This is the third Xtra Insights survey of regional Queensland for 2026, this time Emerald, and broadly speaking the results have been the same across all three. The SCA Hit station has been the preferred one, either increasing its share (Kingaroy) or dropping some. Hit 94.7 Emerald was down 7.9% to 34.9% preferred, Mt Isa in April down just 1.2%.

In all cases, the Resonate Network station in the region, in Emerald its 4HI, had impressive leaps in listening (up 5.6 to 19.8 preferred). Resonate’s advertising is aligned with SCA. The 4HI breakfast presenter is Adam Staples (pictured and up 6.5 to 19.2% preferred). He is also heard in Mt Isa – a mere 965 kms away.

The Hit 94.7 breakfast team that was measured across this survey period – 11th May 2026 – 7th June 2026 – is Bronte and Lakey, out of Sea FM 90.9 on the Gold Coast. In Emerald they were down 7% to 36.1% preferred, but that is a moot point with the duo axed this week as part of extensive job cuts across the SCA network. Emerald will now get Jess and Rohan from Hit Newcastle – 1334 kms away.

The Morning show on 4HI is Rural Queensland Today presented by Ben Dobbin, who also hosts drive with SCA on Triple M Brisbane. Rural Queensland Today is a labour of love for Dobbo and in Emerald it was up 8.5% to 24.7% preferred, which shows that regional communities do want to hear their voices represented on radio.

Unfortunately the local ABC, ABC Capricornia, didn’t see the same outcomes. It was down in every day part and particularly on weekends, falling behind 4HI.