Commercial Radio Reaches Record Audience with Smart Speaker Surge

Over Half of Online Radio Listening Now on Smart Devices

Commercial radio continues to dominate the audio landscape, with a 55% share of total listening hours for the 12 months ending June 2024, according to the latest figures from Radio Joint Audience Research (RAJAR). Online radio listening has grown significantly, with over half (24%) of all listening now taking place on smart speaker devices.

Smart Speaker Listening Breaks Records

Commercial radio listening on smart speakers has reached a record high, with 17.7% of all listening now taking place on these devices. This represents an increase from 17.1% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and highlights the growing popularity of smart speakers as a way to access radio content.

Weekday Mornings Show Growth

Commercial Radio Audio (CRA) welcomed the latest results, particularly the year-on-year growth in morning show listening. CRA CEO Joan Warner said, "These strong results are a testament to the enduring power of commercial radio and the ongoing demand for engaging content across all platforms."

Sustained YOY Growth

Australian commercial radio has experienced sustained year-on-year growth, with the first ratings of 2024 showing that 82% of Australians (a record 12.6 million people) are listening to radio weekly. This continued growth reinforces radio's resilience and importance as a medium for reaching and engaging audiences.