Assess presenters one by one to halt audience fall: ABC Radio review

afr.com:

An internal review of the ABC’s flagship capital city radio stations has recommended the performance of all presenters and hosts be individually assessed to turn around a significant slump in audiences.

An advisory group spent months this year talking to radio managers, presenters and employees. Its final report was handed to the public broadcaster’s board in late June, according to two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity citing the sensitive nature of the review.

Among dozens of recommendations was a sweeping assessment of all on-air and off-air staff working across the five capital cities. The report also urged the broadcaster to invest in new audio and radio equipment after years of falling behind commercial rivals. It also suggested improving music choices.

Virginia Trioli is leaving ABC Radio Melbourne and returning to television.  

ABC Radio’s share of audiences has been in rapid decline, falling 40 per cent in Melbourne and 35 per cent in Sydney between 2020 and 2023.

ABC Radio Melbourne had an audience share of 10 per cent in the city in 2020. This has subsided to just 6.4 per cent this year, on average. ABC Radio Sydney had more than 9 per cent through 2020, and 11.3 per cent in 2021 – it has had 5.9 per cent this year. Nor are the ABC’s audience woes limited to radio. Internal data revealed more than 80 per cent of the audience for its 7pm television bulletin was over 55 years old. That was a key factor in the decision to cut 120 jobs, including that of political editor Andrew Probyn, in a restructure aimed at changing how it delivers news.

ABC Radio audience shares in Sydney and Melbourne over the past three years.  

Rafael Epstein is moving into the mornings chair on ABC Radio Melbourne from September