RAJAR: Lyca Radio narrows lead with Sunrise Radio to just 5k listeners
The competition between Sunrise Radio and Lyca Radio for the top spot in the London market intensified, as official data from RAJAR for Q2/25 revealed just 5,000 listeners separating the two leading stations.
According to official listening figures from RAJAR for the period ending June 2025, Lyca Radio experienced a notable increase in weekly audience, rising from 122,000 to 135,000, a gain of 13,000 listeners. Meanwhile, Sunrise Radio registered a modest uplift of 1,000, bringing its weekly reach to 140,000. The margin between the two stations has now narrowed to just 5,000 listeners.
These figures represent Lyca Radio’s highest weekly reach since Raj Baddhan assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Lyca Radio Network almost five years ago. Further encouraging news for the network comes from Lyca Gold, its retro Asian music service, which added 11,000 new listeners and increased its reach from 81,000 to 92,000 per week. Collectively, the Lyca Group, which comprises Lyca Radio and Lyca Gold, achieved a combined weekly reach of 190,000, positioning it as the leading Asian commercial radio group in London.
In London, Sunrise Radio’s second station, Sunrise Smooth, saw its weekly reach increase from 29,000 to 39,000 listeners. However, its average weekly listening hours declined, falling from a record 9.9 hours to 5.7.
Raj Baddhan, Chief Executive Officer of Lyca Radio Network, stated, “We are immensely delighted with the latest RAJAR figures for the Lyca Radio Network. Lyca Radio has not only recorded its highest weekly reach in recent times, but we are now closer than ever to attaining the number one position in London, just 5,000 listeners separate us from our closest rival. In addition, Lyca Gold Radio has reached a new milestone, achieving its highest weekly reach to date with 92,000 listeners. Collectively, the Lyca Group has registered a total reach of 190,000, another high for the network.”
Baddhan added, “These figures stand as a significant testament to the dedication and efforts of our team. As we continue to grow the Lyca Radio Network into new regions, we remain committed to expanding our presence across the UK with premium Asian broadcasting. We extend our sincere gratitude to our loyal listeners and valued advertisers for their continued support of the Lyca Radio Network, now proudly in its twelfth year of broadcasting.”
Tony Lit MBE, Managing Director of Sunrise Radio, said, “I’m once again proud to announce that Sunrise Radio is the number one Asian commercial radio station nationally and in London. Our listening hours have remained robust, and, most importantly, I’m pleased to report that Sunrise Smooth has continued its audience growth in London, with strong weekly listening hours.
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The Sunrise Radio Group National has also seen growth in this quarter. Sunrise Radio remains the UK’s number 1 and largest Asian commercial radio brand. This is a testament to the loyalty of its listeners, our commercial partners, and the wonderful Sunrise team. Thank you all. Sunrise Radio, the Greatest Asian Radio Station in the World.”
Nationally, Sunrise Radio experienced a slight decrease in weekly reach, falling by 7,000, from 340,000 to 333,000 listeners. Its average listening hours remained relatively steady at 4.9, compared to 5.0 in the previous quarter.
Panjab Radio’s figures declined marginally from 104,000 to 101,000 listeners per week. Nevertheless, the station recorded the highest average listening time amongst South Asian broadcasters, with an impressive 7.3 hours per listener.
Surjit Singh Ghuman MBE, Managing Director of Panjab Radio, said, “Once again, Panjab Radio’s weekly reach figures have remained consistent, accompanied by impressive listening hours surpassing those of our Asian competitors. We are deeply grateful to our commercial partners and loyal listeners for their continued support and preference for Panjab Radio. As we expand our presence into new regions and now onto television, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my dedicated team for their unwavering commitment and hard work.”
Meanwhile, the BBC Asian Network experienced a decline in weekly reach, dropping from 530,000 to 517,000. Its average listening hours also saw a slight decrease, from 5.6 to 5.1.
