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Some thoughts ahead of the RAJARs

2018-05-16T09:28:41+00:00

It’s RAJAR week - that’s when the Radio Joint Audience Research group publishes UK radio listening figures for the previous quarter, in Thursday’s case January-March.

The media tends to pick up on the performance of breakfast shows because they command the largest audiences on linear radio. In fact linear audiences are so big that marginal percentage changes translate into large numbers and that makes good copy.

The real story this week may be different, as it’s likely that this will be the first time digital listening overtakes analogue. This will trigger a Government review on whether to switch off the FM signal in the UK.

The BBC has played an important part in the success of the growth of DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) by launching digital only stations like 5Live Sports Extra; BBC 6Music and BBC Radio 4 Extra.

We’re fully committed to digital, and growing its audiences, but, along with other broadcasters, we’ve already said that it would be premature to switch off FM.

RAJAR publish another quarterly piece of research called MIDAS, less widely reported, about the different ways people are listening recorded over a week.

The most recent edition of that research finds that 15 percent of all listening is on phones and for younger listeners that rises to 33 percent.

The lion’s share of digital listening remains live radio - 70 percent - but again, for younger audiences that drops to 40 percent.

Podcast listening is up a third across all audiences since the same time last year, accounting now for 40,000 hours a week - our new podcast commissioner Jason Phipps will be pleased about that.

The BBC’s mission is democratic – to bring the best to everyone. You fund us to be a positive force in society. To do that, we need to reach everyone. That’s not about chasing ratings or fighting over share. It’s about finding new ways to be that positive force and making sure we remain universal.

The BBC constantly needs to modernise. That’s why we’re making more of our content available on demand and investing in podcasts and later this year we’ll be making further changes to our app and website to make it easier for audiences of all ages to enjoy the full range of our audio how and when they want. It’s why we are taking part in the government’s trials of 5G technology, and why we will continue to look at ways that digital technology, from DAB services to IP, can help us make great radio.

RAJAR figures for Q1 2016

2016-05-19T10:32:31+00:00

Today (Thursday 19 May) RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK released their figures for Q1 2016 (28 December 2015 to 3 April 2016).

The first quarter of 2016 marks a year since Alan Davey succeeded Roger Wright as Controller of BBC Radio 3 and the station saw its highest audience reach in three years with 2.12 million.

BBC Radio 1Xtra had a reach of 1.04 million weekly listeners across the period an increase from 982k last quarter and 839k last year, and BBC Radio 6 Music continued to widen its audience with a record 2.24 million listeners tuning in.

Director of BBC Radio, Helen Boaden said of the RAJAR figures: "BBC Radio 3 is in rude health, and the station has had a fantastic year under its new controller with landmark seasons and carefully thought through changes to the schedule... It’s also brilliant that BBC Radio 6 Music continues to reach record audiences, quarter after quarter, as audiences are discovering the station’s specialist music and expert DJs"

Jen Macro is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC website and blog

View the full figures on the RAJAR website
A summary of the RAJAR figures for Q1 2016 is available on the Media Centre website

RAJAR figures for Q3 2015

2015-10-29T11:53:11+00:00

Today (Thursday 29 October) RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK released their figures for Q3 2015 (29 June - 20 September Wks 26-37).

Three of the BBC's digital-only stations reached record audience figures, with Radio 4’s sister station Radio 4 Extra breaking its previous audience record to become the largest digital-only station in the UK, attracting 2.20 million listeners per week.

Director of BBC Radio, Helen Boaden said of the RAJAR figures: "It’s fantastic to see that listeners are finding and enjoying our distinctive digital-only stations in record numbers."

Jen Macro is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC website and blog

View the full figures on the RAJAR website
A summary of the RAJAR figures for Q3 2015 is available on the Media Centre website

RAJAR figures for Q2 2015

2015-08-06T09:41:49+00:00

Today (Thursday 6 August) RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK released their figures for Q2 2015 (6 April to 28 June 2015, Wks 14-25).

In a quarter which saw the network launch new programmes for Clara Amfo and Annie Mac as part of changes to it's schedule, BBC Radio 1 added 737,000 listeners. The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw also saw an increase in weekly reach of 344,000.

Digital stations also performed well, with Radio 6 Music retaining it's position as the biggest digital-only station in the UK, whilst Radio 5 live sports extra amassed a record 1.63 million listeners (from 1.34m last quarter and 919,000 last year).

All BBC Radio’s weekly reach over the period was 48.18 million, an increase of 13.31 million from the last quarter. Director of BBC Radio, Helen Boaden said of this quarter's data "Radio is frequently underestimated so it’s wonderful to see the whole market growing this quarter."

Jen Macro is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC website and blog.

View the full figures on the RAJAR website.
A summary of the RAJAR figures for Q2 2015 is available on the Media Centre website.
Read Helen Boaden's blog 'Celebrating the distinctiveness of BBC Radio 1 and 2'.

RAJAR figures for Q1 2015

2015-05-21T11:00:32+00:00

Today (Thursday 21 May) RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK released their figures for Q1 2015 (5 January - 5 April 2015).

Radio 4’s sister station, Radio 4 Extra, which broadcasts classic comedy and drama alongside new speech programmes – added half a million listeners according to data published by RAJAR. The network's weekly reach in Q1 2015 of 2.17 million marks Radio 4 Extra as the largest digital-only station in the UK.

Helen Boaden, Director of BBC Radio, said: “Radio 4 Extra was once a hidden gem in the BBC Radio portfolio. I’m delighted it has now been discovered by record numbers of listeners who are enjoying its unique blend of speech programmes, old and new. Our digital-only networks are coming of age and complementing our traditional stations in bringing distinctive content to a wide audience.”

The BBC World Service posted a weekly UK audience of 1.35 million (from 1.30m last year), ahead of the publication of the BBC’s global audience figures.

Jen Macro is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC website and blog.

View the full figures on the RAJAR website.
A summary of the RAJAR figures for Q1 2015 is available on the Media Centre website.

RAJAR figures for Q4 2014

2015-02-05T11:57:31+00:00

Today (Thursday February 5) RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK released their figures for Q4 2014 (September 15-December 14, 2014).

Data shows that shows that 26 million adults have access to a DAB receiver, up 7% year on year, which may have a bearing on the exciting news that BBC Radio 6 Music has become the first digital-only station to reach two million weekly listeners, having increased it's audience from 1.99 million in Q3 2014, to 2.08million. Radio 4 Extra also enjoyed record audience figures, reaching 1.72 million.

Director of Radio, Helen Boaden commented "I’m delighted to see 6 Music and Radio 4 Extra continuing to thrive. The unique output of our digital-only stations has enhanced the appeal of radio in an era of ever-increasing digital competition."

View the full figures on the RAJAR website.
A summary of the RAJAR figures for Q4 2014 is available on the Media Centre website.
Read Head of programmes for BBC Radio 6 Music, Paul Rodgers' blog '6 Music reaches 2 million listeners'.

RAJAR figures for Q3 2014

2014-10-23T07:55:35+00:00

RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK, have today (23 October 2014) released their figures for Q3 2014, 23 June – 14 September 2014 (Wks 26-37).

The results show that all BBC Radio reached 34.85 million people every week, increasing it's share by 0.3% from the last quarter to 53.6%. There was an increase in the number of listeners tuning in to Asian Network, 1Xtra and Radio 4 Extra.

Radio 6 Music continued to increase it's listenership, reaching a record 1.99million listeners each week, up from 1.73m for the same period last year, and 1.89m in the last quarter. According to the figures, Lauren Laverne's mid morning show is the most popular on the station, with a record audience of 868,000 listeners every week.

Helen Boaden, Director of BBC Radio, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see Radio 6 Music flourishing and one of our roster of outstanding female presenters leading the charge. The station offers something completely distinctive and Lauren’s show is a case study in engaging and intelligent music radio.”

Jon Jacob is Editor, About the BBC Website and Blog.

Visit Rajar for full details.
A summary of the BBC's RAJAR performance is available via the BBC Media Centre.
Read RAJAR figures for Q2 2014.

RAJAR figures for Q2 2014

2014-07-31T13:28:23+00:00

Image of a retro radio

RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK, have today (31 July 2014) released their figures for Q2 2014, 31 March to 22 June (Wks 14-25).

The results show show all BBC Radio has a weekly reach of 35.23 million, compared to last quarter’s 35.31m and last year’s record 35.88m, and a share of 53.3% – down from 54.9% last quarter and 53.9% last year.

Jon Jacob is Editor, About the BBC Website and Blog.

Visit Rajar for full details.
A summary of the BBC's RAJAR performance is available via the BBC Media Centre.
Read RAJAR figures for Q1 2014

RAJAR figures for Q1 2014

2014-05-15T07:50:27+00:00

RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK, have today (15 May 2014) released their figures for Q1 2014, 30 December – 30 March (Wks 1-13).

The results show that all BBC Radio has a weekly reach of 35.31million - up on last year’s 35.07m and following their success at the Radio Academy Awards earlier this week, the data shows Radio 2 reached record listening figures in Q1 (15.57 million people listen to the station each week compared to 15.27m last year and 15.51m last quarter). The Chris Evans Breakfast Show also hit a new peak with 9.83 million listeners every week during the survey period.

Director of BBC Radio, Helen Boaden said of the figures "I am delighted to see Radio 2 gaining both accolades and audiences. The station never fails to surprise and amaze with the diversity of its output".

Jen Macro is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC Website and Blog.

Visit Rajar for full details.
A summary of the BBC's RAJAR performance is available via the BBC Media Centre.
Read RAJAR figures for Q4 2013

RAJAR figures for Q4 2013

2014-02-06T12:54:29+00:00

RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK, have today (6 February 2014) released their figures for Q4 2013, 16th September - 15th December (Wks 38-50).

The results show that more and more people in the UK are tuning in to the radio, with numbers of listeners reaching their highest since RAJAR records began in 1999, with the largest share of listeners being in the home. The figures also reveal a 9% increase year on year in the use of digital platforms (DAB, DTV and online) to access radio programmes, the digital share is now 36.1% with 52.1% of the population listening digitally every week.

Many BBC radio stations recorded an increase in audience this quarter, with Radio 4, 6music, Asian Network and Radio 2's Chris Evans Breakfast Show reaching record figures. There was increased listenership since the last quarter for Radio 4 Extra and also Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw, who gained 700,000 listeners.

Director of BBC Radio, Helen Boaden commented on the figures, "I’m delighted that the BBC’s distinctive portfolio of stations is proving so enduringly popular and helping the UK radio industry go from strength to strength."

Jen Macro is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC Website and Blog.

Visit Rajar for full details.
A summary of the BBC's RAJAR performance is available via the BBC Media Centre website.
Read RAJAR figures for Q3 2013.

RAJAR figures for Q3 2013

2013-10-29T14:10:50+00:00

Last week the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK, RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), released their figures for Q3 2013, 24 June – 15 September 2013 (wks 26-37).

An infographic of the survey produced by RAJAR revealed that 90% of the population listen to the radio every week, while 51% of us tune into digital radio every week. Meanwhile the number of people listening to the radio via mobile phone is up 38%.

BBC Radio had a particularly good showing achieving its highest ever reach of 35.88 million listeners across all stations.

Hannah Khalil is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC Website and Blog.

A summary of the BBC's RAJAR performance is available via the BBC Media Centre website.
RAJAR figures for Q2 2013 can be found here.

RAJAR figures for Q1 2013 released

2013-05-16T07:57:20+00:00

Today the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK, RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), released their figures for Q1 2013, 31 December 2012 - 31 March 2013 (wks 1-13).

An infographic of the survey produced by RAJAR revealed that across all radio, 90% of the population tuned into radio every week listening to a weekly average of 21.9 hours of programming. There's also a 19% increase year on year in people listening to the radio via a mobile phone.

Hannah Khalil is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC Website and Blog.

A summary of the BBC's RAJAR performance is available via the BBC Media Centre website.
RAJAR figures for Q4 2012 can be found here.

Latest RAJAR figures released

2013-01-31T16:25:32+00:00

Earlier today, RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring radio audiences in the UK, released their figures for Q4 2012 (weeks 38-50).

A press release detailing RAJAR's report can be found here.

RAJARs Q2 2012 published

2012-08-02T11:27:55+00:00

Late last night the BBC Media Centre website published a press release about the latest figures for radio listening. The press release includes the network radio data captured by RAJAR - Radio Joint Audience Research.

BBC News Online reports on the digital stations story, 'BBC digital stations 1Xtra and Radio 4 Extra set record' while BBC staff online newspaper Ariel picks up on local radio.

Over on the BBC's Radio blog, editor Paul Murphy has collated some commentator's responses to the RAJAR figures including posts from Managing Director of Media UK James Cridland and Adam Bowie. On the 5 Live Blog controller Adrian van Klaveren takes time away from the Olympics to offer his take on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra's figures.

Explaining 'the Rajars'

2011-07-08T16:04:36+00:00

Editor's note: Feedback is Radio 4's weekly accountability programme, presented by Roger Bolton. The programme covers all of the BBC's radio stations and each week, while it's on-air, an item from the programme is published on the Radio 4 blog. This week's is about measuring the radio audience. Visit the Radio 4 blog to read the rest of this post and to leave a comment - SB

I always thought that the average Feedback listener was younger than I am, better dressed and more intelligent, and now I know it's true. I also now know that 1.4 million of you tune in to the programme every week.

Well I'm guessing about the intelligence and the quality of clothes, but the audience figures are certainly kosher. How do I know? Because RAJAR told me so. RAJAR stands for the Radio Joint Audience Research, and is jointly owned by the BBC and its commercial rivals.

Every year 100,000 RAJAR surveys are completed, detailing what people listen to and when. Up to now they have used paper diaries, but this month listeners are able to switch to filling in their listening diaries online if they want to do so.