Category: Australian

Australian commercial radio audiences continue to reach new heights, according to GfK Survey 3 2024, with 12.41 million listeners.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) welcomed the latest results, revealing year-on-year (YOY) growth in morning show listenership, now reaching a record number of 7.19 million. With nearly 58% of commercial radio’s total audience choosing to tune in to kickstart their day. Increases can be observed across breakfast, morning, and afternoon programs.

In-car listening saw considerable growth, with more than 10 million listeners. This additional 258,000 listeners mark a nearly 3% increase compared to the same period last year.

“The rise in morning listenership, partnered with increased engagement during commutes, shows how seamlessly radio integrates into our lives,” said Jo Dick, CRA chief commercial officer.

“Radio’s not just a source of information and entertainment, it’s a central part of our routines.”

At-work commercial radio audiences are dialing in for an extra 42 minutes per week, lifting the YOY figure by 6.2%. Likewise, at-home time spent listening (TSL) has seen a 6.1% rise.

Climbing audience numbers can be seen across majority of demographics. On a separate note, TSL for those aged 18 to 24 and 55 to 64, increased by 3.6% and 2.5% respectively.

“It’s great to see our audience consistently growing. With 18 to 24-year-olds listening for almost 11 hours weekly, radio’s appeal clearly spans generations,” Ms Dick adds.

Morning listening time sits at an average of 2 hours 43 minutes for commercial DAB+ only stations. Moreover, the number of commercial radio listeners via streaming grew to 3.28 million. With morning streaming alone rising by 13% since last survey, to reach an audience of nearly 1.38 million. Additionally, 122,000 new listeners were welcomed to at-home streaming. This 5.4% growth bringing the audience total to 2.37 million.

“Survey 3 highlights the strength of commercial radio as it continues to evolve in tandem with shifting listener habits and their growing preference for flexibility,” Ms Dick said.

Source: GfK 360 Radio Ratings, SMBAP S3 2024, compared to S3 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.

TOTAL RADIO 

Nine’s talk stations have dominated GfK Radio 360 Survey 3 as listeners turn to talk for the big moments and breaking news in their city. Sydney’s 2GB and Melbourne’s 3AW – the official broadcasters of the Paris Olympic Games – picked up gold medals, with their respective Breakfast and Morning Shows on top of the dais. 

2GB’s Ben Fordham Live is Number 1 in Sydney with a share of 16.6 (up 1.7) and The Ray Hadley Morning Show is Number 1 for the 157th consecutive time – posting 15.3 (up 1.8).

3AW’s Breakfast with Ross and Russ reigns supreme as the Number 1 show in Melbourne with 20.3 (up 1.7) and Mornings with Tom Elliott also Number 1, with 17.5 (up 0.8). The station also saw increases in all major shifts, including Afternoons and Drive.

Nine Radio’s Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “These are stunning results for 2GB and 3AW. It’s clear talk radio is setting the agenda, and Sydney and Melbourne rely on our Breakfast and Morning programs to start their day.”

“Nine Radio has recorded a 10% increase in 25-54s in Survey 3, and with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games now just 52 days away, we’re set for even further growth across the key demographics as Australians tune in for all the iconic sporting moments, live action and colour.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
17.6 (4 markets – up 1.4)	1.907 million listeners each week (up 4.6%)

STREAMING

Nine Radio is the number one destination for live audio listeners across the country, up almost 17% nationally overall, with a commercial streaming share of 28.7 (up 0.5).

2GB and 3AW are Number 1 in overall commercial streaming, with a 30.9 (up 0.4) and 27.4 commercial share respectively, as well as across all main standard sessions.

Breakfast and Mornings saw significant listener numbers, with Ross and Russ recording an incredible 46.0 commercial streaming share in 3AW Breakfast, and Ben Fordham out in front with a commercial streaming share of 40.6 (up 3.7).

Mornings at 2GB and 3AW also recorded a Number 1 commercial streaming share with 34.7 (up 0.5) for Ray Hadley and 29.4 (up 1.2) for Tom Elliott, respectively.

Greg Byrnes, said: “Our streaming result today is extraordinary. Radio360 was introduced 12 months ago and we’ve dominated since day one. However, today we’ve managed to increase our audience by a further 17%. We know listening via a connected device is the best way to connect to our live and local content and an ever increasing number of Australians are learning that for themselves.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
28.7 (up 0.5)	427,000 (up 16.7%)

PODCASTS 

Nine’s catch up podcasts are dominating with on-demand audiences. Sydney’s 2GB catch up podcasts saw a 36% YoY increase, with both Ben Fordham Live and the Ray Hadley Morning Show posting significant listener growth of 44% YoY.

With footy season well underway, State of Origin just around the corner, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games only 52 days away, listeners are flocking to Nine Radio’s Wide World of Sports coverage to stay up to date with the latest sporting news and commentary. 3AW’s Wide World of Sports catch up podcast saw impressive 65% YoY growth in April, and 2GB’s Wide World of Sports delivered 11% YoY listener growth.

Nine’s Head of Podcasts and Digital Content, Mia Stern said: “The remarkable growth in our catch up radio podcasts is driven by our dedication to delivering high-quality content that resonates with our broad audience. Our commitment to providing accessible, on-demand news and sports content remains unwavering, and we are excited to build on this momentum in 2024.”

CATCH UP DOWNLOADS	CATCH UP LISTENERS
1.894 million (up 5% MoM)	689,972 (up 11% MoM)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 3 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, January-April 2024, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment, unless otherwise specified.

Sydney’s 2GB is the city’s gold medallist in radio and commercial streaming, taking out the Number 1 position in GfK Radio 360 Survey 3 with a total radio share of 13.3 (up 1.4) and a commercial streaming share of 30.9 (up 0.4). 

The station is also quickly becoming the go-to destination for younger listeners, with a 18.8% increase in 25-54 demographic since Survey 2.

Ben Fordham Live is Sydney’s Number 1 in Breakfast, with 16.6 (up 1.7), while in commercial streaming 2GB Breakfast posted an incredible 40.6 (up 3.7) share, reinforcing the power of live and local content across all devices.

Ray Hadley is celebrating a commanding 157th consecutive survey win as Number 1 in Mornings, with a total radio share of 15.3 (up 1.8), and 34.7 in commercial streaming (up 0.5).

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis, said: “These are incredible results for 2GB and solidify our position on top of the Sydney radio dais! This survey period covers the best part of three months of high-impact news, sport and entertainment, and Sydneysiders have overwhelmingly chosen to share the highs and lows with 2GB and their favourite broadcasters. Ben Fordham is the clear Number 1 in Breakfast, Ray Hadley has extended his incredible dominance in Mornings, and the Continuous Call Team is our city’s premier Rugby League and entertainment coverage.

“This survey we’ve seen a 36.1% increase in our streaming figures, which shows that more and more people are choosing to listen via our new and improved 2GB app. We’re here for our city – 24/7 – and we are enormously grateful that Sydney has yet again declared 2GB its Number 1 radio station.”

Further highlights of Gfk Radio 360 Survey 3 in Sydney:

• Afternoons with Michael McLaren recorded his best share since taking the helm of Afternoons with 10.1 (up 1.1) (Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm)
• Drive with Chris O’Keefe recorded an increased share of 7.6 (up 0.3) (Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm)
• Money News with Deborah Knight recorded a 11.2 share (up 3.9) – the best result since Deb took over as host (Mon-Thu 7pm-8pm)
• Nights with John Stanley remains the clear Number 1 with a share of 23.0 (more than double his nearest competitor) (Mon-Fri 8pm-12am)
• Weekends with Luke Grant is Number 1 with a share of 14.4 (up 1.4) (Sat-Sun 9am-1pm)
• The Continuous Call Team is the dominant Rugby League coverage in Sydney with a 11.0 share (3.9 points clear of its nearest rival)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 3 2024, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12MN, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-6pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+.

Melbourne radio listeners have once again chosen 3AW as the city’s top radio station. The release of GfK Radio 360 Survey 3 results today show that 3AW has a winning audience share of 14.4 (up 0.6).

The station’s captivating blend of live and locally-focused talk radio engages more than three quarters of a million Melburnians every week.

3AW also continues to lead in live audio streaming, with over a quarter of the commercial streaming audience.

With the key demographic of People 25-54, 3AW has grown its cumulative audience by 11.9%.

Ross and Russ maintain their status as Melbourne’s top breakfast show, achieving an impressive 20.3 share – 9.9 points higher than their closest competitor. The dynamic pair also captured a substantial 46% of the commercial streaming audience, highlighting their significant popularity and impact in the digital space.

In his third survey in the Mornings slot, Tom Elliott dominated as Melbourne’s No. 1 with a 17.5 share – up 0.8 on Survey 2 and almost triple the share of his nearest Mornings talk rival. Elliott also posted a winning commercial streaming share of 29.4 (up 1.2).

Tony Moclair is the No.1 Afternoon program with a share of 13.1 – up 1.5 points on Survey 2 and a market-leading commercial streaming share of 23.5.

Jacqui Felgate grew her cumulative audience to more than 300,000 listeners every week. Felgate is Melbourne’s No. 1 Drive talk program with an 8.3 share – up 0.9 on Survey 2.

Denis Walter remains the leading Evening program in Melbourne, boasting a 21.8 share – more than twice that of his closest competitor.

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “Survey 3 maintains a dominant 2024 for 3AW. Our winning performance is led by Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft in Breakfast on 20.3% – almost double their nearest competitor. Tom Elliott in Mornings continued to hold a commanding lead of 17.5%. We’re delighted for Tony Moclair, who is outright No. 1 in Afternoons with a 13.1% share, and Jacqui Felgate in Drive went up to 8.3%, almost double our talk competitor.

“In the key demographic of People 25-54, 3AW is up 11.9% in cumulative audience. All in all, it’s a great result across the radio station. I’d like to extend an enormous thanks to our loyal listeners and the whole team at 3AW for making us Melbourne’s favourite again.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 3 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, Streaming share %, Commercial Share AP10+ , unless otherwise specified. 

Perth’s 6PR is the No.1 news and talk station in the West and has posted incredible audience growth across all shifts in Gfk Radio 360 Survey 3. The station recorded a share of 7.3 – up 1.8 points on last survey and up 1.5 points year-on-year. 

Steve Mills and Karl Langdon achieved a share of 11.3 in Breakfast (up 2.9) securing its position at Perth’s No.1 talk show in Breakfast and the overall third most listened to Breakfast show in the local market.

Gary Adshead posted a 7.8 share in Mornings(up 1.8), Afternoons with Julie-anne Sprague increased by 0.8 points adding an additional 30,000 cumulative audience, and Perth Live with Oliver Peterson secured 6.2 – up 1.8 on last survey.

In commercial streaming, 6PR posted a 13.9% share. Breakfast took a commanding 23.1% share, continuing their reign as the No.1 streamed Breakfast show in Perth. Mornings recorded a 13.3.% share of streaming.

6PR Station Manager, Emily White said: “There’s no better way to start your day than with Millsy and Karl who will give you a laugh and keep you up-to-date with everything you need to know. They’re local, lovable, larrikins who know what’s happening around town. Gary Adshead’s coverage of the issues that impact how we live are second to none and his expert coverage of the Teacher’s strike recently was a fine example of this.

“The huge growth in audience in Afternoons with Julie-anne Sprague shows the connection Julie-anne is making with her audience, who tune in to hear her excellent in-depth interviews and one-eyed support of her beloved West Coast Eagles. Oliver Peterson’s Perth Live show continues to be a must listen for everything from  breaking News to food reviews and everything in between.

“When big News breaks around Perth, people turn to 6PR. Not just for the details, it’s the analysis, the conversation and the community that talk radio provides that appeals to those who care about their city.

“Along with the contributions of our 9News and WAtoday colleagues, 6PR is Perth’s best Talk station.”

Further highlights of Gfk Radio 360 Survey 3 in Perth are:

• Wide World of Sports recorded a share of 6.7 (Mon-Thu 6pm – 7pm)

• The Nightshift with Tod Johnston recorded a big increase to 10.1 (up 3.3) (Mon-Fri 8pm-12am)

• Weekends increased by 1.6 points to deliver a 7.0 share across Saturday and Sunday (6.00am – 12md)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 6PR Perth Survey 3 2024, Mon-Fri 5.00am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12MN, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-6pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+.

The ABC has officially opened its new broadcast facility in Parramatta with key ABC Sydney presenters now live on-air from the site with ABC News, Audio and Digital teams joining them over the next few months.

An event to mark the opening of ABC Parramatta was led by ABC Chair Kim Williams AM, ABC Managing Director David Anderson, and Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton MP. Other dignitaries included City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber, State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP, Executive Director of Business Western Sydney David Borger, members of the ABC Leadership Team and key members of the ABC’s content and support teams.

ABC Chair Kim Williams said the new ABC Parramatta “will serve as a model for the ABC in the future; a sophisticated technology facility that promotes new production practices with agile content sharing and distribution.

“From here the ABC will deliver on its continuing obligation to the Australian community as a foundation stone of our democracy, providing news, sharing knowledge and myriad rich stories which reflect our nation. As always, the work done here as with all ABC output provides a core element in contributing to our sense of national identity.”

Mr Williams said the ABC had throughout its nine-decade history demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of the Australian public.

“The move of local news and local radio to Parramatta is another chapter in that adaptive history, meeting audience expectations and honouring legislative obligations. ABC Parramatta will increase our presence in the nation’s fastest growing residential region, boosting the ABC’s effectiveness in Greater Western Sydney.”

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said: “Today is the culmination of several years planning and it is exciting to be here at the stage where new and loyal audiences can experience the ABC broadcasting from this technology-driven facility.

“Over coming months more of our journalists, producers and digital content teams will be based here, connecting and engaging with one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest growing communities.

“The relocation to western Sydney is a key part of the commitment outlined in the ABC’s Five-Year Plan to see 75% of content makers working outside its Ultimo head office by 2025.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the development of this facility, in particular the team members who will be based here and who have supported the move with such professionalism.”

Mornings on ABC Radio Sydney was the first show to broadcast from the new state-of-the-art facility, located at 6-8 Parramatta Square.

The opening today is the first in a series of upcoming milestones. Further programs including Sydney Drive and Weekends will commence broadcasting from ABC Parramatta in the coming weeks, and Afternoons later today.

In the coming months, two ground floor studios will open for use by ABC News and ABC Sydney teams.