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In an increasingly crowded media landscape, community radio continues to demonstrate its relevance.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The latest Wave 1 2026 survey saw Sonshine\u2019s weekly audience increase to 188,000 listeners and combined weekly reach across Sonshine and Sonshine Extra growing to 208,000 listeners.<\/p>\n
Combined monthly reach climbed to 360,000 listeners.<\/p>\n
Sonshine says not only has it risen two places from 10th to 8th in the Perth market \u2013 narrowing the gap to Curtin FM \u2013 it\u2019s also now outperforming both 6PR and ABC NewsRadio in weekly and monthly reach.<\/p>\n
Sonshine CEO Michael Pailthorpe says the results reflect not only the station\u2019s continued growth, but also the growing influence of community broadcasting in Perth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re delighted by these results because they show consistent, sustainable growth across every major measure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIndependent 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sonshine says the latest survey also challenges a number of long-held assumptions about community broadcasting.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity radio has changed significantly over the past decade,\u201d Pailthorpe says. \u201cToday\u2019s audiences are broad, diverse and deeply engaged. We\u2019re seeing people from every stage of life choosing positive, hope-filled local media as part of their daily routine.\u201d<\/p>\n
And the audience engagement extends beyond listening.<\/p>\n
Recently Sonshine\u2019s June Appeal exceeded $1.1 million \u2013 its strongest fundraising result to date \u2013 highlighting the depth of support from listeners.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat excites us most isn\u2019t any one statistic \u2013 it\u2019s that awareness, reach, listening time and listener support are all moving in the same direction,\u201d Pailthorpe said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe success of our June Appeal demonstrates something quite special. Our listeners don\u2019t simply tune in; they actively invest in ensuring Sonshine continues serving the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Pailthorpe believes the results are another important milestone for both Sonshine and the wider community broadcasting sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity radio continues to prove its relevance in an increasingly crowded media landscape. We\u2019re grateful for these results and excited about what\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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