Survey 8 radio ratings results from GfK, the official provider of radio ratings for Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), have been released.
In Sydney, KIIS1065 remained at 11.5, while 2GB fell slightly to 12.1 from 12.4 in Survey 7. Smoothfm rose to 11.4 from 10.6. On the breakfast slot, the Kyle & Jackie O Show increased their share to 16.7 from 16.3, while 2GB's Ben Fordham dropped minimally to 16.0 from 16.2.
In Melbourne, 3AW reversed their drop with an incremental gain to 13.6 from 13.5, while GOLD 104.3 fell again to 10.3 from 12.4. 101.9 FOX FM dropped slightly to 10.3 from 10.5 in Survey 7. The 3AW Breakfast with Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft declined to 18.1 from 18.5, while The Christian O’Connell Show on GOLD 104.3 fell out of double digits in share to 9.0 from 11.5. Fifi, Fev & Nick on 101.9 The Fox saw its share decline slightly to 10.6 from 11.0.
Nine Radio’s head of content, Greg Byrnes, said talk radio is relentless and never stops.
"To end the year with the clear number one stations in Sydney and Melbourne is well deserved recognition of our live and local content strategy," he says.
“Our unique mix of trusted legacy hosts and fresh new voices means we continue to evolve and are in a powerful position heading into 2024. Our commitment to delivering honest news, opinion and entertainment will never waiver and we thank the two million plus listeners who join our conversations every week.”
Luke Davis, 2GB content manager, said whether it's the heavier news stories or the lighter moments that make us smile, talk radio remains as important as ever and right throughout 2023, Sydney has turned to 2GB in the moments that matter.
“After another big news year, with a change in NSW state government, the Voice referendum, significant international conflict and ongoing cost-of-living concerns, today's results solidify the fact that 2GB remains an indelible part of the lives of Sydneysiders and will continue to be as we head into 2024," he says.
Stephen Beers, 3AW station manager, said Survey 8 caps off another dominant year for 3AW, winning all 8 surveys in 2023.
"Led by Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft in Breakfast – almost double their nearest competitor," he says.
"Neil Mitchell celebrated 34 years in Mornings, winning every survey of the year. He leaves the Mornings slot with 222 survey wins. We thank our loyal audience for again making 3AW Melbourne's favourite radio station.”
Duncan Campbell, ARN chief content officer said Survey 8 was an incredible way to wrap up the year.
"In Sydney, Kyle & Jackie O have hit a remarkable milestone of 40 consecutive surveys as the #1FM show, showcasing their undeniable talent and connection with audiences," he says.
"We’ve held the duopoly for the entire year, with Jonesy & Amanda maintaining the #2FM breakfast spot, while KIIS 1065 remains unbeaten as Sydney’s #1 FM station, achieving a record cume in this last survey.
“In other markets, it was great to see a strong finish for Jase & Lauren as Melbourne tuned in to bid them farewell; our Adelaide Breakfast team has proudly held the #2FM spot; and 96FM recorded strong growth in Perth – just some of the many achievements that have helped cement ARN’s position as Australia’s #1 network.
"These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team and lay the groundwork for an exciting year in 2024.”
NOVA Entertainment CEO Peter Charlton said with almost 6.4 million Australians now listening across NOVA Entertainment, the network is extremely proud to have rounded out 2023 retaining the highest total audience of any metro network.
"We look forward to 2024 with excitement as we continue to strengthen our all of audio offering and commit to providing audiences with the live and local content we know they love," he says.
"Congratulations to all of our teams around the country for their achievements throughout 2023, both on and off air.”
Group program director for the Nova Network, Brendan Taylor said Nova closes out the year with 4.126 million listeners, adding over 120,000 Australians to the network in 2023.
"Our national shows, including The Chrissie Swan Show, Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel and Smallzy’s Surgery, end the year with stellar numbers and we couldn't be more proud of these teams," he says.
"With plenty of change at the start of the year, we're delighted to round out the year like this and it leads us into 2024 with enormous confidence in Nova's live and local proposition.”
Head of programming for the Smooth Network, Peter Clay said 2023 has been a fantastic year for the Smooth Network, with new survey records set throughout the year; this latest result being no different.
"Sydney's Smooth 95.3 now has 1.37 million listeners, which is the highest in frequency history, as well as superb results across workday and weekends," he says.
"This strength extends to the rest of the network and takes us into 2024 ready for continued success and growth for our national footprint.”
SCA chief content officer, Dave Cameron, said SCA ends a spectacular year with three FM number ones in five metro markets.
"The last time we achieved this was 2013, so today is our best result in a decade," he said.
"The ratings highlight the undeniable power of the Hit and Triple M networks working together to drive incredible leadership results. Again today, SCA also remains the number one network share 10+ nationally.
“In addition, the Triple M Network is the only Australian FM radio network to deliver two outright number one results today. Today’s dominant results continue to be powered by local number one FM breakfast shows in Melbourne with The Fox’s, Fifi, Fev & Nick extending their lead, and in Adelaide with Triple M’s Roo Ditts & Loz with a large leadership gap. Carrie and Tommy have also achieved their highest cume audience ever today.
“We’re very confident and excited that the momentum building around Triple M Sydney’s Mick & MG in Breakfast, combined with the return of Marty Sheargold on Triple M Melbourne Breakfast, will propel both of these stations into a successful 2024 and add to the huge success the national Triple M Network is enjoying as 2023’s growth darling of the radio industry."
“With the Hit Network continuing to win 25-54 women and the Triple M Network winning 25-54 men nationally, and the lion’s share of number one radio stations in metro markets, plus Australia’s number one podcast on LiSTNR for a record run with Hamish & Andy, it is testament to our incredible people that continue to work together in SCA’s fully integrated audio content business that is driving uncontested leadership results across the audio industry.”
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