RAJAR: BBC Asian Network loses 70k; Sunrise Radio National drops further
The BBC Asian Network recorded the steepest decline among Asian radio broadcasters in the latest RAJAR results for Q1 2026, covering the period to 5 April.
The station shed 71,000 listeners over the quarter, with its weekly reach falling from 584,000 to 513,000. Despite the drop, its listening hours strengthened, rising from 5.8 to 6.7 hours per listener.
Sunrise Radio National continued its downward trajectory, posting one of its lowest weekly reaches since the post‑COVID reporting period. This marks the station’s seventh consecutive quarterly fall. Its reach slipped from 296,000 to 291,000, although average listening hours increased from 5.1 to 5.6.
Locally, Sunrise Radio London held steady with a reach of 141,000, though its average listening hours dipped marginally from 5.1 to 5.0. Its recently launched Sunrise Retro inched up from 38,000 to 39,000 listeners, but its listening hours dropped sharply from 6.1 to 2.6.
Tony Lit MBE & MD Sunrise Radio Group, commented, “I am delighted to see Sunrise Radio continues its dominance in the Asian commercial radio sector as the Number 1 Asian commercial radio station. The Sunrise Radio Group operates the only 2 National Asian commercial Radio stations in the UK, Sunrise Radio (National DAB) and Sunrise Hits (National DAB). I’m also pleased with the London results, as we increase our lead over our Asian commercial competitors. We’ve had fabulous feedback on our new services Sunrise Hits (National DAB), and Sunrise Retro (London DAB) and it’s pleasing to see Sunrise Retro’s audience grow. New elements will be introduced to these new Radio stations soon, bringing the listener even more to enjoy.”
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Lyca Radio reported a modest decline of 5,000 listeners, settling at a reach of 122,000, while its average listening hours rose from 4.2 to 4.6. Sister station Lyca Gold continued to perform strongly, posting a reach of 114,000 — down by 2,000 and delivering the highest average listening hours among Asian commercial stations at 6.1, up from 5.1.
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, said, “We’re delighted to see that the Lyca Group, comprising Lyca Radio and Lyca Gold, continues to lead in London, with Lyca Gold now attracting longer listening hours than any other Asian commercial radio station. It is also the number one Asian retro station in the country. Lyca Radio remains consistent in delivering strong programming. With more exciting giveaways, exclusive partnerships and further expansion plans in the pipeline, we are very excited about the weeks ahead. A huge thanks to all our Lyca Radio Network family that includes our dear listeners and well wishers and of course Team Lyca!”
The Lyca Group (Lyca Radio and Lyca Gold combined) retained its position as the leading Asian radio network, with a total reach of 188,000 and average listening hours of 6.7. Its TSA share climbed to 0.7 per cent, its strongest to date. By comparison, the Sunrise Radio Group (London) registered a combined reach of 170,000, with listening hours falling from 5.5 to 4.7 and a TSA share of 0.5 per cent.
Panjab Radio also saw a decline, dropping 6,000 listeners to a weekly reach of 73,000. Its average listening hours slipped from 6.1 to 5.8.
