Commercial Radio Remains Australia's Top Audio Choice

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 20, 2025 | 2:29pm CT

Edison Research

Commercial radio remains the dominant force in Australia's audio landscape, reaching 15 million people aged 10 and older each week, according to the newly released Infinite Dial Australia 2025 report by Edison Research and Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), with support from LiSTNR, Nine, ARN, Nova, and ACE Radio.

Now in its ninth year, the study tracks evolving consumer behavior around digital audio and was presented during a webinar by Edison Research President Larry Rosin. Joining him were Margie Reid, CEO of Thinkerbell, and Lauren Joyce, Chief Audience and Content Officer at ARN.

"This year's findings clearly show that Australians are embracing audio like never before," said CRA CEO Lizzie Young. "With one in three 25-54s now streaming radio weekly-up 6.5% since last year-and half of Australians consuming podcasts monthly, the message is loud and clear: audio delivers scale, impact, and connection." Key findings from the 2025 study include:

• 84% of Australians aged 18 who have driven or ridden in a car in the past month use total radio (broadcast and streaming) for in-car listening-making it the leading in-car audio source.

• 27% stream radio in the car, demonstrating significant growth in digital adoption.

• 52% of Australians aged 10 listen to audio or video podcasts monthly.

• 33% of those aged 25-54 stream radio weekly, up from 31% last year.

• 40% of Australians aged 10 now own a smart speaker-marking a 43% increase in two years.

Despite the rapid expansion of digital options, traditional radio continues to hold broad appeal. "The Infinite Dial 2025 Australia report highlights radio's strong appeal across all age groups even as so many other options proliferate," said Edison Research President Larry Rosin. "Commercial radio delivers the most reach among all audio options for Australian advertisers."

Young emphasized audio's unique position in today's media mix: "Audio connects brands across the entire customer journey-whether it's trusted scale for brand awareness, precision targeting, or influencing highly engaged audiences. Audio's versatility makes it the most effective and essential medium in any media strategy."

The Infinite Dial Australia 2025 study offers a comprehensive view of changing audio consumption trends and reinforces commercial radio's enduring influence in a rapidly diversifying digital ecosystem.