RAJAR Results Q1 2005: GCap Media Set For Unprecedented Market Share

With the merger of Capital Radio and GWR expected to complete this month, RAJAR’s latest audience figures for the three months to March look likely to be the last for the broadcasters as separate companies. The consolidation will give unprecedented market share to the newly formed GCap Media, with combined airtime sales accounting for 36.72% of the UK’s commercial radio market, based on total listening hours.

Capital Radio Group’s current airtime sales account for 14.96% of the nation’s radio listening, while GWR’s sales represent 21.76%.

The impending merger between the two companies has spawned much speculation surrounding the future of rival broadcasters, such as Emap and Chrysalis, who in turn have made no secret of their plans for expansion.

Emap is believed to be considering a deal to acquire Scottish Radio Holdings, but has made no formal approach to SRH since it acquired its 27% holding in the company in January (see Emap States Interest In SRH Merger). Were such a buyout to go ahead, the combined company would command airtime sales accounting for 23.36% of the nation’s commercial listening, thus placing them in a considerably stronger position against GCap’s increased sales power. Individually the groups account for 14.57% and 8.79% respectively.

Elsewhere, Chrysalis, having recently been rebuffed by Guardian Media Group, has stated that it will “continue to review acquisition opportunities in the radio sector” which would be “complementary” to its existing radio business (see Chrysalis Unperturbed By GMG Takeover Rebuttal).

RAJAR: 0207 903 5350 www.rajar.co.uk