RNZ reports increased radio and digital audiences

New data from the GfK radio survey indicates that RNZ has seen an increase in both radio and digital audiences, alongside higher trust levels compared to other outlets. RNZ National’s listenership rose to 509,200, narrowing the gap with commercial talk station Newstalk ZB, which saw a slight decrease to 656,900 listeners.

In the weekday morning slot, RNZ’s Morning Report gained 6,300 listeners, while Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast lost 14,000. While music stations The Breeze and More FM maintained higher audiences than RNZ National, the public broadcaster has seen significant growth on its website, reaching 1.78 million visitors in July according to Nielsen data.

RNZ’s new board chair, Brent Impey, has adopted a more aggressive stance toward competition, stating the broadcaster is ‘coming after’ Newstalk ZB. This follows previous demands from Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith for improvements in RNZ’s radio audiences.