“The core of the station is in really good health”: SEN boss Craig Hutchison reflects on Survey #7

Craig Hutchison is feeling pretty pumped with the results of Survey #7, which show growth for Melbourne’s Sport 1116 SEN.

The sports broadcaster has seen increases across weekday shifts, achieving an overall 4.2% share of listening (5.30am-12 midnight, Monday-Friday).

Chief Sports Caller Gerard Whateley was a shining light with an audience share of 5.1% (+0.5), with Men 25-34 tuning in for an average of  four hours per week.

But Hutchie admits there’s still work to be done to consolidate the gains as they head into a summer of sport.

“It’s great to see breakfast, morning, afternoon and drive shows grow again for the second survey in a row.  It’s easy to get restless/impatient and a bit ‘greedy’ in ratings, but overall I’m really pleased.

“The core of the station is in really good health. There’s work to do on the weekends, but hopefully, with things like basketball, cricket and A-league, we’ve got an opportunity to build the weekend coverage a little bit more.”

Hutchison is also very happy with the numbers they’re generating for the non-traditional side of SEN, calling it a ‘digital revolution’.

“If you look at our digital numbers, we’re doing a million-plus podcasts a month, we’ve done three million video views, got a new app coming, we’ve extended the relationship of the station to SEN+, we’ve turned DAB+ stations Aussie and Kool over to additional sports frequencies that are currently simulcast and will look to do their own unique content.

“There’s mass growth for sen.com.au and you look at the extension of the audience into things like Insta-stories, Instagram, Twitter and the growth of Facebook.

“I think the brand is starting to get some momentum and its being fuelled by the talent, who are creating some great content.”

Crocmedia products are also attracting strong listening numbers. Sportsday 3AW with Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell saw its share grown 6.7% (+0.3).

Sportsday Perth (6PR) and Sportsday Adelaide (5AA) have also recorded strong growth.

Great Australian Lives with Laura Turner on 3AW is the number one show in its timeslot among People 10+.

In Adelaide, The Morning Run with Tom Rehn is number one in the early-breakfast shift overall People 10+ with a massive share of 19.8%.

Hutchison is as proud of the Crocmedia results as he is with 1116 SEN.

“It’s been another positive survey nationally for talk stations and sport shows and will continue to deliver with great talent and great producers behind the scenes.

“With only one survey to go for the year, Crocmedia is not slowing down and will continue to deliver for clients as we embrace a summer of sport.”