June 26 2024 was one year since Disrupt Radio launched on DAB+ and streaming in Australia. They are one of the few digital stations that are truly independent of a radio network. Just prior to the EOFY they marked the occasion with an offer to its community to become shareholders. While I am sure they have streaming and podcast listening statistics, radio survey results will be significant to show their listeners, advertisers and now investors.

While many of the DAB+ stations are rinse and repeat, reasonably cheap to maintain offshoots of the ARN, Nova and SCA networks, as well as the ABC, Disrupt Radio have a full complement of high profile staff, creating original content, who are presumably on a salary or contract, and based out of Melbourne studios which also would incur rent. The zero result for cumulative audience 10+ in Melbourne and Brisbane in GfK radio 360 Survey 4 would be disappointing but Benjamin Roberts, the CEO and Founder of Disrupt Radio is focused on longer term goals saying:

“We’re building an education and technology platform – that is streaming led, but happens to also be anchored in DAB+ as part of a wider distribution strategy. We work in years, not surveys. Have a listen, you might learn something new.”

Melbourne digital radio listening was significantly down again this survey with more than 100K cumulative audience dropping away over the last few months. Regular radio listening was down this survey too, so I wonder where the people of Melbourne are going in the car and the like. Podcasts? Music streaming? Gold 80s leads in Melbourne and is the only station to have more than 100K cumulative audience.

Sydney however saw an improvement, regaining the overall losses of last survey. CADA moved beyond an audience of 100K again, as did TikTok Trending, both seeing growth in their key under 40 demographics. iHeart Australia was top of the pack showing just how many people are wanting to hear Australian music. DANCE HITS, KIIS 90s, Coles Radio and ABC Jazz‘s healthy numbers show DAB+’s diversity.

In Brisbane listening to digital radio also dropped significantly, with AM/FM radio a clear winner. The only DAB+ station to grow significantly was Coles Radio which is now most listened to alongside smooth fm Brisbane.

Adelaide DAB+ consumption was consistent with a fairly even spread across genres and networks and smooth fm just ahead there too.

Perth had a particularly positive survey for radio listening, both AM/FM and DAB+. The Nova Network’s smooth is again in front in Perth but ARN’s 96FM 80s and SCA’s OLDSKOOL 90s HITS somewhat closed the gap.

Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster for Radioinfo