For the third survey running, Triple M has topped Adelaide’s radio ratings, extending its lead over its nearest rival, Mix 102.3.

The classic rock and footy-driven station’s dominance begins at breakfast and continues through the day-time shifts where it now commands the kind of lead once enjoyed by the former perennial leader, Mix.

Underlining Triple M’s powerful performance is a 1.2 percentage point increase in listener share: the next two most popular stations – Mix and Nova – both lost ground on this key measure.

In breakfast, Triple M’s Chris Dittmar, Mark Ricciuto and Laura O’Callaghan again led the way, increasing their share to 15.2 per cent. Their nearest rival in the last survey, FIVEaa’s David Penberthy and Will Goodings, lost ground to finish equal to ABC Radio Adelaide’s Nikolai Beilharz and Stacey Lee, who improved their position. Both teams recorded 11.9 per cent – well behind Triple M.

Nova came next in breakfast, followed by Mix and SAFM – both on level pegging. It was an improved performance by both teams, but Mix would be concerned that an upward swing by Ali Clarke’s breakfast show hasn’t translated into the next shifts.

In mornings, where Mix once ruled, Triple M has put on a significant 1.9 percentage points to hit 16.5 per cent. The next station, Mix, is way back on 12.2.

Afternoons tell a similar story, with Triple M increasing its share by 1.9 points to reach 16 per cent and take the lead over Mix, which lost share to fall to 13.7.

In drive, Nova remains the leader in a tighter race, ahead of Triple M, SAFM and Mix.

FIVEaa remains dominant in the evenings, while Mix enjoys the weekend crown.

Mark Ricciuto, Laura “Loz” O’Callaghan and Chris Dittmar are a key part of a Triple M ratings surge. Supplied image

Overall, Triple M, Mix and Nova are out in front – in that order – while SAFM has moved up from sixth place to fourth. FIVEaa is next, dropping one spot, followed by Cruise and ABC Radio Adelaide.

While the national broadcaster remains in last place of the local stations, it did have the second-highest improvement in share, behind Triple M, after a terrible previous survey.

The ABC’s improvement has been driven by the oldest listener group, where there was considerable volatility. Among people aged 65 and over, FIVEaa lost a huge 6.3 percentage points to fall behind the ABC, which increased its share by 3.6 points.

Triple M performs solidly across most demographics, but also benefited from some surprising shifts. In the 18-24-year-old age group, Triple M increased its share by an almost unheard-of 9.2 percentage points – rocketing up from 6.2 per cent last survey to 15.4.

The survey was the second using a new methodology by the producer of the ratings, GfK. The data agency now uses its so-called “Radio 360” methodology which incorporates streaming data as well as a panel of listeners using special smartwatches that can detect listening habits.

Source: GfK radio ratings survey 4. taken from April 16 to June 24