Radio Ratings: Finals Fever Drives Surge In Footy Talk & Live Commentary

The AFL and NRL finals have sparked a surge in talkback and sports radio, with fans turning to live commentary and analysis as both codes enter their most crucial weeks.

The September lift in the GfK Radio Ratings has translated into significant share gains for Nine Radio in Melbourne and Sydney, while SCA’s Triple M continues to prove its value as the home of sport across Brisbane and Adelaide.

Melbourne: 3AW leads, AFL surges Triple M

In Melbourne, 3AW roared to a 13.5 share overall, with Ross and Russel commanding 20.1 in Breakfast. Its wall-to-wall AFL coverage and commentary kept it untouchable as the go-to station for older and sport-driven audiences.

At the same time, Triple M Melbourne rose to 8.2 share and remains #1 for People 25–54 on the back of its long-running football franchises and weekend coverage. Drive and workday also lifted.

Outside of sport, the narrative everyone is looking for is ARN’s Kyle & Jackie O. The duo posted a light lift in Melbourne, growing their share to 6.1 and adding audience. Their impact remains small, but is a win for the Sydney juggernaut that is slowly testing the waters in one of Australia’s toughest markets.

Sydney: 2GB leads NRL finals coverage

Sydney’s 2GB held at 11.4 share overall, with Ben Fordham Live posting 14.2 in Breakfast, and the station’s success in talk extends across the day, including the key Mornings shift with Mark Levy recording a strong 11.5 share.

With the footy finals season in full swing, Nine Radio’s live commentary and analysis have captivated listeners, cementing its position as the No.1 choice for NRL fans on 2GB.

Nine credited its “elite line-up of commentators” for locking in weekend audiences, noting 2GB’s mix of live play-by-play and analysis is drawing fans who are increasingly splitting time between the stadium, screen and car radio.

Greg Byrnes, Nine’s national content manager, said: “The 3AW result today is stunning with gains right across the day and a big increase in listeners 40+. In Sydney, 2GB’s audience is holding firm and the station remains the clear number for talk and entertainment.”

“If you’re not listening to our live commentary and analysis of football right across the week you’re missing out and these figures show we’re the clear number one for coverage of both the AFL and NRL.”

“Each day, right across the country, more and more listeners are connecting with our talk content via a digital device. Our new audio sync feature is up and running in time for the footy finals, allowing listeners to fine tune their audio experience while watching the game. We’re really proud of our digital platform and that’s reflected in our dominance of the audio streaming market.”

Ultimately, however, Smooth FM 95.3 edged ahead as Sydney’s #1 overall station with an 11.8% share.

Head of programming for the Smooth Network, Peter Clay said: “These are absolutely incredible results. Smooth is delivering audiences in record numbers because, every day, we focus on creating a product that genuinely resonates with listeners, across the generations, and provides an environment Australians can connect with.”

Brisbane: Two-horse race

In Brisbane, Triple M stayed #1 with a 12.9 share, driven by its NRL and AFL coverage and commanding older audiences, while B105 remains the cume king at 654,000 listeners, delivering more youth reach.

Triple M’s Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott (Drive) hit 14.2, its highest audience since 2019, confirming that finals season is pulling more fans back into sport talk formats, especially with three teams across both codes taking a stab at finals footy.

“Brisbane remains a powerhouse with Triple M and B105 leading the market. These results are a testament to the strength of our brands, the talent of our teams, and the loyalty of our listeners,” said Matthew O’Reilly, SCA head of broadcast content.

Adelaide: Footy drives Triple M growth

Adelaide has its own shake-up, with Triple M climbing to a 14.0 share to become the city’s #1 station. Roo, Ditts & Loz rose to 14.8 in Breakfast, consolidating its position as the home of AFL in South Australia. Afternoons and Drive also surged, with JB & Billy on 13.7.

Perth: Footy still a driver

Perth was steadier than the eastern capitals, though sport remains a key ingredient. Nova 93.7 held its #1 position with a 13.7 share and 676,000 listeners, led by Nathan, Nat & Shaun’s 16.4 Breakfast share.

Triple M’s Xav & Katie posted a 12.3 Breakfast share, confirming AFL talk continues to drive engagement in WA, even with only one team popping up in the finals.

CRA: Live sport fuels in-car listening growth

CRA data has revealed that 10.3 million Australians now tune in on the road each week, up 248,000 year-on-year – an increase that is seemingly fueled by demand for live coverage and commentary.

CRA chief executive Lizzie Young called it “an extraordinary endorsement” of radio’s role as a trusted travel companion, reinforcing that the car remains a critical listening environment, especially when fans are commuting to and from games.

“The popularity of in-car listenership demonstrates the importance of the essential news and information services we provide each and every day. This is an extraordinary endorsement coming directly from our listeners,” said Young.

“Australians clearly value radio’s role as a trusted travel companion. This reinforces why radio prominence in vehicles matters. Every Australian deserves instant, one-button access to the local content they love.”

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