This August, Aussies tuned into sports podcasts as the NRL heads into its second week of finals and the AFL its second-last week of finals.
SCA announced a new partnership with US audio content and entertainment company Audacy, bringing more than 300 global titles to Australian audiences and increased opportunities for advertisers.
“We’re pleased to expand our premium content offering through a new distribution and representation partnership with leading US audio content and entertainment company Audacy,” Grant Tothill, SCA’s executive head LiSTNR operations and audience, said.
Sports podcasts brought in 3,967,080 listeners this August, following behind society & culture with 4,637,107 listeners, and 5,108,565 listeners in the news category.
News ranks highly as world events continue to dominate headlines, with ABC News Top Stories ranking #2 and Sky News Australia ranking #4.
The NRL has headed into its second week of finals, with the Cronulla Sharks up against the Canberra Raiders, who won the minor premiership. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs are up against the four-time reigning champions, Penrith Panthers. Both games are playing for elimination to secure a spot in next week’s preliminary final.
The AFL has entered the second-last week of finals, with teams playing for a spot in the GF next week. Geelong Cats go up against Hawthorn Hawks, and Collingwood Magpies go up against last year’s winners, the Brisbane Lions.
Demos+ data found that 60 per cent of males aged 25-54 listen to Sports podcasts.
Sports podcasts included Dan Does Footy at #12, SEN Breakfast at #13, The Howie Games at #26, and ABC SPORT Daily at #36.
Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), in partnership with Triton Digital, released the August results for the Australian Podcast Ranker on Wednesday, 17 September.
True Crime remains a consistent feature of podcast preferences, reaching 3,464,753 listeners and featuring podcasts such as The Case Of at #6, I Catch Killers With Gary Jubelin at #17, and Australian True Crime at #19.
“The Australian Podcast Ranker doesn’t just measure audiences – it identifies the communities that directly influence consumer decisions, providing advertisers with insights to turn listeners into loyal customers,” Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA said.
“Hamish & Andy have once again secured the top spot on the Australian Podcast Ranker, reaching 855,315 monthly listeners, a testament to their consistency and connection with audiences. We’re also proud to have five of our locally created and represented titles in the Top 20 podcasts of the All Australian Triton Top 300, more than any other publisher, including The Imperfects, Dan Does Footy, Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, and It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield,” Grant Tothill, SCA’s executive head LiSTNR operations and audience, said.
“Our radio podcast slate continues to demonstrate strong audience engagement across both live and on-demand platforms, with Triple M Footy AFL and Triple M Rocks Footy NRL leading the way. The Rush Hour with JB & Billy jumped 18 spots to #47, while Fifi, Fev & Nick saw a standout 158 per cent month-on-month growth, climbing 97 places to return to the Top 100. Emerging titles like Triple M’s Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie and Lu & Jarch continue to build momentum,” Tothill added.
“LiSTNR continues to lead the way in digital audio innovation, launching world-first AdTech products that offer advertisers unmatched targeting, integration, and campaign effectiveness. With the Total LiSTNR Audience Network reaching up to 10 million Australians each month across podcasts, radio streaming, and music, we’re delivering both scale and precision for brands seeking meaningful engagement,” Tothill added.
“This month’s results highlight the depth, diversity, and strength of iHeart’s slate. From market-leading homegrown voices like Life Uncut and The Kyle & Jackie O Show to global favourites like Stuff You Should Know, we’re connecting millions of Australians to the content they love. With our Upfronts just around the corner, we’re looking forward to sharing the next evolution of our slate,” Corey Layton, ARN’s head of digital audio said.
Father’s Day has come and gone, but men’s podcast listening paints a clearer picture of what they may value most.
Demos+ data reveals that of all males aged 25-54, 60 per cent listen to Sports podcasts, 53 per cent Technology podcasts, and 51 per cent Leisure podcasts. While Science (45 per cent) and Music (46 per cent) complete their top five genres. With 81.4 per cent employed full-time during peak earning years, these consumers combine established purchasing power with active content exploration across five distinct categories.
Mamamia’s podcasts continue to rank highly, following July’s trend, with Mamamia Out Loud in #3 and No Filter in #20. Shameless Media’s Shameless was down five spots from #6 last month to #11 this month. As SCA’s new partnership with US audio content and entertainment company Audacy comes to life, advertisers and marketers will have plenty of new opportunities with the new titles on offer for Aussies’ listening options.
