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BBC claims encouraging response for new digital radio services
LONDON: The BBC has announced an encouraging response for its new digital radio services. The new services reached 2,560,000 UK listeners. .
The official listening figures were released by Radio Joint Audience Research (RAJAR). BBC 6 Music, with its mix of archive and new music, had a reach of 154,000. 1Xtra, the black music station, achieved the greatest reach attracting 331,000 listeners. BBC 7 which showcases comedy, drama, readings and children’s programmes had a reach of 236,000. This figure rises to 350,000 when children aged under 15 are included. This suggests that the specially commissioned programmes are succeeding in attracting children to speech radio.
An official release informs that each of these networks achieves a share of 0.1 per cent, This indicates that listeners are spending a generous amount of time with the new stations. 6 Music listeners are tuning in for around five hours a week. This represents the longest amount of time spent with any of the new listeners.
The World Service recorded a reach of 1,411,000, compared with 1,463,000 last quarter, and a share of 0.7 per cent. The Asian Network, which now broadcasts across the UK on digital (as well as on medium wave in the Midlands), showed overall reach of 495,000 compared with last quarter’s 421,000.
BBC’s director of radio and music Jenny Abramsky added, ” Apart from Sports Extra, designed to give Five Live listeners greater choice, the new networks were created to reach new and underserved audiences and contribute something completely distinctive in the ever more crowded radio marketplace. I am particularly pleased with the signs that 1Xtra, like the Asian Network, appears to be reaching sections of the community who have felt marginalised by the BBC and I’m delighted that children are turning to BBC 7.
” The age of digital radio has come at last and the BBC has played a crucial role in getting us there. Although the proliferation of new services must inevitably impact upon the BBC’s share, I am convinced that spearheading the move to digital was right for the future of the whole radio industry.”
The quarter saw all BBC reach at 31,790,000 compared to Commercial Radio’s 31,573,000. Despite the ever-increasing competition, the BBC’s share was 51.8 per cent compared to Commercial Radio’s 46.2 per cent.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
