This Is Why Richard Kingsmill Is The Most Powerful Person In The Music Industry

Following on from last week's AMID Power 50 in which triple j Music Director Richard Kingsmill ranked at #1 on the prestigious music industry list, it's not hard to see why he came in at top spot given the extraordinary year the youth broadcaster has experienced on radio, TV, social media and more. 

radio figures & social media

Figures show that in this year alone, triple j's average weekly listenership in the five main capital cities reached near two million (1.953 million to be exact), while the network's core demographic of 18-24 ranks in the top three most listened to stations of those capital cities and first in Sydney and Perth. 

Meanwhile triple j also boast over 1.7 million fans on social media, more than any other Australian radio station.

Not only is the Hit List program the most listened to partner playlist on Spotify Australia, but triple j also made history this year as the first radio station to team up with Beats1 on Apple Music to present a show based on playing Aussie music to an international audience. 

'beat the drum' concert, hottest 100 & 'like a version'

In January of this year, triple j celebrated its 40th anniversary with the Beat The Drum concert which featured performances from Daniel Johns, The Presets, Hilltop Hoods and more the live recording of the event went on to claim the ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album. 

Just one week later the annual Hottest 100 broke all records, with two million votes cast in the public poll which was eventually won by Chet Faker's Talk Is Cheap.

The national breakfast show, presented by Matt Okine and Alex Dyson, continues to thrive with the Like A Version continuing to thrive after the most recent compilation, Like A Version Volume 11, debuted at #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart this past October. 

The Matt & Alex show is also the most listened to breakfast show across the country for triple j, a feat that Content Director Ollie Wards is massive for the duo. 

Speaking to theMusic Wards said, "They’re a really unique program you won’t find anywhere else."

"Like a good mate they’re always up for a laugh but are prepared to deal with the tougher issues too. In any one show listeners can learn, laugh, dance and care in equal measure."

digital stations

Furthermore triple j's digital radio stations, Double J and triple j Unearthed, have contributed 69,000 new independent artists and have played 121,000 songs to the three million people who have visited the website in 2015.

Some of this year's breakout artists got their start on the digital platforms including Perth acts Tired Lion and Mosquito Coast, as well as Canberra duo, Vallis Alps.

Looking back on the success of 2015 Wards commented, "We’re really excited to be part of more young Australians’ lives than ever before."

"There’s no one else in Australia doing what we do and we’re stoked to see how many people are engaging with us as a result. We’re always innovating and constantly connecting a community around the country, on whatever platform they’re on, whether it’s radio, mobile, TV, online or social media."

"We recommend the best new music every day, proudly playing 50% local artists, but we’re also giving a voice to young Australia and sharing important stories that need to be told."