Sonshine climbs to its highest-ever Perth market position

In an increasingly crowded media landscape, community radio continues to demonstrate its relevance.

Sonshine has reached its highest-ever position in the Perth radio market, climbing to 8th overall in the latest McNair Community Radio Listener Survey while recording growth across every major audience measure.

The latest Wave 1 2026 survey saw Sonshine’s weekly audience increase to 188,000 listeners and combined weekly reach across Sonshine and Sonshine Extra growing to 208,000 listeners.

Combined monthly reach climbed to 360,000 listeners.

Sonshine says not only has it risen two places from 10th to 8th in the Perth market – narrowing the gap to Curtin FM – it’s also now outperforming both 6PR and ABC NewsRadio in weekly and monthly reach.

Sonshine CEO Michael Pailthorpe says the results reflect not only the station’s continued growth, but also the growing influence of community broadcasting in Perth.

“We’re delighted by these results because they show consistent, sustainable growth across every major measure.”

“Independent audience research continues to demonstrate that community radio is playing an increasingly important role in the lives of Western Australians. More people are discovering Sonshine, listening more often and spending more time with us than ever before.”

Sonshine says the latest survey also challenges a number of long-held assumptions about community broadcasting.

Combined, Sonshine and Sonshine Extra now reach 360,000 West Australians every month and 208,000 every week, making the network the eighth-largest radio audience in Perth.

“Community radio has changed significantly over the past decade,” Pailthorpe says. “Today’s audiences are broad, diverse and deeply engaged. We’re seeing people from every stage of life choosing positive, hope-filled local media as part of their daily routine.”

And the audience engagement extends beyond listening.

Recently Sonshine’s June Appeal exceeded $1.1 million – its strongest fundraising result to date – highlighting the depth of support from listeners.

“What excites us most isn’t any one statistic – it’s that awareness, reach, listening time and listener support are all moving in the same direction,” Pailthorpe said.

“The success of our June Appeal demonstrates something quite special. Our listeners don’t simply tune in; they actively invest in ensuring Sonshine continues serving the community.”

Looking ahead, Pailthorpe believes the results are another important milestone for both Sonshine and the wider community broadcasting sector.

“Community radio continues to prove its relevance in an increasingly crowded media landscape. We’re grateful for these results and excited about what’s ahead as we continue investing in local content, growing Sonshine Extra and finding new ways to connect with Western Australians through media that brings hope, encouragement and authentic connection.”

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