Five Live's problems deepen

BBC Radio Five Live's listener reach dropped another 6.8 per cent last quarter - to its lowest level in seven years, today's RAJAR figures have shown.

The news and sport station has 5,489,000 weekly listeners - down 4.5 per cent, from 5,747,000, last year and from 5,890,000 last quarter. It has been struggling for the past few years and its previous record low was 5,520,000 in late 2000.

Among commercial radio nationally there has been little major change in audiences.

Classic FM retains its strong lead with a reach of 5,844,000 listeners weekly. Magic FM remains in second place on reach, with 3,430,000, after taking the initiative from Heart FM early this year.

Heart made some ground back with a 2.1 per cent rise last quarter compared to Magic's 1.5 per cent increase.

Emap Radio, which runs Magic and Kiss, has welcomed a year of growth among its national, regional and digital stations. It claims a total listenership of 12.2 million weekly and its highest ever reach.

The biggest digital-only station The Hits has recorded a 26.4 per cent rise, of 312,000 listeners, in the year. Heat radio, launched on digital last year, has increased its reach by nearly 40 per cent.

Group managing director Dee Ford said: “This is a fantastic result for Emap with its highest ever reach across the group; Magic’s phenomenal continued performance.

"Seventeen of our 20 local stations being number one or two in their market and a continued dominance of the digital only services."

Global Radio UK, Heart's owner, also said its national network was strong and growing. Executive director Richard Park commented: "These Rajars bear out the fact that Heart is an exceptionally strong brand. We’re delighted to have such a talented mix of people to keep Heart fresh and vibrant."

Meanwhile, Classic FM managing director Darren Henley was pleased to see it retaining its strong commercial top place: "Classic FM is the destination of choice for people who want to relax, regardless of their age or background."