While there’s been a bit of change to the voices heard on air in Cairns over the last 12 months, the most recent Xtra Insights survey results of the region were fairly steady with ARN’s Star 102.7 down slightly for all audiences 10+ (-0.9) to 26.1 but still the clear leader in all day parts and weekends, and all demographics except 65+.
The Star Breakfast duo is now Johnny and Inkie (pictured, Johnny Wilson and Inkie Bissell) after Inkie’s long time breakfast partner Dave Warner retired at the end of 2023. Inkie has been at the station 17 years too. They’re still the favourite, down slightly (-0.4) to a 28.4% audience share.
Second and third overall were SCA stations Hit 103.2 (-0.7 to 16.7) and 99.5 Triple M (+1.5 to 16.3). Triple M saw the biggest improvement overall. Tammy & JB on breakfast continue to pick up listeners and are gaining ground on the networked and also new this year pairing of Bronte and Lakey on Hit. The Regional Queensland Rush Hour drive team of A.B and Elliott went out on a high with the biggest growth of all in their timeslot (up 2.1% to 17.8). Next year Cairns will get a networked Drive with Marty Sheargold, as will all QLD and NSW Triple M stations.
Triple M’s growth reflected ARN’s other Cairns’ station 4CA‘s losses. They were down 1.5 to a 3.1% audience share and -0.8 and – 1.4 in breakfast and mornings respectively.
Cumulative listening was strong. Triple M and triple j both saw an additional 10,000 people checking the station out across the day and Dylan Finch on Star afternoons more than 11K.
