RAJAR: BBC Asian Network adds over 100k new listeners in Q2/24
The BBC Asian Network has triumphed in latest radio audience listening data, published this morning by RAJAR for Q2/24.
In a huge victory for the national station, it added an impressive 102,000 new listeners over the past three months during the period of 1st April and 23rd June 2024. The BBC Asian Network’s weekly reach jumped from 542,000 to 644,000. Its average listening hours per week were also up from 4.2 to 4.6.
BBC Asian Network’s Head of Station, Ahmed Hussain told BizAsiaLive.com: “It’s fantastic to see that Asian Network has increased its audience to 644,000 weekly listeners and we have a further 2.37 million engaging with our content across social media and YouTube. This is the result of all the hard work and effort from all our teams who work day in, day out to produce the best content for our listeners. As the number one most listened to British Asian Station, we are proud to champion British Asian music and culture and to bring this important platform to our diverse audience.”
Commercial rival, Sunrise Radio National also saw an increase of 30,000 during the same period from 329,000 to 359,000. Its average listening hours were up from 4.7 to 4.8.
Locally, Sunrise Radio was top in Greater London with 146,000 – up from 134,000. Its average listening hours were up from 4.0 to 4.2. Joining RAJAR for the first time this quarter was Sunrise Smooth, which garnered 38,000 with average listening hours at 1.6.
Tony Lit MBE, MD Sunrise Radio Group said, “Following the release of Rajar Q2 2024 this morning I’m pleased to report the continued growth of our group of commercial Asian Radio stations both in London and Nationally. The Sunrise Radio Group National which includes Sunrise National DAB, Sunrise London 963/972 & Sunrise Smooth DAB London has now broken the 400k weekly reach barrier. Sunrise Radio remains the undisputed South Asian commercial radio market leader in London and Nationally. I’m also delighted with Sunrise Smooth’s (DAB London) debut Rajar, with a weekly reach of 38,000.
Now that summer has finally arrived, the Sunrise Team is out and about at popular Melas and other great events which Sunrise Group Radio stations are associated with. On another note, hopefully, I will be able to share our plans for a new National Radio station very soon. As always, thank you, to our loyal listeners, commercial partners, and the Sunrise Team.”
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The Lyca Group stations also saw an increase with Lyca Radio – Greater London up from 110,000 to 114,000. Its average listening hours were at 5.1. Lyca Gold – the UK’s only retro Asian music station, saw its weekly reach up from 68,000 to 83,000 – an increase of 15,000 over three months. Its average listening hours were at 6.3 – dropping from 7.0. Together as a group, Lyca Radio Network registered a reach of 176,000 – up from 156,000 from the previous quarter.
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, stated, “These are fantastic figures for the Lyca Radio Network. Not only are we up quarter-on-quarter but also year-on-year for both Lyca Radio and Lyca Gold. The stations continue to grow, with our award-winning, high-quality shows. The tremendous response to our new station, Lyca Radio – Greater Manchester (formerly known as Asian Sound Radio), has paved the way for further expansion. Watch this space for more exciting news. A huge thanks to my wonderful team for their ongoing efforts, our advertisers for their support, and our dear listeners for making the Lyca Group stations (consisting of Lyca Radio & Lyca Gold) the No.1 Asian radio network in Greater London.”
Panjab Radio also saw a marginal increase from 80,000 to 82,000. Its average listening hours were the strongest amongst Asian stations with 8.9 – up from 8.0.
Surjit Singh Ghuman MBE, Managing Director of Panjab Radio said, “The release of the Q2/24 RAJAR data shows that Panjab Radio once again delivering the highest number of hours against any other Asian stations in London. Our overhaul of programming in 2024 is continuing to reap dividends.”
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