Christian O’Connell marks stunning radio ratings milestone

Triple M faces a breakfast radio ratings dilemma with Melbourne audiences failing to warm to Marty Sheargold.

GOLD FM breakfast host Christian O’Connell has marked a career milestone. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

GOLD FM breakfast host Christian O’Connell has won his 10th consecutive FM ratings survey but there’s trouble for Triple M in the breakfast show slot.

O’Connell improved slightly to record a 8.9 per cent share with FOX FM’s Fifi, Fev and Nick next best on 6.7.

“I hope the show is a sliver of joy, hope and light in these tough times,’’ O’Connell said.

Smoothfm’s Jennifer Hansen and Mike Perso were steady on 6.3, just ahead of Nova’s Chrissie, Sam and Browny on 6.2.

KIIS FM dropped to a lowly 4.6 but the next radio results will be telling after Lauren Phillips replaced PJ Harding as co-host on August 9. She and Jase Hawkins have established a strong rapport so far on a new-look program.

Triple M breakfast host Marty Sheargold.

Triple M’s Marty Sheargold dropped to 3.8. When long-time duo Eddie McGuire and Luke Darcy bowed out last year, the show was sitting on 6.8. Hot Breakfast did start off with a lower share and gradually built its audience.

The Marty Sheargold Show is syndicated nationally from 3-4pm daily and the national cume and share percentage figures are high — no.1 with men aged 25-54.

“The Marty Sheargold show is a great show, very different from its predecessor,’’ said Mike Fitzpatrick, Head of Triple M Network.

“We know this is a long term breakfast show for Triple M Melbourne.”

Radio expert Colin Vickery said the local result suggests Sheargold is not resonating as well in Melbourne.

“In lockdown it seems to be some of the FM and music shows have suffered a bit with people maybe looking to talk radio for news and updates,’’ Vickery said.

“Marty has a great sense of humour and we’ve seen him be successful as part of a team on Nova.

“It's a shame as it feels like his solo show hasn’t resonated as well with the Melbourne audiences.”

3AW breakfast hosts Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft have grown their audiences again. Picture: Jason Edwards

Elsewhere in breakfast, ABC’s Sammy J made strong gains, going from 13.8 to 16.0, and closing the gap on dominant 3AW. Russel Howcroft and Ross Stevenson still grew their audience to lead on 20.8.

GOLD FM was also the top rating FM station in mornings and afternoons, with Gavin Miller still ahead in drive (10.7) and almost drawing level with AM counterparts 3AW and ABC (11.7).

FOX FM’s Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little recorded 8.1, followed closely by smoothfm (7.9) and Nova’s Kate, Tim and Joel (7.4).

Triple M’s Mick Molloy gained some listeners going from 5.2 to 5.8.

Sports station SEN’s figures showed high profile breakfast and morning programs both on 2.9 with the best result in drive from 2.4 to 3.2 and afternoons on 3.7.

The survey five period took place from May 23-June 26 and July 11-August 14.