Melbourne’s radio landscape is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself, with stations like Triple M, Nova 100, Smooth FM, Gold 104.3, KIIS 101.1, 3AW, Fox FM, and SEN vying for listeners’ attention. Understanding the intricacies of Melbourne radio ratings not only offers a glimpse into the city’s listening habits but also provides valuable insights for advertisers aiming to make informed decisions.​

Decoding Melbourne’s Radio Ratings System

In Australia, radio audiences are measured by GfK’s Radio360 Ratings, the official radio audience measurement service for major markets, including Melbourne. This system combines data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of listening habits. It draws from 50,000 surveys, streaming data from radio station web players, listening apps, server logs, and a panel of 2,000 respondents wearing the GfK MediaWatch, a wearable meter that automatically captures listening information when the wearer is in hearing range of a radio station.  This hybrid approach ensures that both traditional and digital listening patterns are accurately captured, offering a holistic view of audience engagement.​radioinfo.com.au+5gfk-media-measurement.com+5gfk-media-measurement.com+5mumbrella.com.au

Leaders of the Airwaves: Who’s Tuning Into Whom?

As of the latest GfK surveys in 2025, Melbourne’s radio scene showcases some compelling trends:​

  • 3AW 693: Consistently dominating the AM band, 3AW continues to lead with its strong news and talkback programming. ​mediaweek.com.au
  • Smooth FM 91.5: Emerging as Melbourne’s #1 FM station, Smooth FM 91.5 has seen a significant rise, boasting an 11.4% share in the latest survey. ​radiotoday.com.au+3radiotoday.com.au+3adnews.com.au+3
  • Nova 100 (100.3 FM): Nova has cemented its position as the most listened-to radio station in Australia, boasting an impressive 1.269 million listeners. In Melbourne, the “Jase & Lauren” breakfast show dominates the FM Breakfast landscape, claiming the #1 spot with an 11.5% audience share—their best result since the station’s launch in 2001. ​radioinfo.com.au+4mediaweek.com.au+4mediaweek.com.au+4
  • Gold 104.3: Known for its classic hits, Gold FM maintains a loyal listener base, often ranking high in the FM category. ​
  • Fox FM (101.9 FM): Targeting a younger demographic with contemporary hits, Fox FM remains a strong contender in the FM market. ​
  • KIIS 101.1: Despite the national popularity of “The Kyle & Jackie O Show,” its expansion into Melbourne has faced challenges, with the show struggling to resonate with local audiences. ​dailytelegraph.com.au+1news.com.au+1
  • SEN (1116 AM): Catering to sports enthusiasts, SEN continues to engage listeners with comprehensive sports coverage and commentary.​

Shifts Behind the Microphone: Recent Talent Moves

The radio industry thrives on personality, and recent talent movements have added fresh dynamics to Melbourne’s airwaves:​

  • Mick Molloy: After a stint in Sydney, Mick Molloy returns to Melbourne to host Triple M’s breakfast show, bringing his signature humour back to local listeners. ​news.com.au+1dailytelegraph.com.au+1
  • Matt Preston: The culinary expert and former MasterChef host is leaving his role as the host of ABC Melbourne’s Saturday morning show after three successful years, aiming to explore new ventures. ​heraldsun.com.au
  • Marty Sheargold: After his controversial comments about the Matilda’s, Marty Sheargold and SCA have mutually decided to part ways, leaving a gap in the Triple M Drive show.

Impact on Advertisers: Why Ratings Matter

For advertisers, understanding Melbourne’s radio ratings is crucial for crafting effective campaigns:​

  • Targeted Advertising: High ratings in specific demographics enable advertisers to tailor messages to audiences most likely to engage with their products or services.​
  • Maximized ROI: Investing in top-rated stations ensures that advertising budgets are spent where they will have the most impact, reaching the largest and most engaged audiences.​
  • Strategic Planning: Awareness of talent movements and programming changes allows advertisers to align their campaigns with shows that resonate with their target demographics, enhancing brand association and recall.​

In the ever-evolving world of Melbourne radio, staying attuned to ratings and industry shifts is essential for both listeners seeking quality content and advertisers aiming for impactful engagement.​