RAJAR Q1 2012: Round-up

RAJAR’s Q1 2012 release was particularly positive for Bauer’s Kiss, Absolute Radio and Global Radio’s Capital brand.

All Radio saw its reach remain below the 47 million mark after a -1.2% YoY dip, however, All Commercial Radio enjoyed a 1.2% QoQ rise in reach to over 33 million listeners. The BBC saw fewer people listening this quarter but those that did listened for longer, given it its highest ever total hours.

All Commercial Radio now has a 42.3% share compared to the BBC’s 55.4% share.

In the national market, Total Global Radio continues to lead the nationals and networks, though its reach remains below the 20 million mark. Bauer Radio’s Total Portfolio posted a -0.2% QoQ decline, while Total GMG Radio enjoyed a 4.1% YoY increase.

BBC Radio 2 is a non-mover at the top of the breakfast show chart, giving Chris Evans an extra reason to celebrate this week (he also picked up Music Radio Personality of the Year at the Sony awards). However, Chris Moyles and his team at BBC Radio 1 recorded losses during Q1. It was reported in yesterday’s Guardian that Moyles is eyeing up a job at BBC Radio 2 presenting a 1980s pop music show, which has prompted speculation about his departure from the Radio 1 breakfast show.

In London, Capital London’s Lisa Snowdon and new partner Dave Berry topped the breakfast chart, despite being down -4.1% over the quarter. Bauer’s Magic and Kiss remain in second and third place (respectively). Kiss’ Rickie, Melvin and Charlie breakfast show also won a prize at the Sony awards.

Capital London has also retained its number one spot in London after recording its highest reach since 2004. Magic sits in second place despite posting losses, while Kiss 100 FM has moved up in to third place ahead of Heart London following a positive 7.5% YoY increase, which gives Kiss its highest ever reach at almost two million listeners.

And lastly, Digital radio put in a strong performance once again – with internet listening hours up to an all-time high (42 million hours per week). This is likely to have been driven by Radioplayer, which has just celebrated its first birthday. The share of all radio listening via a digital platform now stands at 29.2% compared to 26.5% this time last year.