday 1900-2200, Friday 1800-2000, Saturday 1200-1700, Sunday 1200-1600. P10+ / People 25-54 . Cume Reach / Market Share %

About SCA (Southern Cross Austereo)  

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is one of Australia’s leading media companies reaching more than 95% of the Australian population through its radio, television, and digital assets. Under the Triple M and Hit network brands, SCA owns 154 stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio.  SCA also provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations. SCA broadcasts 96 free to air TV signals across regional Australia, reaching 3.6 million people a week, with Network 10 programming and advertising representation across Australia’s East Coast, Seven Network programming in Tasmania and Darwin, and Seven, Nine and Ten programming in Spencer Gulf. SCA also features Sky News Regional in 17 markets across regional Queensland, southern NSW, and Victoria. SCA has an exclusive national sales representation agreement with WIN in northern NSW (including the Gold Coast) and TDT (Tasmanian Digital Television). SCA operates LiSTNR, Australia’s free, personalised digital audio destination for consumers featuring radio, podcasts, music, news, and sport. SCA provides Australian sales representation for global open audio platform SoundCloud and Sonos Radio. SCA’s premium brands are supported by social media, live events and digital platforms that deliver national and local entertainment, news, and sport content. www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au

TRIPLE M ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED COMMENTARY LINE-UP FOR THE NRL GRAND FINAL

The 2024 NRL Grand Final promises to be an electrifying showdown, and there’s no better place to experience every moment than live on Triple M, Australia’s #1 NRL audio broadcaster.

Triple M is excited to reveal its outstanding commentary team for the highly anticipated Grand Final, featuring a blend of expert voices that will keep rugby league fans riveted. Coverage kicks off with the “Sin Bin” team from 12pm to 3pm, led by Ben DobbinJames GrahamJames Hooper, and Gorden Tallis, who will provide sharp insights and engaging discussions in the lead-up to the big game.

From 3:30pm to 6pm, Triple M will present the NRLW Grand Final, featuring Anthony MaroonKezie AppsAaron Woods and Tiffany Salmond. This exciting match will showcase the best talent in women’s rugby league.

As the sun sets, the men’s call team takes the air from 6pm, featuring Dan GinnaneJames GrahamRyan Girdler, and Brent Read, guiding listeners through the grand final from start to finish.

This year marks a significant milestone for Triple M NRL, continuing its legacy of delivering unrivalled coverage of rugby league’s biggest moments. With a proven track record of audience engagement and memorable commentary, including some of the sport’s most iconic calls, Triple M is dedicated to providing a top-notch experience for all listeners.

SCA Head of Sports Content, Ewan Giles, stated, “The NRL Grand Final is the pinnacle of the rugby league season, and we are thrilled to have the best commentary team in the game on board. Triple M’s coverage will be nothing short of exceptional, as teams vie for the coveted premiership title.”

Triple M’s 2024 NRL Grand Final Commentary Team:

  • Sin Bin (12pm-3pm): Ben Dobbin, James Graham, James Hooper, Gorden Tallis
  • NRLW Grand Final (3.30pm-6pm): Anthony Maroon, Kezie Apps, Aaron Woods and Tiffany Salmond
  • Men’s Call Team (6pm onwards): Dan Ginnane, James Graham, Ryan Girdler, Brent Read

Triple M’s Grand Final Day coverage will kick off with special pre-game programming, setting the stage for the thrilling matches ahead.

Don’t miss a moment of the action — tune in to the Triple M Network from 12pm for full coverage of the NRL Grand Final on Sunday, 6 October, or catch the game live and on-demand on LiSTNR.

About Triple M

For more than 40 years, Triple M continues to be one of Australia’s best-known radio entertainment brands and the only radio network that provides its listeners with a unique combination of Greatest Hits, Sport and Comedy. With 49 stations across Australia, including six digital stations, Triple M 80s, Triple M Classic Rock, Triple M 2000s, Triple M Country, and Triple M 90s, Triple M has become known for playing Rock’s Greatest Hits, and its iconic talent and shows that get people talking.

The iconic brand entertains more than 4.6 million radio and on demand listeners each week and is home to some of Australia’s biggest sporting heroes, comedians and music gurus including Mick Molloy, Marty Sheargold, Mark Geyer, Gus Worland, Margaux Parker, Ryan Girdler, Leisel Jones, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Gorden Tallis, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar, Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt and Andrew Jarman to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

Independent Review into ABC Systems and Processes in Support of Staff who Experience Racism

The ABC has released the Independent Review into ABC Systems and Processes in Support of Staff who Experience Racism and announced the next steps to improve those processes.

The Independent Review was announced by ABC Managing Director David Anderson in May 2023 and is informed by interviews with 120 current and former ABC staff. Led by Indigenous lawyer Dr Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaighana and Meriam woman, the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly review has made 15 recommendations to improve the ABC’s systems and processes.

Mr Anderson has issued an apology to any current or former employee who has experienced racism and has committed the ABC to accept in principle all 15 recommendations. Mr Anderson also announced former Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan has been engaged to continue this work.

Mr Anderson told staff the testimonies provided to Dr Janke were disturbing and the details of racist behaviour were unacceptable to the ABC.

“On behalf of everyone at the ABC, I am sorry for any and all racist behaviour and past harms experienced by our Indigenous and CALD employees, either currently or formerly employed,” Mr Anderson told staff today.

“We all need to do better for our colleagues on our commitment to zero tolerance for racism in our workplace.

“We all need to do better for our colleagues by preventing or acting on behaviour that seeks to discriminate against, bully or demean them.

“We all need to do better for our colleagues by remaining vigilant against racism or discrimination of any kind in our workplace.”

The Review is available here and the 15 recommendations and the ABC’s response here. The ABC has also developed a list of Action Items, available here.

The Review was announced following public discussion and comments about racist behaviour at the ABC and how the organisation responds to acts of racism from within and outside the organisation.

The ABC commissioned the Review in response to calls for an independent and external process by senior ABC Indigenous staff and the ABC Bonner Committee (which advises the Managing Director on Indigenous matters). The Review also followed conversations with the ABC Indigenous, Diversity & Inclusion team.

The ABC will launch an internal campaign to raise awareness of racism and discrimination and to make it easier for staff to report instances of racism and discrimination. In addition to current anti-bullying and harassment training, and inclusion training, the ABC will begin specific anti-racism training with staff.

The ABC has also created a new role to lead this work, Director First Nations Strategy, to join the ABC’s Leadership Team reporting directly to the Managing Director, developing the plan to implement actions in response to the recommendations set out in the report. The ABC’s current Head of Indigenous, Diversity and Inclusion Kelly Williams has been asked to step into this role until a new Managing Director can initiate a recruitment process. However, the role will be ongoing.

The Review has acknowledged the work done by the ABC executive under Mr Anderson’s leadership to improve the ABC culture and the way the ABC manages and addresses racism within the organisation.

“As an organisation and as an industry we must learn from the experiences in the report and commit to work together to do better and rebuild the trust that has been eroded by the actions of some people,” Mr Anderson said.

“For anyone who thinks it is ok to display or practise racist behaviour, or who thinks they can make people feel belittled based on their identity, we will call you out and remove you from this organisation. You are not welcome here. We are a workplace that values respect, and we expect it.”

Chair of the ABC Bonner Committee Dan Bouchier said:  “Thank you to David Anderson for the courage to listen deeply and launch this review, and releasing Listen Loudly, Act Strongly today, and thanks to David and the Board for committing to implementing all recommendations.

“Dr Terri Janke and her team took great care in conducting this review – thank you.

“We are especially grateful to everyone who bravely shared their experiences, as well as what they saw as solutions to make the ABC stronger.

“I’m inspired to see Kelly Williams as the inaugural Director First Nations Strategy – and fully support her. We all back Kelly in the important work ahead, as she continues to build on the significant change she has already accomplished.

“I asked David to call for this review because it was clear there were big challenges. This report is a turning point and seeks to strengthen and reform the ABC.

“It’s a line in the sand – we need to do better.

“The ABC’s First Nations and CALD staff need this to be acted on across the organisation, and the Australian people expect more from the ABC, to ensure it remains the important institution it is.

“This review exposes the depth of the problems. To achieve the crucial work of Listen Loudly, Act Strongly will require the entire ABC to work to embed meaningful change.”

Record audiences have their Breakfast with Craig Reucassel in GfK survey 6

More Sydneysiders are tuning into Breakfast on ABC Radio Sydney with Craig Reucassel than ever before.

GfK survey 6 delivered Sydney Breakfast its highest share since Survey 6 2022 up 1.2 share points to 10.0% share. This result takes the program to #4 in the Sydney Breakfast market.

The program also added 10,000 listeners this survey for a reach of 265,000, the best result since Survey 7 2023.

Craig has been presenting ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast since January 2024. He is also known for his work with The Chaser and for presenting 3 seasons of the critically acclaimed War on Waste series on ABC TV.

Survey 6 also saw the ABC continue our uninterrupted position as Australia’s number 1 live streaming network and increasing our share by +0.2pts to 26.1%.

ABC Head of Audio Ben Latimer said: “Craig has dedicated himself fully to his debut year in Breakfast radio, and today’s result is a well-deserved reflection of his hard work and the efforts of the entire team.”

“To see a result this strong in his first year as presenter, particularly in the competitive Sydney Breakfast market, is testament to Craig’s ability to connect with the local audience.”

Australian Podcast Awards 2024 shortlist

Today, we celebrate the announcement of the Australian Podcast Awards 2024 shortlist, highlighting the incredible homegrown talent shaping the podcasting scene! With 48% of Australians tuning in monthly, these podcasts not only entertain but also resonate deeply with everyday listeners.

Explore this year’s nominees and discover established and emerging voices from across Australia, including:

Change Happens (NSW)-tackling essential workplace issues that affect listeners daily.

Cost of Living Secrets (VIC)-offering practical financial advice for families navigating tough economic times.

Climate Mana (QLD)-championing sustainability and inspiring action among eco-conscious listeners.

Yawn – The Baby Sleep Training Podcast (WA)-providing valuable insights for new parents seeking better sleep solutions.

The Solutionists, with Mark Scott (SA)-showcasing innovative ideas that spark meaningful conversations.

This shortlist is a fantastic opportunity for your audience to connect with relatable stories and perspectives from local creators.

Listeners can also participate in the Listener’s Choice Award, allowing them to vote for their favorite podcasts and engage with the community around them.

For more information on shortlisters in your local area please reach out or head to www.australianpodcastawards.com