Nova maintains dominance with impressive growth, while 96FM holds firm at #2 in survey 5

Nova has continued their strong run in 2023 taking out the first five GFK Radio Surveys. 96FM, Mix 94.5 and 92.9 Triple M have maintained their positions. Stela Media’s Marianne Stelmach, who has over two decades of radio industry experience, takes a closer look at the results of the last ratings period.

#1 Overall – Nova
#1 Breakfast – Nova’s Nathan, Nat & Shaun
#1 Drive – Nova’s Kate, Tim & Joel

Nova has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing their own record with an impressive share of 18.1%, marking their highest-ever share result. Notably, they secured the largest overall increase. While they experienced growth across various demographics, it’s worth mentioning that they maintained their coveted number one position across all age groups, ranging from the 10 to 54-year-olds, even after a decrease with the 25 to 39 year-old demographic. Nova’s Breakfast Show is clear #1 with a massive share of 22.5%, giving them their highest ever share result. It’s no surprise that celebrations are in order for this outstanding achievement.

96FM has solidified its strong hold on the #2 position following a modest increase in its share. The most substantial growth was evident among the 10 to 17 and 40 to 54 age groups. Impressively, 96FM maintains a robust #2 standing among the 40 to 54 demographic and commands an impressive #1 position among the 55 to 64-year-olds, even after a slight decrease. Despite this, the Breakfast Show claims the #4 spot, propelled by a minor increase, while clinching the #2 spot for Mornings, Afternoons, Drive, Evenings, and Weekends, reflecting their consistent listener engagement across the day. 96FM has also moved from ‘Real Music’ to ‘Better Music and More Of It’.

Mix 94.5 is still holding onto the #3 spot, even though their share decreased by 1.1%. All the different age groups had fewer listeners but they’re still at #2 for 10 to 17 year-olds and 18 to 24 year olds and at #3 for 25 to 39 and 40 to 54 year olds. The biggest drop was in Mix 94.5’s Breakfast Show, which moved them to sharing the #2 position with 6PR. They’ve also moved to #3 for Mornings and Afternoons, while staying at #3 for Drive, Evenings, and Weekends.

92.9 Triple M has consistently held the #4 spot across the board, including All People 10+, 10 to 17 year olds and 18 to 24 year olds. Notably, a significant increase among the 25 to 39 demographic propelled them to the coveted #2 position. In Breakfast, they experienced a substantial increase, maintaining their #5 position while narrowing the gap with Mix 94.5, 6PR and 96FM’s Breakfast Shows. Additionally, 92.9 Triple M secures the #4 position for Mornings and Afternoons, further solidifying their consistent presence in these time slots.

6PR has seen a modest yet encouraging increase, firmly maintaining their #5 position across the board. Their most notable expansion came from the 55 to 64 year-old demographic, propelling them to the #2 spot within that group. Impressively, despite a decrease, they remain the clear #1 choice among listeners aged 65 and above. The station’s Breakfast segment is a source of satisfaction as well, as they share the #2 rank with Mix 94.5, even after a 1% decrease, demonstrating their resilience. Subtle gains were also seen in Mornings, Afternoons, Drive and Weekends, contributing to their overall positive trajectory.

6IX maintains its position at #6. Intriguingly, their most significant advancements were among the 18 to 24 year-olds, propelling them to the #4 spot within this demographic. Notably, they also experienced growth among the 65+ age group, elevating them to the #3 position. Throughout the day, they saw only a slight increase, particularly in the Evenings time slot.

People 10+
Nova – 18.1% (1.1% Increase)
96FM – 13.0% (0.1% Increase)
Mix 94.5 – 11.1% (1.1% Decrease)
92.9 Triple M – 7.6% (0.5% Increase)
6PR – 7.2% (0.2% Increase)
6IX – 4.6% (0.7% Decrease)

Breakfast
Nova’s Nathan, Nat & Shaun – 22.5% (1.7% Increase)
Mix 94.5’s Pete, Matt & Kymba – 10.5% (1.8% Decrease)
6PR’s Millsy & Karl – 10.5% (1.0% Decrease)
96FM’s The Bunch with Clairsy & Lisa – 10.2% (0.1% Increase)
92.9 Triple M with Xav & Michelle – 9.1% (1.1% Increase)
6IX’s Classic Breakfast with Nat – 3.4% (1.5% Decrease)

Cume Audience
The stations demonstrated diverse performance when it comes to their Cume figures. Nova stood out with the sole increase, gaining an additional 8,000 listeners, solidifying their wide appeal and reaching a total of 690,000 listeners. Mix 94.5 continues to hold a robust #2 position in Cume with 576,000 listeners, even after experiencing a decrease of 9,000 listeners.

Nova – 690,000 (8,000 Increase)
Mix 94.5 – 576,000 (9,000 Decrease)
96FM – 511,000 (7,000 Decrease)
92.9 Triple M – 365,000 (10,000 Decrease)
6PR – 208,000 (5,000 Decrease)
6IX – 157,000 (11,000 Decrease)

Perth DAB+ Stations
Smooth FM Perth experienced a significant drop of 14,000 listeners, yet remains a force to reckon with as the leading DAB+ Station, commanding a remarkable 86,000 weekly listeners. Meanwhile, SCA’s ‘Easy 80s Hits’ surged ahead with an impressive increase of 12,000 listeners, securing a formidable #3 rank. SCA’s ‘Oldskool 90s Hits’ maintains its strong #2 position, engaging a loyal listenership of 62,000.

Smooth FM Perth (Nova) 86,000 (14,000 Decrease)
Oldskool 90’s Hits (SCA) 62,000 (2,000 Decrease)
Easy 80’s Hits (SCA) 50,000 (12,000 Increase)
ABC Sport 42,000 (9,000 Increase)
RnB Fridays (SCA) 42,000 (3,000 Increase)
My Perth DAB Radio (6IX) 40,000 (3,000 Increase)
Double J 40,000 (4,000 Increase)
MMM Classic Rock (SCA) 38,000 (3,000 Increase)
96FM 80’s (ARN) 37,000 (6,000 Decrease)
Triple J Unearthed 31,000 (5,000 Increase)
Coles Radio (Nova) 24,000 (5,000 Decrease)
ABC Jazz 23,000 (3,000 Decrease)
MMM 80’s (SCA) 23,000 (1,000 Increase)
MMM Country (SCA) 18,000 (7,000 Decrease)
Blender Beats 15,000 (2,000 Decrease)
MMM Tradie Radio (SCA) 12,000 (1,000 Decrease)
KIX Digital 6,000 (9,000 Decrease)

Survey 5 2023 GFK’s Radio 360 new audience measurement system was conducted for Commercial Radio Australia from May 21 to June 24 & July 9 to August 12 2023.

Click here for more information on Commercial Radio Australia’s new radio measurement system.

Following a 25 year career at SCA, Fairfax, Macquarie Media, ARN and Nine, Marianne Stelmach (pictured below) has launched media representation company Stela Media.