New hybrid Radio360 survey system begins next year

Commercial Radio & Audio announced a new hybrid measurement system for the GfK metropolitan radio surveys will be introduced from Survey 1 in March 2023.

The new system will produce radio ratings using audience data collected mainly from electronic diaries and live radio streaming data obtained from station web server logs and the GfK Sensic tagging system.

The streaming data will be verified by data collected from panels of respondents wearing GfK’s MediaWatch wearable meter and will be integrated into the radio ratings dataset.

The Radio360 system is said to be the most significant investment and change to the radio audience measurement system in Australia since ratings began.

Speaking at CRA’s Audio Unlimited event on Friday, chief executive officer Ford Ennals said the new approach would provide more robust listening data for agencies and advertisers while enabling a deeper view of the size of the streaming audience.

“We will launch the new radio measurement system from Survey 1 next year in March. This will be the first iteration of the new hybrid methodology and we will work with GfK to continue to develop and explore further enhancements,” said Ennals.

“We also plan to provide additional information on podcast listening by including podcast consumption questions into the lifestyle questionnaire that is part of the diary. These insights will provide information such as podcasting listening frequency, time of day and other data.”

3AW breakfast presenter Russel Howcroft interviewed GfK Media Measurement Director Deb Hishon and Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, Dr Morten Boyer, at the Audio Unlimited event.

Ms Hishon said GfK is, “excited to work with the radio industry on Radio360, a project that has seen extensive data science applied and rigorous testing. 

“We are using every available measurement tool to ensure the system is designed to future-proof radio audience measurement for the Australian market.

“GfK’s Radio360 provides users, for the first time ever, the ability to analyse and plan against radio streaming and linear audiences; it also opens the door to new audience insights into listening for an event or specific period, such as the summer period which is not measured under the current system.”