Digital radio put in a strong performance once again last quarter. Listening to radio via a digital platform in terms of weekly reach has increased by 10% year on year, with 23.1 million people now tuning in to radio via a digitally enabled receiver (DAB, DTV, internet) each week (up from 20.9 million in Q4 2010 and 22.8 million in Q3 2011).

Radio listeners in the UK continue to favour Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, which enjoyed a 1.6% YoY rise in weekly reach in Q4 2011.

Capital has retained its position at the top of the London chart after a healthy 14.9% YoY increase in reach (up 3.4% QoQ) to almost 2.3 million listeners.

Total Global Radio (UK) heads up the nationals and networks once again, though it recorded a -1.9% QoQ and -1.5% YoY decline in reach to 19.4 million. The Capital brand performed particurlarly well for Global.

The latest RAJAR figures for Q4 2011 saw All Radio’s reach dip, taking it below the 47 million listener mark, which it hit for the first time ever in Q1 2011.

RAJAR’s Q4 2011 release was positive for Global Radio’s Capital brand, as well as Bauer’s Kiss and Magic.

Helen Keable, consultant at Radio Experts, says it’s encouraging to see some of commercial radio’s strongest brands collectively turning in such a strong book, particularly against a backdrop not only of the notoriously slow summer months but also a tenacious Beeb…

Mike Williamson, head of radio at Carat, on today’s RAJAR results and why there is huge potential for national brands to take a higher share of ad spend…

James Cridland, managing director of Media UK and a radio futurologist, says today’s RAJAR release continues to show a slow but steady increase in take-up of digital radio. If there is a way to accelerate this, it’s good for listeners and broadcasters alike – but it is also prudent to remain patient…

RAJAR’s Q3 2011 release was particularly positive for Global Radio, with Heart and Capital putting in strong performances for the network.