BBC Radio 1 to launch weekly chart update

BBC Radio 1 has unveiled plans to introduce a weekly chart update to its schedule giving a clear picture of how new singles and albums are selling.

Starting on March 10, the Official Chart Update will run on Greg James's show every Wednesday afternoon between 3.30pm and 4pm.

Launched in partnership with the Official Charts Company, the bulletin will detail how new singles and albums are faring in the charts, along with showcasing popular tracks and high-climbers.

The update will be based on 'sales flash' data circulated by the Official Charts Company to the music industry every Wednesday morning.

It is designed to 'build the suspense' ahead of the official singles and albums chart run-down on Radio 1's The Chart Show, which is broadcast every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm.

Presented by Reggie Yates, the show reaches 1.43 million people every week, constituting around 13% of the listening audience at that time.

BBC Radio 1 head of music George Ergatoudis said: "I've no doubt the Official Chart Update will encourage fans to go out and support their favourite acts, because for the first time they'll really be able to really see the difference they make in the weekly chart battle and then tune in on Sundays to find out who has won."

Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot added: "The launch of this Official Chart Update will mean that, for the first time, music fans will get a reliable insight into how the race for number one is shaping up, ahead of the announcement of the weekly official singles and albums charts on Radio 1 every Sunday. It will bring the chart to music fans across the country throughout the week."