Good news for regional braodcasters.

Commercial Radio Australia  has recently released the 2011 Census Figures based on the ACMA’s licensed radio coverage areas. In 2006 the total Regional population was 8.6 million people. The most recent 2011 Census now shows that the total regional population is 10.6 million, a massive 24% increase.

The Radio Sales Network (TRSN), covers all areas of regional Australia and now has a population reach of over 8 million people, an increase from almost 5 million. This now includes stations and markets in North Qld new to TRSN and recently acquired by Grant Broadcasters.

Advertisers could be missing out on almost half of Australia’s consumers if they are not including regional media in their advertising schedules.

Areas of particular note with significant increases are:

Gold Coast +16%
Geelong +23%
Ipswich +25%
Darwin 15%

In NSW/ACT the regional population is larger than Sydney. Regional QLD boasts a larger population than Brisbane.

TRSN’s top key urban cities are: Newcastle, Gold Coast, Canberra, Geelong, Central Coast, Wollongong, Hobart, Darwin, Ipswich, Ballarat, Cairns & Townsville, which now have a potential of more than 2.5 million.

Grant Cameron, Director of Grant Broadcasters & TRSN has told radioinfo: “These new population numbers confirm that Australians are leaving the Capital Cities for a “Tree Change” or “Sea Change” making regional centres their homes. This makes a great story for our clients to remember that there is a vital and dynamic population base in regional areas waiting to hear from them!”

See our related story on regional figures here.