BBC Wins Majority Share Of Radio Listening

The latest Rajar figures to be released for Q1 1996 show that the BBC has reclaimed a majority share of radio listening. BBC Radio accounted for 50.4% of listening compared to commercial radio’s 47.6% which is in contrast to the BBC’s 47.2% and commercial radio’s 49.7% for Q4 1995.

Amongst BBC stations Radio 5 Live has broken two records, with a record reach of 5.21 million and a record number of listening hours (27.63 million). Its share is 3.1%. Radio 1 has an increased reach of 11.25 million with a share of 12.7% – up from last quarter’s 12%. Radio 2 remains stable with a reach of 8.41 million and a share of 12.2% (up from last quarter’s 11.6%).

In terms of commercial stations Classic FM has performed best. Its listenership has increased from 4.659 million to 4.939 million with an increase in share of 0.3% to 3%. Talk Radio has also performed well in Q1: weekly reach has increased by 124,000 to 2.117 million and share has increased by 0.1% to 1.6%. Atlantic 252 and Virgin Radio (AM) have both lost listeners. Atlantic’s listenership has decreased by 710,000 to 3.806 million and Virgin’s has dropped from 3.377 million to 3.363 million though its share increased by 0.2% to 3.1%.

Rajar: 0171 584 3003