Big audience increase for Classic FM

During the last three months of 2014, Classic FM's audience grew by 371,000 listeners, according to newly released official figures from industry body Rajar. The nation's biggest classical music station is now reaching some 5.6 million people every week. 

 

"All the signs are that new listeners are being attracted by our refreshed on-air schedule," said Sam Jackson, Classic FM's Managing Editor.

 
Classic FM's presenters say thank you, here: 

Among the newcomers to the station is broadcaster Alexander Armstrong. He joined Classic FM's weekend line-up in September. Alexander's audience on a Saturday afternoon has risen by 83,000 and now numbers 515,000 people every week. 
 

"I'm thrilled to be part of the Classic FM family – and equally thrilled that more and more people are discovering my new programme," said Alexander. "Playing my favourite music on my favourite radio station is genuinely a dream come true and I'm looking forward to growing the audience further over the months ahead."

 

Aled Jones, meanwhile, continues to present the biggest single show on Classic FM, attracting well over a million people every Sunday morning with his selection of laid-back classical music.  

 

"Classic FM fits Sunday mornings like a glove: the coffee, the papers, and the world's greatest music – and it's hugely encouraging to hear that more than 1 million people enjoy my choice of music every week," said Aled.

 

There have also been significant audience increases for Classic FM's weekday programming.  Since taking on the station's afternoon show in September, Anne-Marie Minhall is now listened to by 2.6 million people. Some 229,000 new listeners enjoy Anne-Marie's daily mix of requests and Classic FM favourites – and they're listening for longer than before.

"This is a great start to what is set to be a very special year for Classic FM," said Sam Jackson. "We're already attracting many thousands of votes for the 20th annual Classic FM Hall of Fame and, with more exciting plans set to be announced over the next few months, we're confident 2015 will be a year when even more people will enjoy listening to Classic FM."