Ben Fordham topples Kyle and Jackie O in radio ratings

The radio ratings were released this morning and it was good news for 2GB’s Ben Fordham, who beat KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie O.

Ben Fordham has toppled Kyle and Jackie O in the radio ratings to reclaim his breakfast crown.

The radio industry was stunned in July when the KIIS FM duo had their best ratings result in 21 years to became the number one breakfast show in Sydney on both AM and FM.

Kyle and Jackie O have been FM leaders for years, but it was the first time they’d ever beaten the top breakfast shows on the AM dial as well.

The result was a huge blow to Fordham, who took over from Alan Jones’ top-rating show on 2GB just over a year ago.

It was the first time in more than 15 years that 2GB had lost the title of ‘Sydney’s top-rating breakfast show’.

But Fordham has managed to turn things around.

Ben Fordham will be all smiles today. John Feder/The Australian.

In the latest round of radio ratings which were released this morning, Fordham went up 3.5 points to have a 16.8 per cent audience share, whereas Kyle and Jackie O fell 3.4 points to have a 12.1 per cent audience share.

Speaking to news.com.au after the result, Fordham said: “The only thing on the mind of Sydneysiders is when this lockdown is going to end and when people can see their family and friends. They want the latest information and expert analysis but they also want someone to challenge the sometimes chaotic game plan. I think we all feel a little bit lost at the moment and hopefully 2GB is providing some certainty and companionship.”

According to Mediaweek editor James Manning, today’s results will be take some of the pressure off Fordham who was heavily criticised in the media after July’s ratings.

“Yes it will – but nobody at Nine (which owns 2GB) or any of the advertisers would have lost the faith,” Mr Manning said.

When asked what contributed to Fordham reclaiming the top spot, Mr Manning replied: “The story that 2GB was in trouble was being oversold. In the station’s key demos it remained strong. Their listeners weren’t flocking to KIIS. A thirst for news during this long lockdown also helped, of course.”

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O.

Mr Manning added that despite losing the top spot to Fordham, Kyle and Jackie O won’t be too bothered by today’s results.

“What matters to Kyle and Jackie O is remaining the FM leaders and there is still no one around ready to take that crown,” he told news.com.au.

Kyle and Jackie O’s nearest FM rivals are Jonesy and Amanda from WSFM on 8.8, followed by Bogart Torelli and Glenn Daniel from Smooth FM on 6.2, then Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa on 6.1 and Triple M’s Moonman in the Morning on 4.7.

2Day’s FM’s Morning Crew featuring Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan had an absolute shocker in today’s ratings. They dropped 0.9 points to have just a 2.4 per cent audience share.