Radio ratings for Queensland’s Mackay region, considered a key battleground in the upcoming federal election, have been released today for the first time since 2003.
Hot 100.3 is the station most listened to, with 26.2% followed 98.7 Sea FM with 18.9% and ABC Local Radio 17.7%
Mackay, which takes in the Whitsundays and Coalfields, is part of the federal seat of Dawson, which is held by the LNP MP George Christensen.
In breakfast Hot FM was number one with 27.9%, Sea FM second with 18.8%, narrowly ahead of the ABC with 18.4%.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer Joan Warner said the background of the election would provide extra interest in the release of the radio ratings for Mackay and other areas of regional Australia.
“The live nature of commercial radio has always made it an important source of information for the local community, particularly during election campaigns when news can break quickly,” Ms Warner said.
“The release of audience data is a timely reminder of the powerful reach of radio across regional Australia as the country heads to the polls on July 2.”
The survey for Mackay, conducted by Xtra Research, is one of 25 regional radio surveys to be undertaken this year to measure regional audiences and boost the competitiveness of regional radio.
Other regional centres that have been surveyed in recent times include Coffs Harbour, Townsville, Port Macquarie and the Sunshine Coast, where Clive Palmer is vacating the seat of Fairfax.
