Commercial radio reaches 12.7 million as audiences grow

Australia's commercial radio audience has grown 2.8% year-on-year to 12.7 million weekly listeners, giving broadcasters fresh audience momentum as advertisers begin planning for 2027.

The latest GfK Metro Survey 6 results show commercial radio recorded growth across every age demographic, daypart and listening location in the five metropolitan markets.

Listening time also increased, with weekly metropolitan audiences remaining above 12 million for more than four consecutive years.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) said the results demonstrate the continued reach of broadcast radio and its relevance to advertisers, despite growing competition from digital audio platforms and other media channels.

CRA CEO Lizzie Young said the figures reinforced radio's position in the Australian media landscape.

“Australians are giving commercial radio more of their time, and audiences are growing at every age and wherever they listen,” Young said.

“It's the only commercial media that's 100% locally owned and operated, delivering consistent, trusted and measurable scale.”

The audience figures come as the industry continues to face pressure on advertising revenue. Guideline SMI data for August showed radio advertising expenditure declined 1.7% year-on-year, highlighting the gap between growing audiences and advertiser investment.

CRA is also encouraging brands to consider seasonal listening patterns in their upcoming media plans.

Separate GfK MediaWatch research found weekly listening among Australians aged 25–54 increased 7% during summer, while time spent listening during weekend breakfast rose 7%.

“Where audiences spend their time, brands should spend theirs,” Young said.

The next metropolitan radio ratings survey is scheduled for 24 November.