Today programme listening figures reach new heights

BBC Radio 4 is celebrating a ratings success for its Today programme.

“These figures are fantastic news for radio, illustrating its enduring appeal in a crowded digital marketplace. Radio 4 remains as vital as ever as it approaches its 50th anniversary. Its success highlights the importance of first-class, trusted news in turbulent times, but also the strength the station has across its schedule with a unique mix of programmes.” – Bob Shennan, Director of BBC Radio & Music

The BBC Radio 4 ratings have been boosted by record listening to the Today programme, according to new figures published earlier (Aug 3rd). Data from RAJAR shows the station’s audience is at its highest level since records began in 1999, with 11.55 million people listening every week, up from 11.11m last quarter and 11.51m last year, whilst the Today programme draws a record weekly reach of 7.66 million thats up from 7.13m last quarter and 7.35m last year.

Elsewhere, BBC Radio 1 added nearly half a million listeners during the measurement period while the more youth and celebrity aimed Radio 2 has seemingly lost its appeal somewhat as th station draws in a weekly audience of 14.88 million – down from 15.02m last quarter and 15.30 last year. The figures also show listening to all UK radio at record levels, with 49.21 million people tuning in each week – up by nearly a million on last quarter’s total of 48.23m.

“Hats off to all at Radio 1. Their half a million gain is a real boost and owes much to the hard work all the teams have put in to making the listening experience better than ever.” – Bob Shennan, Director of BBC Radio & Music