Commercial Radio and ABC both recorded growth in Survey 4.
Australian commercial radio continues to experience sustained year-on-year growth, with 12.4 million listeners tuning in for an average of 12 hours and 47 minutes each week. ABC local radio has recorded its best radio survey result in share for 2024.
Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) welcomed the latest results, revealing a notable increase of 168,000 listeners in commercial radio’s total audience. ABC local radio was up on share across the board, recording its best result since GFK survey 7 last year. It was also the highest reach result for ABC local radio in three surveys.
The appeal of commercial breakfast radio and in-car consumption continues to be on the rise, with both maintaining their growth momentum. Commercial Breakfast shows saw a 3.4% increase, adding 290,000 listeners year-on-year, bringing the total to 8.9 million listeners for commercial radio. In-car listeners grew by 5.1% year-on-year, reaching 10.2 million listeners. Over 82% of radio listeners tune in while driving, accounting for 34.9% of all commercial radio listening.
Across its entire ABC live radio network, the national broadcaster is reaching 7.5 million Australians nationally, including 4.7 million every week across the five capital cities, according to the latest data.
Streaming continues to thrive, with over a quarter (27.8%) of commercial radio’s audience opting to listen in this way. The survey shows an additional 147,000 listeners survey on survey embracing commercial radio streaming, totalling 3.4 million. This 4.5% rise highlights the growing importance of radio streaming.
GfK 4 also reaffirmed the ABC’s status as Australia’s No.1 digital live streaming network across the five capital cities with a 30.1 per cent share. It is the 10th consecutive survey the ABC has held the top spot.
All commercial demographics saw an increase in streaming audiences survey on survey, with a 9.6% increase among listeners aged 40-54, and a nearly 6% increase in those aged 25-54. Across the workday, streaming saw a robust 5% increase, with mornings and afternoons experiencing jumps of 5% and 6.5% respectively, versus previous survey.
Listeners to Commercial DAB+ only stations showed increased engagement, with Time Spent Listening (TSL) extending to 6 hours and 8 minutes. Mornings have experienced a significant lift, with nearly 7% more listeners and TSL extending by 13 minutes year-on-year.
For the ABC, ABC Brisbane is now the No.1 AM talk station based on share in its market while ABC Adelaide continued its momentum increasing its share for the third consecutive survey, with a one share point increase this survey. ABC Radio Sydney continued its growth in the Sydney market.
ABC Radio Sydney jumped into the 7’s this survey in a surge that saw the station rise from 5.4% in Survey 1 to 7.1% this survey. Former ABC Radio Sydney, manager Steve Ahern, who left at the end of the most recent ratings period to rejoin AMT Pty Ltd, has congratulated his old team on a good result:
“Today’s result is a tribute to the hard work of all the team this year. We knew that the changes we made would take a few surveys to consolidate. By last survey the audience had noticed the improvements, and this survey shows that the station’s core audience has come back and is listening longer.
“At the beginning of the year the station had a share of 5.4 and now it is 7.1. Congratulations to the hard working team at 702 ABC Radio Sydney on their 30% increase in share since survey 1 2024.”
ABC Head of Audio Content Ben Latimer said: “Today’s results once again demonstrate the power of ABC Radio, with more than seven million listeners tuning in every week. We’re delighted to see ABC’s Local Radio Network increase its audience share in all metro markets, with Adelaide and Brisbane the two standouts. We anticipate a further boost for Adelaide in the coming months with live coverage of the Paris Olympics.”
Jo Dick, CRA Chief Commercial Officer said: “As digital platforms evolve, so does radio’s ability to reach audiences. Whether through streaming or traditional broadcasts, radio’s adaptability meets diverse listener needs. The surge in streaming reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour towards digital platforms. Commercial radio’s ability to innovate in this space underscores its enduring relevance.”