RAJAR: BBC Asian Network stays top; Sunrise Radio adds 60k nationally
The BBC Asian Network remained the UK’s most‑listened‑to Asian radio station, while Sunrise Radio added 60,000 listeners, according to Q2/26 data published by RAJAR today.
The BBC Asian Network increased its weekly reach by 35,000 during the period ending 28 June 2026, rising to 548,000 from 513,000. Its average listening hours stood at 5.3, down from 6.7 in the previous quarter.
Meanwhile, Sunrise Radio delivered its highest weekly reach in 18 months after several consecutive declines. The station rebounded to 351,000 – an increase of 60,000 from a low of 291,000. Its average listening hours dipped from 5.6 to 4.9.
In Greater London, competition intensified as both Sunrise Radio and Lyca Radio added more than 30,000 listeners. Sunrise Radio retained the top position with a reach of 175,000, up by 34,000 from 141,000. Its average listening hours fell from 5.0 to 4.0.
Lyca Group – comprising Lyca Radio and Lyca Gold in Greater London, remained the No.1 Asian Commercial Group in the city with a reach of 219,000, up by 31,000 from 188,000. As standalone services, both stations recorded all‑time highs. Lyca Radio reached 154,000, up by 32,000 from 122,000, with average listening hours at 4.2, down from 4.6. Lyca Gold consolidated its position as the leading Asian Retro Music Station with a reach of 117,000, up from 114,000, and average listening hours at 5.8, down from 6.1.
Sunrise Retro reported a decline of 7,000 listeners, with reach falling from 39,000 to 32,000. Sunrise Hits is not measured on RAJAR.
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Panjab Radio posted a reach of 71,000, down from 73,000. Its average listening hours were the strongest among all Asian stations at 6.4, up from 5.8.
BROADCASTER COMMENTS
Tony Lit MBE Managing Director of Sunrise Radio said, “I am delighted with the results for the Sunrise stations for Q2, 2026 We remain the undisputed market leaders in the UK Asian Commercial radio sector , Sunrise Radio National has seen its listeners jump by a super impressive 60,000 to a total of 351,000 and the regional Sunrise Radio London has also had a significant increase of 34,000 listeners to a total of 175,000 , the recently launched Sunrise Retro continues to make great progress on 32,000 listeners & the listener feed back for both Sunrise Hits and Sunrise Retro has been fantastic offering more choice to the British Asian community. It’s truly a privilege and honour being the UK’s number 1 Asian commercial Radio Network , in both audience reach & also coverage across the United Kingdom , my sincere thanks to our wonderful listeners , super supportive commercial partners who without the magic of Sunrise Radio just would not be possible , and finally to my colleagues at team Sunrise for their dedication to the iconic brand and to their craft , Thank you all !!”
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, said, “We have made history today with the highest‑ever reach figures for Lyca Radio and Lyca Gold. There is further positive news, as Lyca Gold has consolidated its position as the No.1 Asian Retro Music Station. Moreover, Lyca Group, comprising the two London stations, has strengthened its standing as the No.1 Asian Commercial Radio Network in the city. We are equally delighted for the wider radio industry, which has seen increases across the board. We continue to expand the Lyca Radio Network, with more announcements expected in the coming days. We have additional new services launching, along with major giveaways. A sincere thank you to all our well‑wishers and loyal listeners for once again making Lyca Radio Network the No.1 Asian Commercial Group in London.”
Surjit Singh Ghuman MBE, Managing Director of Punjab Radio said, “Panjab Radio has once again reaffirmed its position as the leading Panjabi station in the UK. We have remained consistent in delivering robust content across lifestyle, devotional programming, debates and topics central to the Panjabi community. We are also pleased that Panjab Radio stands as the No.1 Asian radio brand for average listening hours this quarter. Our sincere thanks to everyone who continues to listen to Panjab Radio.”
