RAJAR: BBC Asian Network up by nearly 100k; Sunrise Radio extends lead in London
The BBC Asian Network saw the highest rise in its weekly reach amongst all Asian radio stations in latest audience data published by RAJAR for Q1/24.
The period ending March 2024, saw the BBC Asian Network’s audience jump from 448,000 to 542,000. An increase of 94,000. The station’s average listening hours were down though from 4.8 to 4.2.
BBC Asian Network’s commercial national rival, Sunrise Radio also saw an incline in its weekly reach from 317,000 to 329,000. Its listening hours were also up from 4.6 to 4.7.
Sunrise Radio leads in Greater London
Meanwhile in Greater London, Sunrise Radio was back in front of its rival Lyca Radio, who in the last quarter had a reach of 108,000 each. This time around, Sunrise Radio delivered a reach of 134,000, with its average listening hours remaining at 4.0. Meanwhile, Lyca Radio was up by just 2,000, with a reach of 110,000 – its average listening hours were at 5.6 – down from 7.2 hours.
Tony Lit, MBE, MD Sunrise Radio said, “After the release of Rajar Q1 2024 this morning, it’s great to see growth for Sunrise Radio’s audience both in London & Nationally. Sunrise Radio is London’s leading Asian radio station and the UK’s leading, and only National commercial Asian radio station. Sunrise Radio is now in its 35th year of broadcasting and as the market leader continues to lead the way in commercial Asian radio. At Sunrise Radio we continue to bring our listeners only the best in entertainment, information, competitions, and fun.
Last month I had a private audience and exclusive interview with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street, which gave our audience some insight into the UK’s first South Asian Prime Minister, also this month two lucky Sunrise Radio listeners enjoyed a competition prize of a 2-day cruise on the Royal Caribbeans Anthem of the Seas and just last weekend Sunrise Radio connected with its audience live from the Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas. My interview with The Prime Minister is available on the Sunrise YouTube Channel or podcast. A film of Sunrise Radio’s experience on board the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas will be available on the Sunrise YouTube Channel very soon. As always I would like to thank our listeners for tuning in, our commercial partners for their support, and my fabulous Sunrise Team for their hard work…..let’s keep the magic going.”
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Lyca Gold listening hours strong
Lyca Radio’s sister channel, Lyca Gold lost 6,000 listeners, with a new weekly reach of 68,000. Its average listening hours remained stronger with 7.0.
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Media said, “I am thrilled with the latest RAJAR listening figures, which reaffirm Lyca Radio’s stronghold in the Greater London market. Our weekly reach on Lyca Radio has seen a marginal increase. Additionally, with the recent launch of our newly acquired station in Greater Manchester, audiences in the north can now enjoy the high-quality content that we have been delivering in London, extending our reach to Greater Manchester as well. Furthermore, Lyca Gold remains the frontrunner in its genre as the UK’s sole retro Asian music station. The station’s impressive average listening hours indicate that our timeless classics are captivating our listeners, keeping them engaged for longer periods.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my dedicated team, whose tireless efforts ensure the delivery of captivating content round the clock. I am immensely grateful to our loyal listeners who steadfastly tune in to Lyca radio stations despite the myriad of options available on other platforms. Additionally, I extend my sincere gratitude to our esteemed commercial partners for their trust in entrusting us to promote their brands across the airwaves.”
Panjab Radio listening hours strongest
Panjab Radio’s weekly reach was down from 96,000 to 80,000 – its average listening hours remained strongest amongst all Asian radio stations with 8.0 – down from 10.0.
Surjit Singh Ghuman MBE – Managing Director of Panjab Radio said, “Today’s Rajar listening figures reveal that Panjab Radio has once again secured its position as the leading Asian station in terms of listener engagement. With an impressive average listening time of 8.0 hours per listener, our commitment to providing relevant content and quality Panjabi music resonates strongly with our audience both in the UK and in the Panjab region. We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued listeners, clients, and the dedicated Panjab Radio team for their continued support and contributions to our success.”
