Nova 106.9 most popular overall in first 2022 radio survey

Nova 106.9 has drawn first blood in Brisbane’s 2022 radio wars but the dial has moved the most in the competitive breakfast timeslot.

Nova 106.9 has drawn first blood in Brisbane’s 2022 radio wars but it was the AM dial that benefited from a turbulent start to the year in the River City.

In the first radio survey of 2022, released on Thursday, Nova regained top spot as the most listened to station overall in Brisbane, gaining 1.1 points to take the mantle from rivals KIIS 97.3FM, which had finished 2021 on top.

Nova 106.9 crew Ash Bradnam, Susie O'Neill and David 'Luttsy' Lutteral. Picture: Lachie Millard

The station fell to fifth across the seven-day week behind AM options 4KQ in second, ABC Brisbane in third and FM rivals B105.

NOVA Entertainment Group Program Operations Director Brendan Taylor said the first survey results for 2022 were great for Nova 106.9.

“After what has been an emotional few weeks in Brisbane, we’re very pleased to be starting the year in this position and the connection we have with our loyal Brisbane audience.

“These consistent rating results are a testament to the work of the entire Nova Brisbane team, on-air and behind the scenes, who are passionately committed to keeping our listeners engaged and entertained.

“I’d also like to make special mention to our new recruit Maddy Rowe in her first survey for NOVA and the important role she plays in our daily broadcast. A huge congratulations to her.”

ABC was the biggest mover, growing in each timeslot including a mammoth 3.9 points to win the coveted breakfast market through Craig Zonca and Loretta Ryan.

The survey, measured from January 16 to February 26, came amid a news-heavy start to the year, with the Omicron outbreak being replaced by war in Ukraine and the recent heavy rainfall and flooding in Brisbane.

Nova’s Ash, Luttsy & Susie managed to return to second in breakfast as the FM leaders over 97.3FM – in what was their first survey without Kip Wightman following his high-profile departure from Nova.

The new show of Robin, Terry & Kip came in fifth with 9.8 per cent of the audience, a loss of 1.4 points.

Craig Zonca and Loretta Ryan present ABC Brisbane breakfast radio team from 5am. Photo: ABC Brisbane

In another win for the AM options, 4KQ and 4BC tied in third with 9.9 per cent of the audience each.

B105’s Stav, Abby and Matt trailed on 9.1 per cent while Triple M fell further on the bubble with just 7.1 per cent audience share.

4KQ maintained its win in the mornings while Nova took out afternoons and drive through popular show Kate, Tim & Joel.

RADIO WINNERS

Overall FM: Nova 106.9, 10.8 per cent (+1.1)

Overall AM: 4KQ, 9.4 per cent (-1.2)

Breakfast: ABC Brisbane, 13.2 per cent (+3.9)

Mornings: 4KQ, 10.9 per cent (-0.8)

Afternoons: Nova 106.9, 11.1 per cent (+1.4)

Drive: Nova, 13.3 per cent (+0.8)

BREAKFAST

1. ABC Brisbane, 13.2 per cent (+3.9)

2. Nova 106.9, 10.7 per cent (0.0)

3. 4KQ, 9.9 per cent (-2.1)

3. 4BC, 9.9 per cent (-0.8)

5. Kiis 97.3FM 9.8 per cent (-1.4)

6. B105, 9.1 per cent (+1.0)

7. Triple M, 7.1 per cent (-1.3)

(Source: GfK)