The next radio ratings survey is less than two weeks away, but 96FM listeners have wasted no time in letting management know what they think of changes to the station's lineup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Thursday afternoon, 96FM posted a question on its Facebook page asking listeners to give their feedback about the Hughesy and Kate show, which was broadcast in Perth for the first time on Monday.
The post attracted more than 200 comments in a little over an hour.
Hi all! It’s Hughesy and Kate’s first week on-air. We’ve had a lot of feedback and we’re listening to all comments. Let us know what you think.Posted by 96fm Perth on Wednesday, 24 June 2015
Many people were critical of the decision to introduce a syndicated show from the eastern states, but heaped praise on Nights with Alice Cooper – an internationally syndicated show which dominated its time slot in the last survey.
Others lamented the loss of drive slot announcer Darren De Mello.
"I was super excited to see Gavin [Miller] back on Sunday and I'll tune in to him every week, but bringing in these national shows was a bad, bad plan," Dan de Wolff wrote.
Several listeners wrote that they had changed radio stations, while Alice Hewitt suggested "local and real music and local content is what Perth wants".
A number of listeners were more sympathetic and urged Perth listeners to give the Hughesy and Kate show a chance.
"I've come from radio and tell you what the first week on air can be terrifying when the song or advert stops and Perth's looking to you to talk. Keep up the hard work guys, keep the real music alive," BJ Boffey wrote.
Cathy Parr wrote that she thought "they're OK", while Kathryn Greca said she enjoyed it and would "give it a couple more weeks so we really get a feel for it".
A number of listeners voiced their dislike of Chungo – a pet sheep mentioned on the show – though 96FM were quick to respond with humour.
"Chungo is not that baaaaaaaad (sic) he's only a small part of the Hughesy and Kate show," staff responded.
"We think we're very lucky to have one of the best radio shows in the country in Perth. We hope you'll give it a go."
A spokeswoman for the Australian Radio Network, which owns 96FM, said the company believes Perth listeners would "soon embrace [Hughesy and Kate]" like audiences in Brisbane and Adelaide.
"In less than two surveys, [Brisbane and Adelaide listeners] made Hughesy and Kate the country's most popular drive show," she said.
"We are absolutely listening to our audiences and we want to know what they think. We've had a lot of feedback so far, both on and offline, and we'll continually be reviewing this."
The results of the next radio ratings survey will be released on 7 July.
