Ace Radio has been voted Favourite Radio Station of 2025 in a recent public listener poll, created by The Radio Buff, marking a notable milestone for the digital broadcaster less than 3 months after its launch.

The poll, which invited audiences to vote for their preferred radio station, attracted thousands of responses across South Africa. Ace Radio secured the highest number of votes, finishing ahead of a field that included both online-only and traditional broadcasters.

A young station with rapid growth

Ace Radio launched in October 2025 following a short development period. Broadcasting from studios in Century City, Cape Town, the station operates exclusively online and focuses on music-led programming supported by live presenters and curated shows.

Programming and format

The station’s schedule includes a mix of weekday live shows and specialist music programming spanning contemporary hits, rock, R&B and throwback formats. Presenters are drawn from both established radio backgrounds and newer digital talent, contributing to a lineup aimed at broad but selective appeal.

Since launch, Ace Radio has focused on consistent audio quality and streamlined distribution across web and mobile platforms.

Industry context

The poll result highlights the continued growth of online radio in South Africa, where streaming-based broadcasters are increasingly competing with legacy stations for audience share. Lower barriers to entry and changing listener habits have enabled newer platforms to scale more quickly than in previous decades.

While listener polls are not formal industry rankings, they often provide an indication of audience engagement and brand visibility within a given period.

Looking ahead

Ace Radio has indicated plans to expand its programming offering and digital reach in 2026, though no formal announcements have been made regarding additional platforms or markets.

For a station still in its first 3 months of operation, the Favourite Radio Station result reflects early audience traction in an increasingly competitive audio landscape.