Results of the second GfK radio ratings survey of 2026 have landed, revealing a market in flux rather than freefall, with audience loyalty holding firm amid key lineup changes across the country.
KIIS FM’s breakfast share eased to 11.7%, down from 12.7% in the previous survey, in what marks the first ratings read since Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson’s exit – but the drop is far from dramatic.
With only four weeks captured in the survey, and the pair still on air for roughly 60% of that period, the result sits firmly in transition territory. What’s more telling is what didn’t happen: listeners didn’t scatter en masse. The relatively modest dip suggests many have stayed put at KIIS, perhaps waiting until something better to come along.
Triple M and Gold have drawn level at 5.5% in breakfast, but they’ve arrived there via very different trajectories – Triple M edging up 0.5 points, while Gold slipped 0.6.
In Melbourne, Gold’s breakfast performance told a more stable story, with Christian O’Connell holding a 10.5% share, down just 0.1 points – a sharp contrast to his softer showing in Sydney. A long-established presence in the market after six years on air, O’Connell continues to benefit from familiarity with local audiences, even as his Sydney expansion remains a work in progress.
Elsewhere, Fox FM’s Fifi, Fev and Nick gained ground, rising to 9.6% from 8.8% last survey, while KIIS FM posted a modest lift from 5.1% to 5.4%, suggesting some audience return following earlier disruption linked to the networked rollout of The Kyle and Jackie O Show into the city.
KIIS 973’s breakfast team of Robin, Kip & Corey slipped 0.2 points this survey – a marginal dip, but one that comes despite the noise surrounding the show’s return to the airwaves after being axed last year.
Elsewhere, B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt also eased back, falling from 12.1% to 11.8%, while Nova’s Nick, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill moved in the opposite direction, posting one of the stronger gains in the market, up from 9.3% to 10.3%.
Triple M’s Roo, Ditts & Loz continue to dominate breakfast despite a slight dip, easing from 14.4% to 13.9% – still comfortably ahead of the rest of the market. Behind them, the race is tightening. Nova’s Jodie & Hayesy posted a lift to 10.2% from 9.7%, drawing level with SAFM’s Bel, Bernie & Emma G, who jumped sharply from 8.9% to also land at 10.2%.
Meanwhile, KIIS’s newly installed duo Ben & Liam recorded an early gain, rising from 8% to 9%. It’s a promising start, though still too early to draw firm conclusions as the show beds into the market.
In Perth, the story remains largely unchanged, with Nova 93.7 continuing to dominate breakfast by a clear margin. Nathan, Nat & Shaun delivered another commanding result, posting a 17.5% share – down just 0.1 points from last survey, but still well ahead of the field.
Behind them, Mix 94.5’s Pete & Kymba recorded one of the stronger gains this book, rising from 11.3% to 12.6%, while Gold 96FM’s Lisa & Russell moved in the opposite direction, slipping from 9.7% to 9.1%.
From Mediaweek