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.

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.”

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.”

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