Bogart Torelli: Smooth’s quiet achiever

smoothfm Sydney Breakfast host Bogart Torelli delivered a Best on Ground performance in Survey 7.

That’s according to Nova Network Head of Programming Ben Latimer.

Reflecting on the latest book with our sister publication RadioInfo, Latimer describes Torelli – one of the city’s most enduring radio hosts – as a quiet achiever:

“I think the real Best on Ground for Smooth is Bogart, who’s been hosting Sydney Smooth brekky for quite a while now.”

“She doesn’t have the FM marketing machine behind her. She’s not a comedian. But she’s just in there every day – so good at connecting with her audience. And she continues to be number 2 FM share and cume, behind Kyle and Jackie O, which is just remarkable.”

Latimer says the Smooth result is a real source of pride.

“To be number two FM – and consistently number 1 or number 2 FM in both Sydney or Melbourne is fantastic.”

Latimer views Melbourne as a much tighter market than Sydney and will watch with keen interest how the newly-appointed Nova 100 breakfast team of Ben, Liam & Belle will be received in 2023.

“This is a show that – based on Adelaide numbers – has been very dominant with the under 40s. Time will tell how that plays out.”

Whilst disappointing, Latimer remains resolute about the Brisbane result.

“In Brisbane, Nova 106.9 I thought was pipped at the post by B105.”

“I think it’s important to note that Nova in Brissy is such a juggernaut of a station. We’ve been number one for five out of the last seven surveys – six out of the last seven brekky books. But Brisbane is such a competitive market, and we’ve always been pretty shoulder-to-shoulder … Nova and 97.3 and B105 – all very close.”

“But I think we’ve got a good track record of bouncing back after being knocked off.”

Latimer is particularly encouraged by the headway being made by Adelaide’s FIVEaa.

“This the fourth book in a row now that we’ve posted an increase. Nathan, Nat and Shaun at Nova in Perth got a 20.5 share. David and Will in Adelaide – I think they’re catching them, because they’re 15.2. So FIVEaa is probably the other shining light in the schedule. Just a great result.”

“It’s a great station with so much heritage behind it. I’m glad to see that delivering these numbers.”

“It’s live and local. They just know their audience so well.”