Virgin Claims Number One Spot

Virgin Radio is claiming to be the world’s most listened to internet radio station after figures from MeasureCast revealed that almost 100,000 people tuned into the station via the net during December 2001.

According to the figures, Virginradio.co.uk streamed 739,651 hours of music to an audience of 99,878 during December, making it the number one ranking online radio station for that month. Virgin is also claiming that revenue has risen as a result of the “growth in online listenership” and says that the number of campaigns running on the site during the fourth quarter of 2001 was up 50% on the same period the year before.

Virgin Radio’s group enterprise director, Steve Taylor, said: “Internet radio is all about giving the audience what they want, so for Virginradio.co.uk to be recognised as the world’s number one internet radio station means that we deliver the content to meet our listener’s needs.”

Virgin Radio, which broadcasts in London on FM,  is only available nationally on AM, and has made no secret of its intention to balance the decreasing popularity of the AM frequency with its online radio efforts. Virginradio.co.uk saw its online audience increase by 40% between November 1999 and November 2000 (see Virgin Radio Sees Workplace Listening Boost Online Audience) and according to Virgin, the number of people listening to online radio at home and in the workplace is growing.

Virgin Radio: 0207 434 1215 www.virginradio.co.uk

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