National & Overall Market Leaders
When looking at the major metropolitan markets (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide), two large networks consistently dominate in terms of total overall audience:
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NOVA Entertainment (The Nova Network): Known for its contemporary "smooth fit" sound, targeting a younger to middle-aged demographic.
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ARN (Australian Radio Network): Home to the long-running and hugely successful Kyle and Jackie O show, which is a massive ratings driver, especially in Sydney.
The public broadcasters are also hugely influential:
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ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): Offers news, talk, and specialist music (e.g., ABC Local Radio, Triple J, ABC Classic).
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SBS (Special Broadcasting Service): Provides multilingual and multicultural programming.
Most Popular Stations by Major City
Here are the top-rated stations in each of the five major capital cities, according to the most recent surveys.
Sydney
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#1 Overall: KIIS 106.5 (ARN) - Home to the powerhouse Kyle and Jackie O show, which is the #1 breakfast show in the country.
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Strong Competitor: smoothfm 95.3 (NOVA) - Very popular for its relaxing, no-advertisements music format.
Melbourne
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#1 Overall: 3AW (Nine Radio) - Dominates the talk-back and news/talk space, especially with its strong older demographic.
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#1 FM Station: GOLD 104.3 (ARN) - The leading music station, playing classic hits.
Brisbane
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#1 Overall: NOVA 106.9 (NOVA) - Consistently wins the overall ratings battle in Brisbane.
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Strong Competitor: 97.3FM (ARN) - A very close competitor, often swapping the top spot.
Perth
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#1 Overall: MIX 94.5 (Southern Cross Austereo) - A long-time dominant force in the Perth market.
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Strong Competitor: NOVA 93.7 (NOVA)
Adelaide
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#1 Overall: MIX 102.3 (ARN) - The leading station in the Adelaide market.
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Strong Competitor: FIVEaa (NOVA) - A leading talk-back station.
Important National Stations with Massive Followings
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ABC Radio National: For in-depth news, current affairs, and cultural programming.
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triple j: A national, government-funded youth station known for playing Australian alternative music. It's incredibly influential and runs the famous "Hottest 100" countdown every year.
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ABC Local Radio: Has a station in every capital city and region (e.g., ABC Sydney, ABC Melbourne). It's a primary source of news, talk, and emergency broadcasting, especially for older Australians.
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smoothfm (91.5 in Sydney, 95.3 in Melbourne): While only in two cities, its format is so popular it ranks among the most listened-to stations nationally.
Summary
If you have to name a single "most popular" network, NOVA Entertainment often leads in the overall surveys across the major cities. If you're looking for the single most influential show, it's arguably Kyle and Jackie O on KIIS 106.5 in Sydney.
For a quick, general answer:
The most popular commercial radio networks in Australia are NOVA Entertainment and ARN, with stations like KIIS and smoothfm being top performers. In the public sector, ABC and triple j are immensely popular and influential.
