Radio Industry News

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

TOTAL RADIO 

Sydney’s 2GB and Melbourne’s 3AW are top of the medal tally as the No.1 stations in GfK Radio 360 Survey 5, with Breakfast and Mornings also claiming gold in both cities following an incredible run as the official audio broadcaster of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

2GB commanded Sydney’s airwaves with a 13.3 share, and 3AW increased its lead as Melbourne’s No.1 with a 14.7 share (up 1.0). 

Across Breakfast, Ben Fordham Live dominates with a leading 15.6 share, while 3AW’s Breakfast with Ross and Russ holds the top spot in Melbourne with a share of 21.7 (up 2.1).

The Ray Hadley Morning Show hit another incredible milestone as No.1 for the 159th consecutive time, with a 15.7 share, and Mornings with Tom Elliott remains the undefeated No.1 with Melburnians, securing a 18.4 share (up 2.7).

Nine Radio’s Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “These results show that in Australia’s most competitive radio markets, listeners are locked on to our talk stations for the trusted news, information and insight we deliver each day.”

“At 2GB and 3AW, the Breakfast and Morning programs are again clear number one. In Sydney and Melbourne we’ve dominated the ratings all year and that’s been reinforced even further today.

“The Paris Olympics coverage played a part in this survey, and we are extremely proud of how our radio team delivered. It’s great to see our loyal listeners tuned in to us for the duration of what was an historic Games for Australia.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
17.5 (4 markets)	1.848 million listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio remains the definitive No.1 destination for live audio listeners across the country, with its commercial streaming share surging to 30.5 (up 3.6).

2GB and 3AW are No.1 in overall commercial streaming, with a 32.8 (up 3.1) and 32.5 (up 6.0) share respectively, as well as across all main standard sessions.

Breakfast and Mornings saw listener numbers increase, with Ben Fordham posting a commercial streaming share of 40.3 and Ross and Russ recording a dominant commercial streaming share of 50.3 (up a staggering 14.5).

Mornings at 2GB and 3AW also recorded a No.1 commercial streaming share with 35.7 for Ray Hadley (up 6.9) and 38.0 (up 4.4) for Tom Elliott, respectively.

Greg Byrnes, said: “Nine Radio’s streaming result goes from strength to strength with this survey highlighting 9% growth across the network. We’re again the clear number one streaming network with 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR all recording gains.”

“Our live sport offering is without peer, with Survey 5 including every heart-stopping moment from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. What’s pleasing is that more and more listeners are turning to talk via streaming to engage with their favourite sporting code or the news and information relevant to their lifestyle.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
30.5 (up 3.6)	423,000 (up 9%)

PODCASTS 

The Nine Podcast Network reached over 1.6 million listeners and 4.1 million downloads in July, and had two programs topping both the Spotify and Apple podcast ranks.

The Ultimate Sacrifice debuted on the Australian Made podcast ranker at No.53, attracting over 100,000 listeners and over 200,000 downloads, and Just Married:The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery debuted at No.95 with 54,000 listeners and 76,000 downloads.

Further highlights include 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live appearing at  No.49 with 113,000 listeners and over 278,000 downloads and The Ray Hadley Morning Show reaching 48,000 listeners and 114,000 downloads. 3AW is Football reached over 50,000 listeners and 129,000 downloads, while Mornings with Tom Elliott followed closely with 45,000 listeners and 115,000 downloads. Breakfast with Ross and Russ jumped an incredible 44 places on the ranker, reaching 43,000 listeners and 104,000 downloads.

Nine’s Head of Podcasts and Digital Content, Mia Stern said: “These results underscore the indispensable power of longform, narrative storytelling. In an era of shrinking attention spans, podcasts are bucking the trend as listeners are spending more time deeply engaged with our programs.’’

TOTAL DOWNLOADS	TOTAL LISTENERS
4.1 million	1.63 million

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 5 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, July 2024, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment, unless otherwise specified.

2GB is Sydney’s undisputed No.1 in radio and commercial streaming, with GfK Radio 360 Survey 5 today showing 2GB holds the top spot across almost all key shifts, including Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons, Nights, Weekends and Rugby League coverage. 

Ben Fordham Live dominated in Breakfast with a leading 15.6 share, while in commercial streaming the show posted an incredible 40.3 share, reinforcing the power of live and local content across all devices.

The Ray Hadley Morning Show hit another incredible milestone as No.1 for the 159th consecutive time, with a 15.7 share, and a dominant 35.7 in commercial streaming.

Michael McLaren claimed his first No.1 spot since taking the helm of 2GB Afternoons, with a 11.0 share (up 0.4) and 33.6 in commercial streaming (up 12.0).

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis, said: “This survey covers the best part of three months of the year, and today’s results clearly demonstrate that Sydneysiders have chosen 2GB as their No.1 destination for news, entertainment and live sport.”

“With Australia recently enjoying its most successful Olympic Games ever, 2GB – as host broadcaster – was able to bring our listeners closer to the action than ever before; sharing in all the highs, lows and inspirational stories that had our city talking.

“It’s what we do best. Our team takes great pride in serving our Sydney listeners and we are grateful for their loyalty.”

Further highlights of Gfk Radio 360 Survey 5 in Sydney:

• Drive with Chris O’Keefe recorded an 8.2 share (Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm)
• Money News with Deborah Knight is No.1 with a 14.5 share (Mon-Thu 7pm-8pm)
• Nights with John Stanley remains the clear No.1 with a share of 24.0 (up 1.8 and almost triple his nearest competitor) (Mon-Thu 8pm-12am)
• Weekends with Luke Grant is No.1 with a share of 13.2 (Sat-Sun 9am-1pm)
• The Continuous Call Team is No.1 in Rugby League with a 9.7 share

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 5 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+ .

3AW has once again firmly cemented itself as Melbourne’s No. 1 radio station.

Today’s release of the GfK Radio 360 Survey 5 results shows that 3AW has a leading audience share of 14.7 (up 1 point on Survey 4) and a winning commercial streaming share of 32.5%.

Every week, the station’s engaging blend of live, locally-focused talk radio attracts a cumulative audience of 767,000 listeners across Melbourne – up by more than 40,000 listeners on Survey 4.

Ross and Russ maintain their stronghold on Melbourne’s breakfast radio scene with an impressive 21.7 share – up 2.1 points on Survey 4 and more than double their closest competitor. Moreover, the pair claimed a whopping 53% of the commercial streaming audience.

In just his fifth survey in the mornings slot, Tom Elliott has firmly established himself as Melbourne’s No. 1, achieving a leading 18.4 share (up 2.7 points on Survey 4). Tom added an additional 99,000 listeners since the previous survey and now boasts a cumulative audience of 530,000. He also secured a top commercial streaming share of 38%.

Tony Moclair is the No.1 Afternoon talk program with a share of 10.1 – more than double his nearest talk competitor.

Jacqui Felgate is once again Melbourne’s No. 1 drive talk program with an 8.5 share – up 0.1 on Survey 4 and her third successive survey share growth. Jacqui added an additional 34,000 listeners since the previous survey and now has a cumulative audience of 319,000.

Denis Walter remains the leading evening program in Melbourne, boasting a 19.5 share – 7.3 points ahead of his nearest competitor.

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “Survey 5 once again confirms 3AW as Melbourne’s top radio choice. From Ross and Russ leading the way in breakfast, the only program in double figures – adding number two and three together and you still don’t catch them. Tom Elliott’s continued strength in mornings, and Jacqui Felgate’s growing success in the drive shift, the results are a testament to the hard work of our on-air and behind-the-scenes teams. We thank our loyal listeners for their outstanding support and eagerly anticipate delivering all the Paralympic excitement to them in the coming weeks.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 5 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. 

Registrations are now open for RadComms 2024, Australia’s leading spectrum management conference.

When: Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October 2024

Where: Park Hyatt Melbourne

Cost:
Group rate (5 or more attendees): $700 inc. GST per person + booking fee
Standard rate: $760 inc. GST per person + booking fee

About RadComms 2024
Building on the success of our last conference in 2022, RadComms 2024’s theme of Supporting the present, empowering the future provides a unique opportunity to explore spectrum’s contribution to a connected Australia and our digital economy.

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on the chance to engage with experts, participate in open forums and share the latest spectrum developments and trends.

View the draft program and register now.
https://www.acma.gov.au/events/2024-08/radcomms-2024

CMS Radio (FM 91.1) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Station Manager to oversee the operations of Canberra’s full-time multicultural radio station. The Station Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe operation of the station, managing staff, and delivering exceptional customer service. This is a key leadership role that requires a hands-on approach, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Check out our website to learn more about us – www.cmsradio.org.au.

DESCRIPTION:

The Station Manager is responsible for the operations and business development of the station including developing grants, program content, presentation, technology, human resources, physical resources and administration. They will work on community engagement (including sponsorships), manage day-to-day operations and administration of the station, and liaise with and manage support to broadcasters including training.

In collaboration with other staff and volunteers, they implement the strategy and direction set by the Board, develop and monitor management policies, budgets, and business plans, report on development and promotional activities, ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory matters, develop the station’s profile in the Canberra community, ensure infrastructure is resourced and developed, and implement effective internal and external communications.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

The Station Manager will assist the CMS Board, staff, program coordinators and volunteers by undertaking duties such as the following:

• Develop, implement and monitor strategies, projects, business plans and financial budgets;
• Oversee the day-to-day operations and administration of the station, including program content, presentation, technology, transmission, human and physical resources, internal and external communications, fundraising;
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to seeking and applying for grants, including Community Broadcasting Foundation and ACT Government grants;
• Ensure station infrastructure is managed and resourced, developed and sustained;
• Strengthen linkages with community and government multicultural organisations;
• Foster constructive relationships between CMS and the Canberra region community;
• Promote greater community awareness of partner organisations and community ethnic groups;
• Establish positive working relations with staff, volunteers, peak bodies, community organisations, funding bodies, sponsors and other relevant organisations;
• Build listener numbers and loyalty through understanding their needs and preferences in listening to and supporting multicultural radio;
• Develop successful submissions and partnerships for projects in collaboration with other staff members and volunteers;
• Ensure compliance with the terms of the CMS licence and ACMA community broadcasting rules;
• Oversight and steer the work of the office staff;
• Monitor quality assurance and develop a culture of continuous improvement;
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated experience of working effectively in a volunteer-based community organisation.
• Demonstrated management skills of a small team in an office environment and engagement of support staff, e.g. technicians.
• Strong networking and people skills, including partner, sponsor and funding organisations.
• Sound written, oral and personal communication skills and computer literacy, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines and work effectively with volunteers with diverse cultural backgrounds are prerequisites for success in this position.
• Technical fluency, budgeting and financial management, training skills and experience in community radio are advantageous but not essential.
• Applicants must be self-motivated and have the ability to work with minimal supervision and in a small team.

Flexible attendance hours aimed at complementing other staff.

All applicants are required to provide a police check and a WWVP card.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, email resume and cover letter to info@cmsradio.org.au. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as applications will considered as they come in.

Applications without a cover letter will not accepted.

For any questions and clarifications about the position, email info@cmsradio.org.au.

Radio 2RPH is a community radio station broadcasting radio reading services to those living with a print disability or who are unable to access published material. We are seeking to appoint several new non-Executive Directors from late this year. We are keen to appoint those who have experience of living with a disability, people with experience in finance, marketing, legal compliance and governance or fundraising in not-for-profit organisations.

2RPH broadcasts 24 hours a day from Glebe across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.  The radio reading service provides listeners with access to a variety published material covering a wide range of topics. We broadcast on 1224AM in Sydney, 100.5FM in Sydney and Newcastle and 93.3 in Wollongong, as well as on DAB+ in Sydney, a streaming service and with selected programs available as podcasts.

Meeting on a bi-monthly basis our Board and small management team, is collegiate and operates in an environment of teamwork and enthusiasm to provide programs that are varied, informative and entertaining. Our directors are driven by a strong set of ethical values and a clear vision to form valuable collaborative partnerships.  (See: https://www.2rph.org.au/about/people/ )

If you have the skills and an interest in joining the 2RPH Board then please contact:

2RPH Chair: John Martin at jmartin@2rph.org.au

 Please review the Position Description for more information and essential criteria.

Closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 20 September 2024.