Strong demand for commercial radio continues

Data released by the New Zealand Commercial Radio Industry shows that over 3.6 million New Zealanders listen to the radio every week with almost 3.4 million of those tuning into commercial radio stations.

The weekly cumulative audience data from the S4 2022 GfK Radio Audience Data released today found commercial radio continues to deliver strong audiences of all ages:

• 66 percent of people 10-24 listen to commercial radio each week
• 73 percent of people 18-39 listen to commercial radio each week
• 78 percent of people 25-44 listen to commercial radio each week
• 78 percent of people 25-54 listen to commercial radio each week 
• 79 percent of people 45-64 listen to commercial radio each week
• 77 percent of people 55-74 listen to commercial radio each week
• 78 percent of Grocery Buyers listen to commercial radio each week

On average listeners tune in for 15 hours 18 minutes of commercial radio each week.

Peter Richardson, TRB General Manager says the results of this survey are encouraging.

“Paired with the newly released Infinite Dial report, we have more insight into New Zealanders audio consumption than ever before.”

Michael Boggs, NZME CEO says the survey results prove the strength of radio reaching engaged audiences across the country and covering a wide range of topics.

“This is further complemented by a strong digital audio offering, including through digital radio and podcasting. A strong, future-proofed media ecosystem that supports both commercial and public media, and traditional and digital platforms, is vital for our customers and our audiences nationwide.” 

Mediaworks CEO Cam Wallace says it is fantastic to see this strong demand for commercial radio in Aotearoa.

“This reinforces the results from the recently released Edison Research Infinite Dial NZ study which shows the strength of AM/FM radio across all age demographics and various platforms, as well as reinforcing the need for a thriving commercial radio sector within the wider media ecosystem in New Zealand.” 

NZME’s Newstalk ZB holds its place as the number one commercial radio station and is growing its overall share of audience to 15.3 percent while MediaWorks remains the country’s leading commercial radio network with an audience share of 53.2 percent.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast holds the top spot once again, with 21.6 percent share of audience.

NZME’s Chief Radio Officer, Jason Winstanley says the latest results showcase how much New Zealanders enjoy the depth of talent and diversity of content that NZME’s radio stations offer. 

“NZME is so proud of our broadcast radio network and we continue to deliver exceptional results, delivering on our strategic goals to grow audience market share as part of our 2023 Strategy. Winning six of the seven premier awards at the 2022 NZ Radio Awards was a highlight, and Newstalk ZB remaining untouched at number one for the past 15 years is a massive achievement. As well as investing in our broadcast radio network, digital audio is also a huge focus for us with iHeartRadio, and we are proud to be the best in the country when it comes to digital audio and podcasting,” he says. 

MediaWorks has the top five music stations in New Zealand – Breeze, Rock, More, Sound and Magic. 

Total listeners are on the up too, with more than 2.41 million people tuning into MediaWorks’ radio brands every week in Aotearoa, up almost 11,000. 

MediaWorks Director of Content Leon Wratt says, “We’re rapt to end 2022 on a high with great results across our brands. We’re also really looking forward to 2023 with some new additions to our brands announced earlier today, including award-winning comedian Paul Ego joining the More FM Breakfast Club and Clint Randell returning to The Edge Breakfast. We can’t wait to continue to deliver fantastic results for our audiences and our advertising customers in 2023.”