By David Rogerson.
“Listeners didn’t abandon radio — they just voted with their attention.”
When I wrote 2025 – Radio’s Reset Year back in January 2025, I genuinely believed we were standing at the start of something major. I wasn’t wrong — but the year unfolded in ways that were both exactly what we expected and a little surprising.
As we start 2026, let’s walk through what happened across the industry and how it lined up with the idea of a reset.
- The ‘Reset’ Actually Happened
Going into 2025, I predicted a year of upheaval and change after the turbulence of 2024. Looking back, that prediction hit the mark.
We saw merger activity and strategic realignment shaping the landscape, including the Southern Cross Media and Seven West Media merger. Stations weren’t standing still — executive shuffles, programme reshaping, and market repositioning reshaped breakfast and daytime lineups across Australia.
“2025 wasn’t just a continuation of business as usual — it was radio rearranging itself in real time.”
- The Loss of Radio Legends Was Felt Deeply
Big names like John Laws and Ray Hadley retired, leaving audiences and competitors to reassess where they tuned in and why.
Those shifts weren’t just footnotes — they influenced ratings strategies and how talk radio brands positioned themselves across demographics.
It also saw Ugly Phil reinvent himself, moving away from his full-time music personality role on WSFM. 2GB’s overnight ratings proved it was a great move, and by year’s end, Phil O’Neill is being heard across Australia in key capital city markets, filling in for regular team players outside of his usual mid-dawn role.
“Change in the lineup wasn’t just about who’s on air — it was about how listeners connect with the content.”
- Branding and Format Overhaul: WSFM to GOLD101.7
ARN’s rebranding of WSFM to GOLD101.7 was one of the most visible examples of reset energy in 2025.
Listeners had mixed reactions — some nostalgic voices online called it “heartbreaking,” while others embraced the evolution. By year’s end, ARN was moving toward fully national KIIS and GOLD brands, proving that reset wasn’t short-term — it was a long-term strategic commitment.
“Rebranding wasn’t just a new logo — it was a statement of intent.”
- Ratings Shifts: Listener Choice Remained King
As predicted, listeners remained the ultimate deciders.
Some talkback favourites retained strength, while music stations like smooth FM climbed into competitive positions — occasionally topping key surveys. Breakfast radio was lively, proving personality still matters.
“Listeners didn’t just vote with the dial — they rewarded stations that delivered relevance and engagement.”
- Streaming and Digital Listening Did Grow — But Radio Held Its Ground
TikTok-era attention spans and digital competition raised concerns about audience erosion. Streaming grew alongside traditional radio, and podcasts thrived. Radio didn’t lose its place — it had to earn attention in more competitive ways, reflecting the ongoing need to live in the listeners’ world.
“Radio didn’t shrink — it adapted and integrated.”
- ABC Radio: Reset and Reshuffle
2025 was a year of change for ABC Radio. A new manager took the helm at 702 Sydney, then left part way through the year with another manager appointed towards year end. Across the ABC Radio network, key personality reshuffles took place — some leaving, some retiring, others dissatisfied with resourcing.
The question remains: was 2025 kind to the ABC, or will 2026 bring further reset?
“Even the national broadcaster isn’t immune to the year-of-reset energy.”
- Leadership Still Matters — Probably More Than Ever
Stations with clear strategic direction — investment in brand, marketing, and talent — tended to perform best.
“Listeners rewarded relevance, trust, and personalities they connected with — strong leadership made that happen.”
- A Year of Recognition — Old Awards Ended, New Ones Born
The ACRAs ended, leaving a gap in the calendar. Quickly, leaders from Mumbrella, Radioinfo, Radio Today, and The Radio Rubber Room launched the Australian Audio Awards — covering commercial, community, ABC, podcasts, and emerging formats.
The industry response was overwhelming: 100+ jurors are set to judge entries across new and existing categories, showing a hunger for recognition that reflects the current multi-platform, listener-driven environment.
“The new awards capture the full spectrum of audio excellence, not just the traditional categories.”
Final Thoughts — Reset Was Real, But Radio Endured
So was 2025 a reset year? Absolutely. It was about repositioning, rebranding, and listener empowerment. But it was also about refining what works and adapting to multi-platform realities.
As we look toward 2026, questions remain:
- Another year of reset, or one of reviewing, refining, and revitalising?
- Will ACE Radio and Super Radio Network acquire spin-off stations from the SCA/Seven West merger?
- Can community radio expand its role as the go-to source for live, local information beyond 9am weekdays?
- Will former commercial radio talent strengthen community stations’ depth and volunteer base?
- And for ABC Radio, will 2026 be the year for their further reset, or possibly a period of consolidation and growth?
“Only time — and the listeners — will tell. Here’s to another year where radio focuses on who it serves, why it’s points of difference matters, and how it evolves.”
About David:
With a background covering over 40 years in Media and Communications, David Rogerson is experienced in nearly every facet of the radio and media communications industries from Group Content Director, to National Marketing Manager and Company Director. He is currently a lecturer and mentor at the Australian Institute of Music in the Masters and Bachelor degrees.
In 1997 he founded media and communications consulting company “Strategic Media Solutions”. David’s professional consulting career has seen him sought-after for his insights and client solutions in more than 15 countries around the world.
As a published author of media related books and entertainment journal articles David has personally mentored a wide range of media company directors, industry managers and entertainment executives. In the music field David’s experience covers marketing and digital content development for a range of artists including INXS and is part of the judging panel for the Australian Songwriters Association and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.