'News to me': SRN CEO shuts down Chris Smith claims they're returning to ratings

Super Radio Network CEO Graham Mott has rejected claims that Sydney station 2SM is preparing to re-enter the GfK radio ratings, pushing back on comments made by its own on-air talent.

The speculation emerged after Mornings announcer Chris Smith appeared on Biz Audio podcast, where he suggested the network would return to the ratings system from 2027.

“I know nothing about it. No decisions are being made whatsoever,” Mott told Mediaweek when asked about the claim.

“News to me.”

During the interview, Smith was asked if 2SM had any plans to re-emerge in the radio ratings.

"Yeah, there's definitely plans for that," he replied.

"The way I see it, we've got to make some changes to content, and to programmes. There are contracts that exist at the moment, but I have a feeling that there'll be some small changes, not major changes, but small changes to what we're doing.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see us back in survey in January of 2027, which would be exciting. You know, bring on the competition," he said.

2SM has not participated in official radio ratings since 1996, when the station withdrew following a poor result, including a 0.8% audience share in the night's slot.

Since then, the station has operated without publicly reported ratings, positioning itself outside the standard commercial measurement system.

Chris Smith

Leadership changes continue

The clarification comes amid ongoing leadership turnover at the Super Radio Network.

In recent months, the business has parted ways with senior executives Gavin Flanagan, Mike Byrne and Peter Schmidt, all of whom had only recently taken on roles within the company.

The departures follow the earlier exit of former CEO Rhys Holleran, who left the business after six months in the role.

Flanagan and Byrne had been appointed during Holleran’s tenure as part of efforts to stabilise the network.

The executive turnover has coincided with broader speculation about the network's future, which Mott has previously denied.

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