Radio ratings 2019: Brisbane’s radio race tightens at the top as 4BC bounces back

In the penultimate survey of 2019, Brisbane’s radio race has been shaken up with some surprise contenders emerging.

HIT105 hosts Stav, Abby and Matt have drawn level with Nova 106.9 as Brisbane’s preferred breakfast radio station. Picture: Liam Kidston.

BRISBANE’S competitive radio race has tightened at the top with Nova clutching on to top spot and 4BC bouncing back.

After Nova held a clean sweep of the breakfast radio ratings in 2019, Hit 105’s Stav, Abby & Matt drew level with Ash, Kip Luttsy & Susie in the penultimate survey of the year.

Nova held on to claim Brisbane’s most listened to station, with an 11.8 per cent share of the audience Monday to Friday, beating Hit 105 and Triple M, which tied on 11.6 per cent.

“What a spectacular year we’ve had. The station, the breakfast show and the drive show have won every survey,” Nova 106.9 program director Jay Walkerden said.

“Today we celebrate 7 out of 7.”

In the first full survey period with new co-host Margaux Parker, who replaced Robin Bailey in September, Triple M’s The Big Breakfast with Marto, Margaux and Nick Cody recorded a strong result, jumping from fourth to land behind Nova and Hit 105.

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Robin Bailey (right) is being replaced by Margaux Parker, as Triple M host morning show, Spring Hill Brisbane, on Friday 20th September, 2019 – Photo AAP/Steve Pohlner

Triple M also kept their stronghold on the morning and afternoon timeslots in Brisbane.

In the AM battle, 4KQ was the most listened to station, on 8 per cent of the audience, Monday to Friday, as 4BC recovered from disappointing previous results to topple ABC Brisbane – on 6.8 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively.

Alan Jones’ audience grew a mammoth 1.1 points in breakfast for 4BC, signalling a resurgence from his recent controversies.

Sydney radio personality Ben Fordham took over afternoons in Brisbane for 4BC in October.

Ben Fordham’s introduction to Brisbane’s afternoon airwaves also appears to have had an impact for 4BC, growing one point in the afternoons timeslot when Fordham, a syndicated Sydney program, takes over from Steve Price

“4BC is a powerful voice in Brisbane with a deep connection to the community, so it is gratifying that so many listeners are making us their station of choice,” Macquarie Media’s National Executive Producer Michael Thompson said.

“The growth in audience for Alan Jones in particular is testament to his ability to connect with his listeners in his home state of Queensland.”

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It was a dire result for ABC morning host Rebecca Levingston, who slumped 1.2 points to just 5.1 per cent and a disturbing eighth spot, easily beaten by 4BC’s Ray Hadley on 8.3 per cent and 4KQ on 8 per cent.

But ABC’s Craig Zonca and Loretta Ryan remained the preferred AM breakfast option in the city, on 10.1 per cent, beating 4KQ’s Laurel, Gary & Mark on 9.2 per cent.

ABC, 4KQ, and 4BC all recorded an audience growth in breakfast in a slight swing towards the AM options.

ABC’s Steve Austin and 4KQ’s Nick Michaels tied in the AM drive wars as Nova continued to dominate in drive overall.