Hosking dominates breakfast radio

Newstalk ZB host Mike Hosking continues to dominate morning radio, according to new figures.

The Mike Hosking Breakfast on Newstalk ZB remains the country's most popular radio show, despite fresh competition from Paul Henry this year.

New figures show more than 255,000 Kiwis (aged 10+) tune into Mike Hosking on ZB, while 107,800 listen to Paul Henry on Radio Live.

Dean Buchanan, managing director NZME Radio said: "We're rapt with today's results. Newstalk ZB will just continue to strengthen further with Marcus Lush joining the team, hosting the Night Show from January and Kerre McIvor moving to the afternoon show."

Wendy Palmer, MediaWorks Radio chief executive, singled out Henry's success, but across the country Radio Live saw a decline in listeners, losing 26,900 listeners in Auckland alone.

In the afternoons, Radio Live host Duncan Garner lost 4,500 listeners, while Newstalk ZB's Larry Williams grew his audience by 10,500. His audience is now double Garner's.

ZM's breakfast team Fletch, Vaughan and Megan are also celebrating a huge win, beating morning rivals Jay-Jay, Mike and Dom from The Edge in the critical 18-39 age group.

The win comes just days after Nielsen figures showed ZM's website beating The Edge again.

ZM's Fletch, Megan and Vaughan are celebrating a win today. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

"ZM is on fire with loads more growth potential, it's a great day to be number one" said Buchanan.

The survey, conducted by independent research company TNS, showed The Edge has the most listeners nationwide, reaching 437,500 different people, followed by Newstalk ZB at 370,600.

Newstalk ZB dominated the Auckland market, claiming both the most listeners and the highest market share.

Newstalk ZB is owned by NZME, which also owns and publishes The New Zealand Herald.

- nzherald.co.nz