2GB takes a hit but maintains lead as Sydney’s top radio station

Chris Smith has had the last laugh, finishing up at 2GB as the number one afternoon host in Sydney. The latest radio ratings show Macquarie Media’s radio powerhouse registering a dip across all major timeslots.

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Chris Smith kept the number one afternoon spot for his final radio ratings as a turbulent few months delivered a dip for 2GB across all timeslots.

The longtime AM broadcaster finished up at the station last week after refusing to agree to management’s plans to swap shifts with nights host Steve Price.

For his last survey with the station, Smith registered a 0.6 of a percentage point drop to a top share of 11.9 per cent of the market.

But more than 90 survey wins at the top spot wasn’t enough to save Smith with Macquarie Media having already promised Price a daytime hosting role during plans to turf Alan Jones out of the station.

Alan Jones …

… and 2GB stablemate Ray Hadley.

GFK ratings figures released today show that overall, 2GB dropped 0.8 of a percentage point to maintain its market lead share of 14 per cent, well ahead of its nearest rival, top station on the FM dial, smoothfm, at 9.9 per cent.

“While the 2GB movement isn’t huge, it is interesting to note that ABC Sydney went up in all of its timeslots across the board,” commentator and Mediaweek editor James Manning said.

“Despite the falls, Alan Jones again has the single biggest radio share in the market, overtaking Ray Hadley, who was slightly ahead in the last survey.”

Chris Smith finished on top, leaving the station at number one. Picture: Monique Harmer

In breakfast for the period April 21 to June 29, Jones dropped just 0.2 of a percentage point to a share of 17.4 per cent. His nearest competition came from KIIS 106.5 duo Kyle and Jackie O with 10.9 per cent (down 0.9), followed by ABC Sydney at 9.9 (up 1.0), WSFM at 8.5 (down 0.3) and Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa at 7.5 (up 0.3).

In mornings, Ray Hadley was at the front of the pack with a share of 16 per cent, a drop of 1.7, followed by smoothfm at 10.4, down 0.1.

In drive, Ben Fordham at 2GB is leader with a 10.3 per cent share, just ahead of Nova’s Kate, Tim and Marty at 10 per cent.

2GB presenter Ben Fordham won the drive ratings ahead of Nova.

“We’re thrilled to be number one in the always competitive drive slot,” Fordham told Confidential. “There’s some really strong competition and we are lucky to have such loyal listeners.”

Steve Price will permanently move into Smith’s 12-3pm timeslot in the coming weeks, having previously hosted evenings and 2GB management is now looking for a new night time host with Merrick Watts tipped to be his replacement.