Star 101.9 and Triple M Mackay claim victories in radio survey

Two radio stations have claimed wins in the ratings wars after a tough year of changes and Covid-19

Two radio stations have claimed wins in the ratings wars after a tough year of changes and Covid-19.

Grant Broadcasters’ Star 101.9 claimed the overall coveted number one position for the most listened to in the Mackay and Whitsundays, and the most popular with the 25-54 demographic.

The station climbed 4.3 points to 20.8 per cent while Southern Cross Austereo’s also climbed 1.9 points to 19.4 per cent, maintaining its spot as the number two station.

Triple M’s Jay and Dave breakfast show was the station of choice for the 35-54 demographic.

Star’s Sam Blacker said he and named co-host Rach Zonta, who is currently on maternity leave after welcoming a baby girl earlier this year, and current co-host Kaley Baker.

“We’re still pinching ourselves; we’re over the moon,” Sam Blacker, of Sam and Rach Star 101.9’s Breakfast show, said.

“We’re happy that everyone, pretty resoundingly, says they want local.

“The thing I love about this region is people here local to share more than any other area I’ve lived in. And there’s remarkable stories out there.”

Star 101.9's Sam Blacker, Rachel Zonta and Kaley Baker.

Mrs Zonta said it was a nervous wait in the lead up to final results of the survey period – six weeks of high promotions for the stations.

“It was very unexpected – it was a very nervous wait but … very relieved,” she said.

“We’ve got a really good team behind us and we continue to go up and up.

“For me, I haven’t worked in any other markets – I claim myself as a local – but I love living here.”

The pair was among 38 SCA staff made redundant in August last year.

Connecting to local communities is critical in radio, and it is a common thread between the two dominant stations in Mackay.

Jay Shipston and Dave Peters, of the Jay and Dave breakfast show on Triple M.

Triple M’s Jay Shipston and Dave Peters have been partners behind the microphone for more than a decade, and have cemented their place in the hearts of their demographic.

And their dusty heads on air Friday morning was a well-earned casualty of a hard-earned celebration.

“We are very happy with the result for Triple M,” Mr Shipston said.

“We pride ourselves on all things Mackay and the Whitsundays. With so much change in the radio landscape since our last survey in 2019 and to rise in ratings and maintain the number one station for the 40+ of Mackay and the Whitsundays, makes the hangover well worth it.

“Over 10 years together in breakfast radio and with many highlights over our time, ACRA Nominations and winners (Australian Commercial Radio Awards) being some of those highlights, this is also up there.”

Mr Peters said brekky radio was a tough gig but ultimately, if you didn’t love what you were doing, you’ve be doing something else.

“A lot of hard work goes into it,” he said.

“It’s not just the period where they conduct the survey, it’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”

National broadcaster ABC secured 10.9 per cent of the market while Grant Broadcasters’ 4MK was down 2.5 points to 6.6 per cent.