Is traditional radio still a viable mass-reach platform in the digital age?

Commercial radio maintains a dominant market position, reaching 15 million Australians weekly and achieving an 81% total reach across broadcast and streaming. Broadcast listening continues to grow, with online radio consumption currently expanding at a faster rate than that of pure-play digital challengers.

How effectively is the sector monetizing the shift to digital audio?

The transition is yielding significant financial results, with digital audio revenue growing 12.1% to $26.7 million in Q3 2025. CRA members now command a 33% share of Australia’s $82 million digital audio market, successfully offsetting a sluggish broader advertising environment.

Can radio compete with global tech platforms on data and targeting?

The industry has modernized its trading capabilities through CRA Audio ID, which provides a monthly addressable audience of 14.7 million listeners. This infrastructure allows broadcasters to offer digital-grade precision and first-party data targeting at a scale that global platforms often struggle to match.

What does the rise of connected vehicles mean for radio's core audience?

Connectivity is transforming the traditional in-car experience, with 27-28% of listeners now streaming radio via their vehicle's interface. This shift allows the industry to maintain its automotive stronghold while capturing granular data on a segment of the 15 million weekly listeners that was previously anonymous.

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Radio Listening Grows, as Digital Advertising Scale Expands

Commercial radio maintains 81% population reach while digital audio revenue grows 12.1% to $26.7 million.

David Kennedy · Venture Insights13 February 2026Period: 2023-20254 min read

15 million↑

Weekly Australians reached by commercial radio

81%→

Total Radio reach (broadcast plus streaming) of the population

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Abstract

The Australian audio industry has redefined itself as a platform-agnostic experience, successfully integrating live broadcast, digital streaming, and on-demand podcasting. This report explores how commercial radio has maintained massive scale, reaching 15 million Australians weekly, while simultaneously expanding its digital advertising capabilities. Despite a sluggish total advertising market, the sector's digital audio revenue grew by 12.1% in Q3 2025, signaling a robust transition toward a data-driven, addressable future.

Key Takeaways

Commercial radio has reached a record 15 million weekly Australian listeners, defying 'legacy' labels.
Total Radio reach remains robust at 81% of the population, with streaming expanding rather than cannibalising broadcast.
Digital audio revenue grew 12.1% to $26.7 million in Q3 2025, outperforming the broader digital ad market.

Radio Listening Grows, as Digital Advertising Scale Expands

Abstract

Key Takeaways

What's Inside

Growth in the Total Audio Paradigm

Radio’s Dashboard Dominance

Revenue Growth and Trading Innovation

Frequently Asked Questions

Abstract

Key Takeaways

What's Inside

Growth in the Total Audio Paradigm

Radio’s Dashboard Dominance

Revenue Growth and Trading Innovation

Frequently Asked Questions

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