Today, we look at the Fall Radio Ratings in the Diary markets. As I previously reported, 56 diary markets were discontinued, leaving us with our current 22, reporting the central area only. All 22 Numeris markets were measured under continuous measurement, using the Online Radio Diary. 

Labour disruptions at Canada Post resulted in delays in delivering and returning survey materials, which directly impacted the sample. Today’s Numeris release covers the period of Sept. 15, 2025 to Dec. 9, 2025. Samples from previous releases were borrowed for all markets. 

As I mentioned in my last column, significant methodology changes may be on the horizon. Numeris is looking at replacing diaries with a different approach. They are currently exploring alternative methods for measuring radio markets, including hybrid approaches and a test initiative with StatsRadio. A pilot version of this solution is slated to run in parallel with the standard spring diary ratings.  

That would leave us with three different approaches, one each for Numeris (previously diary) markets, the smaller radioCount markets and the larger PPM markets. Not to mention all of the formerly diary markets that were dropped by Numeris and left without measurement. All of this will undoubtedly result in very significant changes in the way radio is bought and sold. 

It is worth mentioning that AM/FM radio reached 80% of Canadians 25 to 54 (and 79% of A12+) in diary markets. This fall, 38% of adults 25 to 54’s listening occurred in their vehicles, 32% of listening was done in the home, 28% of listening took place at work, while 2% took place elsewhere.

Canadians 12+ in top markets spend an average of 12.9 hours per week listening to the radio.

In Quebec markets, the 12+ reach is 82% while the A25-54 is 86%. Quebecers 12+ spend 15.1 hours per week listening to the radio.

Now, let’s take a look at 5 sample markets from the latest Numeris release.

With the release of today’s Fall PPM numbers, we are witnessing some very unusual figures and trends. Some are questionable. PPM markets will continue to live with low sample sizes. As a member of the BBM Radio Executive, I have witnessed the PPM approach as it was developed and implemented. It has always been challenging for the industry. It has affected the way radio is bought and sold.

Now, in terms of other forms of radio measurement, significant methodology changes are on the near horizon. Numeris is preparing to replace diaries with a different approach. They explored and analysed two alternatives before settling on one. That decision has yet to be formally announced. It has been confirmed that diaries will continue to be the currency for both fall 2025 and spring 2026 books. The assumption is that a parallel release using the new methodology will be released in Spring 2026. More about this in my column tomorrow.

That would leave us with three different approaches, one each for Numeris (previously diary) markets, the smaller radioCount markets and the larger PPM markets. Not to mention all of the formerly diary markets that were dropped by Numeris and left without measurement. 

All of this will undoubtedly result in very significant further changes in the way radio is bought and sold. It is virtually impossible to think that one set of numbers will be directly comparable to the other methodologies. With all of the challenges that the radio medium has already been facing, this is not good news. It will also make it almost impossible to compare the past with the future easily. 

All of this is further complicated by the fact that Numeris has, in recent times, been in a serious state of flux.

I should note that enhanced modelled data for headphone tuning is available in today’s release

With this book, radio retains an average weekly reach of 81% for Canadians A12+. In-home represents 53% of tuning. Out of home represents 47% of tuning. For Canadians, 10 % of radio consumption comes from AM/FM live radio streaming. Let’s forge on.

The latest PPM release from Numeris covers the thirteen weeks from Sept. 1, 2025, to Nov. 30, 2025. Let’s look at the five PPM markets.

Toronto: Bragging rights at the top of the ratings heap go to CHFI, delivering a 10.7% share for A12+, followed closely by Q107 with 10.5%.  CHUM-FM comes out on top for Females 25-54 with a 15.4 % share, closely followed by CHFI with 15.2%. For Males 25-54, Kiss 92.5 leads with a 12.2% share, followed by CHFI with 12.1%.  The Edge is out in front for M18-34 with a 23.6 % followed by KISS 92.4 at 14.4%. Indie 88.1 is #1 for F18-34, topping the list at 16.3 % followed by CHFI with 15.2%. 

In terms of radio measurement, we remain in a state of confusion. Significant methodology changes are on the near horizon. PPM markets will continue to live with low sample sizes. Numeris is preparing to replace diaries with a different approach. They explored and analysed two alternatives before settling on one. That decision has yet to be formally announced. 

It has been confirmed that diaries will continue to be the currency for both fall 2025 and spring 2026 books. The assumption is that a parallel release using the new methodology will be released in Spring 2026.  That would leave us with three different approaches, one each for Numeris (previously diary) markets, the smaller radioCount markets and the larger PPM markets. Not to mention all of the formerly diary markets that were dropped by Numeris and left without measurement.

 All of this will undoubtedly result in very significant changes in the way radio is bought and sold. It is virtually impossible to think that one set of numbers will be directly comparable to the other methodologies. With all of the challenges that the radio medium has already been facing, this is not good news. It will also make it almost impossible to easily compare the past with the future.  With this book, radio retains an average weekly reach of 80% for Canadians A12+. In-home represents 50% of tuning. Out of home represents 50% of tuning. For Canadians, 11% of radio consumption comes from AM/FM live radio streaming. Let’s forge on.

As summer takes its own sweet time to peek in on us, that must mean it is time to take a look at the Spring radio ratings. Today we look at Diary markets while PPM markets arrive next Wednesday. As I previously reported, 56 diary markets were discontinued leaving us with our current 22, reporting central area only. All 22 Numeris markets were measured under continuous measurement, using the Online Radio Diary.

Last fall’s postal strike resulted in delays in delivering and returning survey materials. Today’s Numeris release covers the period of April 29, 2024 to April 27, 2025. Most markets borrowed sample from previous releases.

Significant methodology changes may be on the horizon. Numeris is looking at replacing diaries with a different approach. They are currently exploring and analysing two alternatives using a Proof of Concept process. This could undoubtedly result in very significant changes in the way radio is bought and sold. It also will make it almost impossible to easily compare the past with the future. It is time for members of the industry to make their voices heard.

It is worth mentioning that, AM/FM radio reached 81% of Canadians 25 to 54 in diary markets. This spring, 38% of Adults 25 to 54’s listening occurred in their vehicles while 33% of listening was done in the home.

Now, let’s take a look at 5 sample markets from the latest Numeris release.

In his much-anticipated and latest album focusing on the inequities of life in North America housed in his most musically eclectic collection to date, Canadian artist, songwriter, and producer David Bray releases his new album, Land of Extremes.

The 18-track LP features the newly unveiled single, “Some Day (feat. Lorraine Reid),” and is the final installment in the Toronto-based musician’s ‘Crowded Isolation’ trilogy of three separate releases. Including Land of Extreme’s predecessors — 2016’s Night Rains and 2018’s Crowded Isolation — the project has been in the works for more than a decade and ranges musically from contemporary R&B to Soul, rock, and folk.

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