Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and Triton Digital recently joined forces to investigate how much influence podcasts have in the Australian entertainment sector.
According to their 2024 Australian Podcast Report, the medium has grown by an astonishing 37 percent over the past couple of years.
Nearly six million Aussies tune in to their favourite shows every week and the figures have been forecast to increase again this year.
It’s the clearest sign that the way people consume content and stay informed or entertained has changed significantly in recent years.
A Medium on the Rise
The findings from the 2024 Australian Podcast Report proved that the medium is not restricted to a particular age group, as it resonates with audiences across all demographics.
The report showed that podcasts with more than 100,000 monthly downloads in Australia accounted for 63% of all downloads in 2024.
Almost half of Australians between the ages of 18-34 listen to podcasts in a month, while 37% of those aged 35-54 are also locked in. Even the older generation are engaged, with 21% of Australians above 55 tuning in to podcasts.
Traditional media used to be the major players in the entertainment sector, but these numbers prove that podcasts have taken over the game.
They have become a staple of everyday life in Australia, changing opinions about how stories, news and entertainment across every niche should be consumed.
Podcasts are making people think twice about traditional media, and one of the major reasons for the medium’s rapid emergence is the convenience they offer.
The report shows that 94.2% of Aussies listen to podcasts on their mobile devices, so their location or current activity does not stop them from getting access to trending news or tuning in to their favourite shows.
Unlike live radio and television, where missing out on a segment means waiting for a rerun or hoping to catch the highlights later, podcasts give listeners a chance to engage with shows at their own pace.
They have the liberty to pause, rewind or play at their own convenience, giving them total control of how they choose to consume their content.
The Genres Aussies Love
Australians are spoiled for choice when it comes to podcast content, but the 2024 chart shows that they tend to lean towards society and culture, true crime and news.
True crime has particularly been a massive hit. People who fall under this category are 57% more likely to get stuck in for over five hours per week.
Sports is another of the most popular genres in podcasting, with a variety of topics on offer, including analysis, behind-the-scenes stories and interviews.
Australians are renowned for their love of sports. They are also famed for their passion for sports betting. From rugby league to horse racing and more, Aussies love to keep up with all things sports and podcasts have made it easy for them to do just that.
Here are some of the most prominent podcasts that captured the attention of Aussie listeners in 2024.
Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate
Racing Pulse is the go-to source for news, opinions and interviews in the racing world, and only a handful of podcasts can match Michael Felgate’s level of knowledge.
Expert views on upcoming races are particularly appealing to fans, especially those who accompany their love for racing with placing wagers.
Racing Pulse offers punters daily betting tips that inform their decision-making. Felgate’s experience in the racing world makes him more credible with Aussie bettors.
Racing Pulse is among the top 20 sports podcasts in Australia and it is east to see why given the quality of content it delivers to racing fans and punters.
The Howie Games
The Howie Games is Australia’s most listened-to sports podcast, headlined by renowned sports broadcaster and commentator Mark Howard.
Fans tune in to catch all the details from in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in sports from Australia and abroad.
Howard knows how to get his guests to open up and talk about key topics that keep listeners engaged.
The Howie Games is as entertaining as it is insightful, and a deep dive into the minds of elite performers leaves listeners coming back for more.
SEN Breakfast
While The Howie Games is the podcast that is most listened to, SEN Breakfast is second to none in terms of downloads.
The show is hosted by a rotating panel of broadcasters and former athletes, offering listeners informed takes on daily sports news.
Not only do they get the scoop on major stories, but listeners are also treated to commentary, live updates, previews and opinions, all wrapped in humour and banter to keep them engaged.
The fact that it’s an early-morning show also adds to its appeal, and the number of downloads each day suggests it has become an essential part of many Aussies’ morning routines.