RAJAR Q3 2011: National Stations

Reach

Total Global Radio (UK) heads up the nationals and networks once again, though its total reach has fallen just below the 20 million mark. The Heart and Capital Networks performed particular well for Global.

Bauer Radio’s Total Portfolio placed second in the commercial sector after a 2.3% YoY increase in reach to 13.6 million listeners, while Total GMG Radio enjoyed a 9.5% YoY rise following the success of Smooth Radio UK during Q3.

BBC Radio 2 wears the crown of the most listened to radio station yet again after an increase in reach, followed by its stable mates Radio 1 and 4 (including 4 Extra). BBC Radio FIVE LIVE follows, despite posting a QoQ drop in reach.

Global’s Classic FM comes next, though the station also saw its reach decline during the summer months – down -6.1% QoQ.

Despite posting a small dip this quarter (-2.5%), talkSPORT continues to perform well YoY – up 5.8%. Absolute Radio National also fared well, up 7.9% QoQ and 7.4% YoY to almost 1.2 million listeners, while its Network posted an impressive 18% increase YoY.

FIVE LIVE SPORTS EXTRA was another success story this summer as the football season kicked in – up 44.3% QoQ and 77.5% YoY to more than 1.1 million listeners. Absolute 80s and Total Choice also enjoyed very positive results.

Average Hours

Sunrise Radio National enjoyed a rise in the amount of time people are staying tuned in for (up 15.1% QoQ and 27.3% YoY), as did BBC Radio 1, Smooth Radio UK and Planet Rock.

A number of digital stations also saw their average hours increase both QoQ and YoY, including Kerrang! UK, Absolute Radio Classic Rock, Jazz FM, FIVE LIVE SPORTS EXTRA, Chill, Heat and The Hits.

The Heart Network recorded a positive increase in average hours this quarter – up 8.6%. However, Total Absolute Radio Network saw hours drop, down -15.5% QoQ.

Share

Total Global Radio holds on to their lead ahead of BBC Radio 2 in terms of share of listening, while BBC Radio 4 (including 4 Extra) sits in third place.

Since last quarter, Heart Network (UK) and Total GMG Radio have made small gains. Bauer Radio Total Portfolio and Capital Network (UK) have seen their share remain static QoQ.

Meanwhile, Bauer Radio’s Magic UK and Kiss UK both saw a slight dip in share during the three month period.