As the dust settles on the third radio ratings survey for the year, ARN has recorded its 20th consecutive winning survey. Overall, the network recorded a 19.2% share and more than 5.7 million listeners (both including DAB+).
Mediaweek caught up with ARN’s chief content officer Duncan Campbell to dissect the results and what keeps ARN on top.
“It’s our 20th number one network result in a row, which is great – and a bit of a milestone, which is always cause for celebration,” says Campbell. “It demonstrates the consistency of the network. We’ve got some great talent on the air and great talent off the air. A lot of hard work goes into these results.”
On top of the 20th overall achievement, survey three has continued some big streaks for ARN’s on air talent. In Sydney, The Kyle & Jackie O Show recorded their 27th consecutive survey as #1 FM. For Campbell, a lot of this comes down to nailing the basics.
Kyle and Jackie O
“The network has been building up momentum over the last several years – the real tipping point was obviously Kyle and Jackie O coming across from 2Day FM. From then we just simply built upon that.
“This isn’t very sexy stuff, but the network has always been built on a solid strategy, which is executed methodically. The biggest risk in this business is that you get bored with the core business and you get distracted. I’ve been very determined that we don’t get distracted, at ARN we focus on what gets these results for us.”
In the north, Brisbane’s 4KQ has seen a boost in numbers as listeners tune in to farewell the station. This is the second last station for 4KQ under ARN after the acquisition of Grant Broadcasters resulted in its sale to SEN. Campbell says that not only is 4KQ an iconic brand, but its performance has been strong in a tough market.
“It’s gone from a two-horse race five years ago to a five-horse race at the moment – with shares of 11.2, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, It’s very close. The third horse in that race is 4KQ, so they’ve done very well.”
In a survey full of highlights, Melbourne’s Gold 104.3 stands out. This was the 19th consecutive survey as #1 FM station for Gold, and the 16th consecutive #1 FM survey for Gold’s The Christian O’Connell Show.
“We brought Christian O’Connell to Melbourne from the UK, and people said it wouldn’t work – but it’s worked better than even we expected, which is fantastic. He’s got his 16th number one FM result now – sweet 16 for him.
“He’s been a great success story – I call it the golden fairy tale. It was his wife’s ambition to relocate to Australia at some point if the timing was right, and we were able to facilitate that. He’s a unique broadcaster, he’s a real broadcaster, he understands the medium, and he’s hungry. I’m not surprised it was a success, but certainly, he was successful quicker than I thought he would be.”
The Christian O’Connell Show (l-r) Jack Post, Christian O’Connell and Patrina (Patsy) Jones
While Christian O’Connell continues to kick goals from the breakfast spot, Campbell says that success has been seen across the station.
“You can hear the crafting of the station across the day, we’re number one out right in drive on Gold as well. Credit to Sue Carter, content director, and Jason Staveley, music director, as well as all the talent. I think it’s one of the best sounding stations in the country at the moment.