Smooth FM surprise winner in latest radio ratings; Ben Fordham remains on top

It looks like Smooth FM is making a comeback, showing the biggest increase of any radio station in the latest radio ratings released today. Have your say.

Smooth FM is the surprise big winner in the latest radio ratings.

Data released today, the sixth of eight survey releases for the year, has Smooth FM ranked the second highest rating station in Sydney with a share of 10.9 per cent of the overall listening market.

It represents the biggest increase of any station this survey with a jump of 1.2 share points.

Talkback station 2GB remains the number one station with a share of 12.8 per cent, down 0.8 of a percentage point.

In third place overall KIIS FM with a 9.5 per cent share, down 0.6 of a percentage point, ahead of ABC Sydney at 8.7 per cent (up 0.7).

“It is a great survey result for Smooth,” Mediaweek editor in chief and industry commentator James Manning told Confidential.

Smooth FM presenters Richard Wilkins, Melissa Doyle, David Campbell and Cameron Daddo. Picture: Supplied

“Where it is interesting is the fact that Smooth has risen across the board in all timeslots, which is very good news for executives and which continues a very strong year for the station.”

In the all important breakfast timeslot, Ben Fordham continued his long reign at number one.

Smooth FM breakfast host Bogart Torelli’s show has seen a jump in numbers.

He scored 16.9 per cent (down 0.2), followed KIIS FM duo Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson at 12.8 per cent (up 0.3), ABC Sydney at 10.1 (up 0.2), and Smooth FM hosted by Bogart Torelli and Ron Wilson at 8.2 per cent, a jump of 1.4 per cent.

Of the strong result, Fordham said: “I’m lucky to have a gifted team of people working on 2GB breakfast who chase the best guests and get results on behalf of our listeners”.

“Our mission every morning is to deliver the best content and that doesn’t happen without lots of heavy lifting from a bunch of talented people,” he continued.

“I’m so thankful that I’ve got such an amazing team and some extremely loyal listeners. If you haven’t discovered us yet, it’s probably time for you to tune in.”

Ben Fordham continued his long reign at number one. Picture: Matrix

Ray Hadley on 2GB again scored top spot with a 15.6 per cent share.

In mornings, Ray Hadley on 2GB again scored top spot with a 15.6 per cent share (down 1.6 per cent), ahead of nearest competition, being Smooth FM at 12.7 per cent, a rise of 2.1 percentage points.

Overall, Smooth FM was the number one station in the afternoon and drive shifts also. There, respectively, it jumped to 13.8 per cent (up 1.4) and 10.5 (up 0.5).

The station runs with the tagline ‘feel good’ and plays hits across the decades, meaning it targets a broad demographic of listeners.

Smooth FM’s high profile presenters include Melissa Doyle, Simon Diaz, Byron Webb, David Campbell, Richard Wilkins and Cameron Daddo.