While the full impact of Campbell\u2019s arrival in major cities won\u2019t be known until the next survey \u2014 and for all of New Zealand until later next year \u2014 RNZ will be taking heart with today\u2019s numbers.<\/p>\n
Overall, RNZ National\u2019s audience now sits at 509,200, up from 492,200 in the previous ratings survey earlier this year. <\/p>\n
The growth has come mainly in Auckland, with RNZ National\u2019s audience increasing there from 133,400 to 155,000. Audiences dropped back in Wellington and Christchurch.<\/p>\n
When measured against the audiences of commercial radio stations, RNZ is fourth behind NZME\u2019s Newstalk ZB (656,900) and two MediaWorks music stations, The Breeze (597,100) and More FM (521,900). RNZ had been sixth earlier this year.<\/p>\n
The latest commercial radio ratings were released last week – they showed ZB holding steady overall for cumulative audience (down just 500 listeners), and up in overall share.<\/a><\/p>\n RNZ\u2019s results today mean the gap between it and ZB has closed from 164,500 to 147,700. At breakfast, ZB\u2019s Mike Hosking still holds a lead over Morning Report of 101,700 (it had been 122,000 in the previous survey).<\/p>\n RNZ\u2019s total audience of 509,200 puts it much closer to its stated goal of 520,000 listeners in 2026\/27. The Morning Report audience of 342,800 also puts it closer to the goal of 353,000 listeners in the same 12-month period.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s numbers will come as a big relief and morale booster for RNZ, following a strong focus on its radio performance in the past 12 months \u2014 especially as it faces further budget cuts and staff losses<\/a> and after ratings had eased earlier this year.<\/p>\n It has hired a new chief audio officer, employed Campbell on its flagship show, made a number of other on-air and format changes, and is overhauling its Saturday Morning show.<\/p>\n After a scathing review of its audio performance by former news boss Richard Sutherland last year, RNZ moved to make changes.<\/p>\n Chief audio officer Pip Keane said today that RNZ National\u2019s audience had grown 7% year on year \u2014 they were RNZ\u2019s best results since survey 1 in 2024, \u201cdemonstrating live radio remains central to RNZ\u2019s service\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThese results show the value audiences place on\u202fRNZ\u202fNational\u2019s distinctive mix of trusted journalism, informed conversation and connection across\u202fthe\u202fday. <\/p>\n \u201cRNZ continues to build audiences in the target areas of its audio plan, with the growth in Auckland being particularly visible.\u201d\u202f<\/p>\n The ratings also showed Nine to Noon and Checkpoint audiences had dropped back but First Up and Saturday Morning were up.<\/p>\n