Podcasting and DAB provide boost for old-school technology

BBC Radio has boosted its overall listening figures thanks to an increase in the amount of people accessing it on digital platforms, according to data released today by Radio Joint Audience Research (Rajar).

Figures covering 25 June to 16 September 2007 show that 8.5 million people – 17 per cent of the UK population – listen to BBC stations digitally.

"The continued growth of digital radio is once again the highlight of the quarter,” said Jenny Abramsky, director of BBC Audio & Music.

“It is pleasing to see digital listening, from DAB to podcasting, ensuring radio remains as popular and relevant as ever."

BBC Radio increased its reach to 32.89 million listeners, compared to 32.66 million in the same period in 2006.

However, that was slightly down on the 33.25 million from last quarter, despite an increase in the share of the overall audience from 54.3 per cent to 54.4 per cent in the same period.