Commercial radio hits record 12.8 million weekly listeners

Commercial radio has reached a record 12.8 million weekly listeners, according to the latest GfK Survey 2 results, extending a run of audiences above 12 million for nearly four years.

The figures reinforce radio’s position as a stable, mass-reach channel at a time when media consumption continues to fragment across platforms.

Commercial Radio & Audio CEO Lizzie Young said the consistency of audience scale remains a key draw for advertisers.

“When a medium delivers at this scale, this consistently, it tells you that Australians rely on local, live commercial radio - and brands can too,” she said.

The latest data also reflects broader shifts in listening behaviour, with audiences moving between broadcast and digital platforms including AM, FM, DAB+ and streaming.

CRA said investment in its digital infrastructure, including Audio ID and RadioApp, is helping advertisers better plan, target and measure campaigns across that ecosystem.

The industry body also pointed to radio’s effectiveness, claiming a two-to-one return on investment, positioning the channel alongside social as one of the strongest performers for advertisers.

The results come as audio continues to position itself as a reliable channel for reach and frequency in an increasingly fragmented media market.