Terror tops radio ratings

INTERNATIONAL terrorism has proved a bit of a ratings winner in the cut-throat world of talkback radio.

While the politicians rush to get their message heard ahead of election day, the local impact of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington have dominated the talkback agenda.

Despite the strong international news flavour of the past seven weeks, the ABC has lost ground in their morning show while Paul Murray on 6PR has picked up 1.5 per cent. And it’s a similar situation for Drive, with the ABC losing ground to 6PR.

And the shift to 6PR’s morning show has occurred despite a bit of a slide in breakfast. It’s not just the terrorist attacks in America or the war in Afghanistan that have got people on the phone.

Local issues such as anthrax hoaxes and Australia’s relationship with the US and, closer to home, Indonesia have keep the phone lines busy.

pSee Media & Marketing, page 18.