Last month, Stav, Abby and Matt welcomed the fourth Radio Ratings survey of the year with open arms.
The B105 Breakfast team came out on top, keeping the title of Brisbane’s #1 Breakfast Show for the third time this year, holding a 12.7% share in the Brisbane market.
See also: Brisbane Radio Ratings 2023, Survey 4: Nova #1 while Stav, Abby and Matt top brekkie
When it comes to their show, waking up with Stav, Abby and Matt means rolling out of bed and hearing exactly what you need to know not just in Brissie, but the world.
Their identity is something that they hold to a significant standard, and it just might be the secret to their success.
Mediaweek caught up with Abby and Matt (Stav was present in spirit) to chat about their #1 position, what goes into keeping that spot and the given pressure that comes with the title.
Being #1
When asked about their immediate reaction to being the Brisbane market’s top breakfast show, Abby had a simple response.
“Well deserved,” she said.
“No, no, no. I’m joking. It’s always a good feeling when the ratings come out. I always think it’s nice for the company as well and recognises the hard work that’s done behind the scenes. It feels like a little bit of a boost for everyone that we’re doing well.”
Pictured left to right: Stav, Abby and Matt
Being #1 for the third survey in a row is something the team doesn’t take for granted, but they know what needs to happen to keep it that way.
“I think one of the biggest things that goes into keeping our show number one is doing what the audience wants to hear,” Matt said.
“You’ve got to have an identity, you’ve got to know what type of content people come to you for and what they want to hear.
“You hear a lot of shows, and while it’s not necessarily their fault, they’re trying to do or be who they think they should be, not who they are.”
Abby chimed in – “Or what their boss has told them to be.”
The secret to their success
Matt explained that while their identity is a big part of their success, the idea of putting listeners first works wonders.
“For us, we always ask ourselves and each other, do we find this interesting? But we also always keep in mind the people who listen to our show. Are they going to find this interesting? or are we just doing it because someone said, ‘Oh yeah, that’ll work just do that.'”
Stav, Abby and Matt with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
The pressure that comes with being #1 is a given in any situation, but the team explains that the Brissie market is extremely close and sometimes, running your own race is the only way to combat the pressure.
“You just gotta run your own race, although, I would like to have some more daylight between us and number two,” Abby said.
Matt added: “The pressure is that all the stations are quite close and the expectation is the more you achieve, the more obviously is expected from you from management etc. I mean, the expectation is still always going to be there no matter what.
“When your last, they still expect you to be number one. That’s just what the job is.”
Change is hard, but sometimes necessary
The future of the Stav, Abby and Matt show is one that is destined to change, but the team stresses that it’s not a bad change. It’s change that reflects their own personal growth, and it’s something they have learnt to accept throughout the years they have broadcasted on Brisbane’s Breakfast airwaves.
“I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of people and I really like working with you guys (Matt and Stav),” said Abby.
“I agree and I see the show being together for quite a long time and having continued success,” Matt said.
“I think also the show has evolved a lot in the seven years I’ve been here and I think every year it changes and that’s because radio changes, we as people change, and that’s okay.”
The Stav, Abby & Matt Show is live from 6-9 AM on weekdays on B105 Brisbane.