A banner year for Australian commercial radio: CRA

2023 has been a banner year for Australian commercial radio, culminating in record audience numbers, off the back of GfK Survey 8.

That’s according to industry body Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), which says commercial radio listening has soared to a record high of 12.25 million listeners aged 10+ across the five major metro markets, underpinned by growth in DAB+ listening and the continued embrace of commercial radio by younger listeners.

CRA says cumulative audiences have jumped 49,000 Year On Year (YOY), with people listening to commercial radio for 12 hours, 53 minutes per week.

“2023 has been a boom year for commercial radio as more listeners discovered the great content available on DAB+ only stations, while remaining completely engaged with listening to their favourite commercial radio stars and stations,” says Ford Ennals, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio.

He says since 2021, listeners of commercial radio DAB+ only stations have grown by 48%.

“Audiences are loving the great new content being added by the commercial networks, and DAB+ is easier to access than ever.” Mr Ennals said.

He adds that the resurgence of in-car listening has continued, with 34.8% of listening happening in cars.

“DAB+ has empowered listeners to enjoy commercial radio how they want, while adding new favourites to their listening options,” Mr Ennals says.

CRA says people aged 10-24 are tuning into commercial radio in droves, with 87.2% of younger Australians listening for an average of 11 hours, 26 minutes a week.

“We’re delighted that commercial radio has delivered a record-breaking set of numbers for the last metro survey of the year,” says Mr Ennals. “For 2024, we anticipate another vibrant year of growth and new opportunities for commercial radio, our listeners and our advertisers.”