TV and wildlife personality Robert Irwin has claimed the crown of Australia’s most popular broadcast personality.
For the second year in a row, Robert Irwin has been named Australia’s most popular broadcast personality, according to the 2025 Australian Talent Index’s Top Talent Report by Talent Corp. The wildlife enthusiast and TV host surpassed long-time favorite Andy Lee, who edged out his comedy partner Hamish Blake for the first time, completing the top three rankings.
Irwin, who first gained national attention in 2013 after winning the Logie for Most Popular New Male Talent, has continued to captivate audiences with his charm and dedication to wildlife conservation. His popularity soared with his hosting role on “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!” and his participation in the US version of “Dancing with the Stars.” His appeal is further bolstered by his conservation efforts and a high-profile advertising campaign with Bonds.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised like this, it’s truly humbling,” Irwin stated. “At the end of the day, it’s all about using every opportunity to share my passion for wildlife and conservation. If that message is reaching people that it ordinarily wouldn’t, then I feel like I’m doing my job.”
Broader Media Landscape Reflected in Rankings
The Australian Talent Index doesn’t just highlight TV stars; it encompasses a wide array of media personalities, including comedians, radio hosts, sports figures, actors, and journalists. Amanda Keller emerged as the most beloved voice on radio, followed by Carrie Bickmore and Dave Hughes, all of whom have also made their mark on television.
“I’m beyond thrilled! I’ve always said that doing breakfast radio feels like talking to friends every morning – sometimes oversharing with friends, if I’m honest,” Keller remarked. “To know people are still listening, laughing, and connecting means the world. It’s such a privilege to do what I love every day – even if it does mean keeping Jonesy in line!”
Insight from Talent Corp
Mark Noakes, Managing Director of Talent Corp, explained that the rankings are a measure of a personality’s broad appeal, extending beyond mere social media engagement. “Our 2025 Talent Index confirms that audiences respond strongly to personalities who combine authenticity with reach. Robert Irwin topping the list again demonstrates the commercial power of a celebrity whose appeal is both broad and trusted,” Noakes added.
Other Notable Rankings
Shock jock Kyle Sandilands was named Australia’s most controversial broadcaster, while TV presenter Karl Stefanovic was recognized as the most popular personality in the breakfast time slot. Sam Pang was hailed as the most adored comedian, and Aaron Chen was declared the nation’s most entertaining star.
In sports broadcasting, former AFL premiership-winning coach Leigh Matthews was ranked as the most respected presenter, while Curtis Stone led the list of beloved celebrity chefs in the culinary domain.
By the Numbers:
- Top 20 Overall: Robert Irwin (40), Andy Lee (34), Hamish Blake (32), Rebecca Gibney (32), Dr Chris Brown (31), Glenn Robbins (31)
- Top 15 Radio: Amanda Keller (21), Carrie Bickmore (18), David Hughes (18)
- Top 15 TV: Robert Irwin (40), Andy Lee (34), Hamish Blake (33)
Understanding the Talent Index
The Australian Talent Index is calculated by subtracting the proportion of people who disliked a personality from those who liked or loved them, resulting in a score ranging from -100 (universally disliked) to +100 (universally liked). This method provides a comprehensive view of public sentiment towards media personalities.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the rankings reflect the shifting preferences of Australian audiences. The continued popularity of figures like Robert Irwin underscores a growing appreciation for personalities who use their platforms to advocate for meaningful causes.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how these personalities maintain their influence and how emerging talents will shape the future of Australian media.
