O'Hara quits Rajar

Rajar's managing director, Jane O'Hara, has announced that she will leave the radio audience research company at the end of the year.

O'Hara said:

"This has been a very difficult decision to make. I thoroughly enjoy my role at RAJAR, which is interesting, challenging and exciting. I wish I could do both, but as I can’t live two parallel lives I have decided to take the opportunity now to try my hand at ocean sailing and the different challenges and excitement full time sailing presents.

“This is an appropriate time for a change. RAJAR has completed the major tests into electronic measurement and keenly awaits the opportunity to start testing again on the next generation equipment. The RAJAR contract is not out for tender at the present time and therefore my successor will have an opportunity to get their feet under the table before that process begins. I know I am going to miss RAJAR and the radio industry, but I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to work with the talented people that I have, in an industry that I truly care about."

The news comes just a day before the company faces a court battle with Kelvin MacKenzie over electronic measuring systems. MacKenzie is claiming that Rajar's diary recording system is inaccurate. GfK, with whom MacKenzie's Wireless Group has a three year contract to produce radio audience figures, uses wristwatch electronic measuring devices.