FBi Radio hits half a million listeners for first time

Image: Tim Da-rin

FBi Radio secured over half a million listeners in the most recent community radio survey.

The latest McNair community survey measured listening on FM and DAB+ in Sydney, and found that FBi’s average monthly listenership was 504,000 people.

Listenership is up significantly year on year, and managing director Nikki Brogan says the results are proof of the quality of programming.

“The survey numbers are a clear vindication of our commitment to championing new sounds and diverse, emerging voices,” she says.

“The twin milestones of turning 15 and passing half a million listeners are a direct result of the wonderful efforts of a staff and volunteer community driven by a passion for Sydney culture, and of our belief in and respect for our listeners who value being challenged as much as being entertained.”

The station’s most-played track of 2018 was ‘Cooked’ by Western Sydney hip hop duo Slim Set.

The station also released some stats from the year, with 61% of most-played tracks hailing from Sydney, 71% from Australia and 44% from female, trans and non-binary artists.

FBi Radio was also recognised with eight nominations for the 2018 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia conference.

In 2018 several former FBi hosts moved into industry roles at triple j, with Lucy Smith, Sally & Erica and Ebony Boadu all securing employment.