Radio Firms Mull Switch To Six Monthly RAJAR

Yesterday’s release of RAJAR data for Q3 2005 could be the penultimate update from three of the nation’s largest broadcasters using quarterly data, with GCap Media, Emap and Chrysalis Radio all mulling a change to rolling six monthly samples in the new year in order to generate more stable results.

The switch is believed to be on the cards following constant fluctuation between the three companies’ flagship stations: Capital FM, Magic and Heart.

The latest RAJAR data shows Heart 106.2 taking the lead in the London market, increasing both its weekly reach and share of listening to leapfrog previous market leader, Capital.

The change pushes Capital into second place in terms of weekly reach, with the station’s total now resting at 1.8 million. However, in share of listening a decrease of 1% point saw Capital slip to third place, behind Heart and Magic.

The change to six monthly data is likely to be made at the beginning of 2006, with Phil Riley, chief executive of Chrysalis Radio, telling MediaGuardian this morning that all three companies, as well as the RAJAR board, are “pretty comfortable” with the plan.

The switch would double the stations’ sample size, thereby reducing the variations seen under current reporting arrangements.

Elsewhere in yesterday’s RAJAR results, BBC Radio 2 retained its market leadership in the national breakfast market, despite a substantial dip in weekly reach of 4.9% period on period. In the London breakfast market, Capital FM retained its position at the top of the table, although a dip of 17% in weekly reach helped to narrow the gap for rival Heart, which now trails by just 10,000 listeners.

The BBC’s national services had cause for celebration, retaining their lead over all national commercial radio in Q3. However, local commercial stations remained more popular than the Corporation’s regional broadcasts in terms of share of listening and average hours per listener.

Meanwhile, digital radio saw its penetration continue to increase at a healthy pace, with the latest results showing a surge in popularity for the technology, which is now owned by 10.5% of adults, up 6 percentage points year on year.

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