Commercial radio listening fell modestly from Q3 to Q4 to 39.9m, but listeners still grew by 2% year on year.
Commercial audiences helped drive 1.6% growth in total radio listening in Q4 as Global capped off a strong year of growth despite a milder quarter for listening.
The presenter was absent for much of Q4 amid a successful cancer treatment, but the popular breakfast show managed to grow listeners and remain the top commercial broadcast in its timeslot.
Total share of digital listening fell in Q4 and ended roughly flat year on year, according to the latest Rajar figures.
BBC Radio 4’s morning show saw a notable jump in listening, while Global’s Capital Breakfast continued to capitalise on the popularity of new presenter Jordan North.
The BBC grew its share of listening for the first time in a year, even as both Global and Bauer posted year-on-year increases in weekly reach.
Total digital listening share hit a new record in Q3, thanks primarily to an increase of listening in DAB.
Rajar Q2 2024 analysis: The addition of North has provided the Global station’s breakfast programme with a double-digit boost in weekly reach.
Rajar Q2 2024 analysis: Share of listening on digital platforms continued to grow relative to AM/FM radio in Q2, according to new Rajar figures.
Rajar Q2 2024 analysis: Commercial radio has notably continued to increase its share of listening relative to the BBC, achieving a record share of 55%.