BBC Radio’s digital networks continue to thrive

Latest audience measurement figures show that three of the BBC’s digital stations have posted record figures.

The record holders are Radio 4 Extra which now has 1.7 million listeners per week; BBC 6 Music, which reaches 1.62 million listeners; and BBC Asian Network, which in its 10th year reaches a record 584,000 people each week.

Tim Davie, Director, BBC Audio & Music, said: “It’s encouraging to see that the radio industry as a whole is in good health and impressive that it has held up over the Olympic summer. I’m thrilled that, despite there being so much competition for people’s time and attention, three of our digital stations have hit record highs.”

In addition, BBC’s bespoke Olympics station 5 live Olympics Extra had 1.9 million listeners across the main Olympics period. Together with Radio 5 live and its Olympics-only digital station Radio 5 live Sports Extra, the three services posted a combined reach of 7.77m with a 6.5 per cent share of listening.

During the full Games period (July 25-August 12) Radio 5 live Olympics Extra alone posted a total reach of 1.9 million, with a weekly reach of 1.34 million over the course of July 30 – August 12.