Sonshine Reaches Record Audience Across Western Australia
Sonshine has recorded its strongest audience results to date, with more Western Australians choosing to connect with hope-filled Christian media than ever before.
The latest McNair Community Radio Listener Survey for Wave 1 2026 placed Sonshine eighth overall in the Perth radio market, its highest-ever position, with growth recorded across every major audience measure.
Sonshine’s weekly audience increased to 188,000 listeners, while the combined weekly reach of Sonshine and Sonshine Extra grew to 208,000.
Together, the two stations now reach 360,000 listeners each month.
Weekly audience growth also outpaced monthly growth by more than two-to-one, suggesting that an increasing number of people are making Sonshine a regular part of their lives.
Sonshine CEO Michael Pailthorpe said the results represented much more than audience growth.
“Every number represents a person, a family or a life being impacted,” Michael said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to God for what these results represent. They show that more Western Australians are intentionally seeking media that brings hope, encouragement and truth into their everyday lives.
“That’s deeply encouraging for our team, our volunteers and our supporters.”
Growing Influence Across the Community
The survey results reflect the growing influence of Christian media across Western Australia.
More than 60 per cent of Sonshine’s listeners are aged between 25 and 54, while Sonshine Extra continues to connect particularly strongly with adults aged 25 to 39.
The research also highlighted Sonshine’s connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
“One of the things we’re most encouraged by is the diversity of the people we’re reaching,” Michael said.
“Our desire has always been to serve the whole community with the love and hope of Jesus.
“Seeing people from so many different backgrounds choosing to listen reminds us that the message of hope is relevant to everyone.”
Listeners Becoming More Engaged
The survey also showed that listeners are spending more time with Sonshine.
Average listening time increased from 7.9 hours to 8.3 hours each week, while the station’s Breakfast, Mornings and Drive programs all recorded audience growth.
Sonshine Extra also continued its strong upward trajectory.
This increasing engagement extends beyond listening. Sonshine’s June Appeal raised more than $1.1 million earlier this year, marking the strongest fundraising result in the station’s history.
“We’re humbled by the generosity of our listeners,” Michael said.
“The fact that people don’t simply listen, but choose to financially support the ministry, speaks volumes about the relationship we’ve built with our audience over many years.
“We’re incredibly thankful for every person who prays for, listens to and partners with Sonshine.”
Continuing to Share Hope
As Christian media operates within an increasingly competitive landscape, Michael said the results were an encouragement for Sonshine and Christian broadcasters across Australia.
“These results remind us that there is a genuine hunger for media that points people towards hope,” he said.
“We’ll continue investing in local content, growing Sonshine Extra, embracing new platforms and finding new ways to share faith, hope and encouragement with our community.
“Our prayer is that God will continue using Sonshine to make a positive difference in the lives of Western Australians for many years to come.”
CMAA congratulates Sonshine on this significant achievement and celebrates the station’s ongoing commitment to serving Western Australia with media that shares faith, hope and encouragement.