CRA says commercial radio reaches 12.5 million weekly listeners

Australia’s Commercial Radio & Audio says commercial radio now reaches 12.5 million weekly listeners, according to the latest GfK survey; a significant percentage of whom listen in their cars.

GfK Survey 5 shows an increase of 183,000 listeners year-on-year, with the 25–64 demographic growing by 238,000 to 7.8 million. Commercial radio streaming now reaches 3.4 million people weekly, which CRA attributes to investment in cross-platform distribution.

Listening at work accounts for 6.6 million Australians, while 2.1 million listen at home. In-car listening increased by 248,000 year-on-year, reaching 10.3 million people, meaning 83% of commercial radio listeners tune in while driving.

An extraordinary endorsement

“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 CRA CEO Lizzie 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.”

Young highlighted commercial radio’s market position, noting it is Australia’s only 100% locally owned mass medium. “We keep 12.5 million listeners connected to their communities. Every advertising dollar stays here, funding local journalism, emergency broadcasting and thousands of Australian jobs. For brands seeking genuine community connection, we deliver engaged audiences at unmatched scale and drive measurable business outcomes for advertisers,” she said.

CRA, formerly known as Commercial Radio Australia, oversees industry research, advertising initiatives and lobbying on issues such as radio prominence in connected cars. 

For historical data and the 2025 metro survey schedule, you can visit here.

These stories might interest you 

CRA campaign proves the power of audio by putting out fire

Digital audio drives steady performance in Australian radio market

Australian commercial radio adds listeners and boosts reach in key demographics