Heart Takes The Lead In London

Heart 106.2 took the lead in the London market during Q3 2005, increasing both its weekly reach and share of listening to secure the top spot, according to the latest RAJAR data covering Q3 2005.

The station’s astonishing increase of 14.91% period on period gives Heart a total weekly reach of 1.91 million, while its share of listening totals 6.4% in the capital, following an impressive 1.4% point upturn period on period.

The increase pushes Capital FM into second place in terms of weekly reach, with the station’s total now resting at 1.8 million, following a downturn of 6.96% period on period. However, in share of listening a decrease of 1% point sees Capital slip further, to third place, behind Heart and Magic 105.4.

Capital’s reduced share of listening, now totaling 5.1%, will be made all the more bitter by Magic’s addition of 0.2% points in the same period.

Emap-owned Magic has embarked on a strategy to add new hooks to its schedule in recent months, with MD Andria Vidler pushing greater investment in programming, imaging and marketing (see Craig David To Launch New Magic Show).

The station looks set to draw yet more attention in the coming months, having committed a massive £1 million into TV advertising, with a stated aim to become London’s most popular station (see Magic Targets London’s Top Spot With £1 Million Push).

Elsewhere, Emap’s Kiss 100 FM saw its weekly reach dip by 2.92% period on period, pushing its total down to 1.36 million. The station’s share of listening also fell, losing 0.6% points, leaving the station with a total share of 3.5%.

Virgin 105.8 FM performed well, meanwhile, adding a healthy 4.42% period on period to its weekly reach, which now totals 993,000. The station, which recently signed popular television personalities Tim Lovejoy and Vic Reeves to host their own shows (see Virgin Radio Signs Sky Sports Star), also saw a rise in share of listening, up 0.4% points to 2.7%.

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