Foreword – Why radio is the platform to cut through in a noisy media world

Why radio is the platform to cut through in a noisy media world

In a time when audiences are scattered across countless platforms, radio continues to hold its ground as a trusted, high-reach medium. This newsletter unpacks the latest radio survey results, highlighting not only the continued growth in listenership over the past quarter but also the unique ability of radio to connect with diverse demographics.

Radio remains one of the most effective channels for delivering brand messaging in a way that feels personal, authentic, and immediate. The data in this quarter’s report reveals when and where audiences are tuning in telling us key insights that help shape smarter, more strategic campaigns.

At MediaCast, I oversee every radio day as Strategic Partnerships Manager, working closely with agencies and clients to turn stories into powerful on-air moments. These results reinforce what we already know, that radio doesn’t just reach people, it moves them.

I'm excited to continue building meaningful partnerships and ensuring that more impactful stories are heard, nationwide.

Lauren Coley— Strategic Partnerships Manager, MediaCast

Radio Days in Q2 2025

As the EOFY occurs,  radio survey results in Q2 reveals interesting data insights. A few highlights across each state include:

Sydney – Smooth 95.3 leads FM stations (1,305,000), while 2GB maintains its position at the top of the AM band (665,000). Smooth has the highest cumulative audience, with CADA as the top DAB+.

Melbourne – Gold 104.3 continues to dominate FM listening (1,2,44,000), with 3AW leading AM (687,000). Nova has the highest cumulative audience, and GOLD 90s number one DAB+.

Brisbane – Triple M takes the lead on FM stations (552,000), while 4BH tops AM listening (220,000). Nova 106.5 has the highest cumulative audience, with Smooth Brisbane leading on DAB+.

Adelaide – FM Nova leads FM stations (361,000), while FIVEaa tops AM listening (139,000). Mix 102.3 remains the highest cumulative audience, and Smooth fm leads on DAB+.

Perth – FM Nova 93.7 continues to lead FM stations (660,000), while 6PR tops AM listening (185,000). NOVA 937 has the highest cumulative audience, with Smooth fm Perth topping DAB+.

Highlights:

• ABC Radio Brisbane remains steady; however, ABC Perth increases, and other ABC local stations decrease.
• Brisbane music stations amplified expect for B105.
• In-car commercials radio listening increased 7% year-on-year (YOY) to reach 10.4 million Australians weekly.
• Commercial radio breakfast shows around Australia have an increase of YOY audience growth, now reaching a total of 8.9 million weekly listeners across the five metro markets.
• In Adelaide Mix 102.3 has overtaken Triple M to becoming leading FM station in Adelaide.
• The highest shares for each state include 2GB, 3AW, 104.5 Triple M, 102.3 and NOVA93.6.

Insights from the past Q2

Overview

• Age group: In all the metros people aged 25-54 were the highest number of listeners.
• Times: Metros most popular times for listening to radio is breakfast (5:30am-9:00am) and weekend stations (5:30am-12mm).
• Popular time: All metros, show breakfast times to be the top time to listen however Perth’s highest reach is during the weekend.
• Declines: Those aged 19-24 have decreased in listening to radio, as well as a decrease in people aged 40-45 and 65+.
• Increase: There was an increase with people aged 25-39 and 55-64 listening to radio.
• No change: No change in listening occurred with people aged under 10.

Radio Day Service

What is a Radio Day?

As experts in broadcast, our Radio Day and Audio News Release service is perfect to expand your current campaign across radio in national, metro, major and regional markets to maximise coverage.

Due to editorial guidelines, there is a mix of stations who rely on pre-recorded content, while other radio stations prefer to record and produce their own interviews for talkbacks and news bulletins.

Incorporating both an ANR with live interviews increases the overall quantity and quality of coverage allowing your clients to communication their key messages to audiences across Australia.