Numeris Overview: DIARY Ratings - Spring 2026

Today we look at the Spring Radio Ratings in Diary markets. There are currently 22 diary markets. All 22 Numeris markets were measured under continuous measurement, using the Online Radio Diary. An additional 21 non-Numeris markets are covered by radioCount. Their methodology has been consistently effective, but is covered by a different report. Data for these two methodologies, along with Numeris’ PPM markets, can all be accessed through Radius software.

 Ongoing Canada Post strikes resulted in delays in delivering and returning survey materials. Today’s Numeris release covers weekly measurement from April 28, 2025, to May 3, 2026. Sample from previous releases were borrowed for most markets.

 Today reportedly marks the last Diary release from Numeris. As I mentioned in my previous columns, significant methodology changes are on the horizon. Numeris is preparing to replace diaries with a different approach. They are currently exploring alternative methods for measuring radio markets, including hybrid approaches and a test initiative with StatsRadio. The pilot version of this possible solution ran in parallel with the normal spring diary ratings. Numeris has been hesitant to release any details except to select individuals.

That will leave us with three different approaches, one each for Numeris (previously diary) markets, the smaller radioCount markets and the larger PPM markets. Not to mention all of the formerly diary markets that were dropped by Numeris and left without measurement. Numeris has indicated that they will not be increasing the sample sizes in PPM markets. This continues to be a significant challenge. All of these factors will undoubtedly result in very significant changes in the way radio is bought and sold. This may compound the financial struggles that the medium is experiencing. But have no doubt that radio continues to have a robust presence.

It is worth mentioning that radio reached 79 % of Canadians 25 to 54 (and 78% of A12+) in diary markets. In the Quebec markets, A12+ reach is 82%, and Adults 25-54 is 86%.

This spring, 39 % of adults 25 to 54’s listening occurred in their vehicles, 32% of listening was done in the home, 28% of listening took place at work, while 2% took place elsewhere.

Canadians 12+ in top markets spend an average of 12.9 hours per week listening to the radio. In Quebec markets 12+ reach is 82% While A25-54 is 86%. Quebecers 12+ spend 14.9 hours per week listening to the radio.

Now, let’s take a look at 5 sample markets from the latest Numeris release.

Winnipeg: CBC Radio One retains the #1 spot for A12+ with a 14.2 % share of hours tuned (down from 14.3%) followed by CJOB with 11.9 % (down from 13.1%). Top spot for women 25 to 54 goes to QX104 Country with a 12.9 share of hrs. tuned (down from 14.9%), followed by Virgin 103.1 at 9.8 %. For Men 25 to 54 listeners, 92.1 CITI-FM is tops with a 12.0 % (down from 14.0%). CITI-FM heads the list for men 18 to 34 with a 15.0% (up from 14.9 %) share, followed by Hot 100.5 and Virgin, both with 12.8 %. For women 18 to 34, the favourite is QX Country with 14.1 % (down from 23.3 %), followed by Virgin at 11.4% Energy 106 with 11.1 %.

Halifax: CBC Radio One takes #1 with adults, posting an impressive 21.1 % share of hours tuned (down from 23.3 %). CBC Radio On takes top spot for women 25 to 54, delivering a 14.5 % (down from 16.8%) followed by Virgin Radio at 12.1 %. Q104 tops the list for men 25 to 54 with a 15.7 % share (up from 14.0%). For men 18 to 34, Q104 has a commanding lead, posting a 22.6 %. When it comes to women 18 to 34 Virgin takes top spot with a large lead posting a 22.8 % share (down from 35.5%) followed by Jack 92.9 with 16.6%.

Ottawa-Gatineau: Bragging rights at the top of the ratings heap go to CBC Radio One, well out in front, delivering a 21.4 % share for A12+ (up from 21.3 %). CBC Radio One grabs the #1 spot with women 25 to 54, delivering an 11.2 % share, followed by Hot 89.9 with 10.8 %. CBC Radio One holds the #1 spot for men 25 to 54, posting an 11.5 % share, followed by Hot 89.9 at 9.4 %. Hot 89.9 boasts a lead for men 18 to 34 with an 11.7 % share of hours tuned. For women 18 to 34, Live 88.5 has a lead, posting a 13.7 % share, followed by Hot 89.9 at 12.2%.

Quebec City: CHOI 98.1 leads the way for adults with an 18.3 % share of hrs. tuned (up from 18.1%). WKND 91.9 is popular with females, taking #1 spot for women 25 to 54 delivering a 19.8 % share. (up from 18.6%). For men 25 to 54, CHOI is on top with a 27.5% (down from 30.8%). CHOI also takes top spot for men 18 to 34, delivering a 24.2 % (down from 27.0 %). Rythme takes the lead for women 18 to 34, posting a 15.8% share, followed by WKND with 13.6 %.

Victoria: CBC Radio One is #1 for A12+ with a 26.6 % share (up from 26.2%). CBC Radio One is tops with females, taking #1 spot for women 25 to 54 delivering a 22.0 % share followed by the Virgin at 13.0%. For men 25 to 54, the Q is on top at 19.6% (up from 13.6%) share, followed by the Zone with 17.8 %. For men 18 to 34 The Q leads with 27.7 % followed by the Zone with 17.8 %. For women18- 34 the leader is Virgin posting a 31.2 (down from 39.8 %) followed by the Q at 23.8%.