CN-Group owned station Citybeat 96.7FM has been celebrating after the station increased its share of the local radio market in the face of new commercial competition.
In the latest RAJAR figures released, the popular Belfast station has extended its market share to 11.8% in the last three months – an increase of 2.4% which equates to the total market share achieved in Citybeat?s area by high profile newcomers, U105. Citybeat has also seen a substantial 11% year on year increase in the station?s weekly audience.
And the good news doesn?t end there ? Citybeat?s audience are listening for longer than any other commercial station in Belfast with listeners tuning in for an average of 10.5 hours per week, 20% longer than closest rivals Cool FM and almost double that of U105?s 5.8 average weekly hours.
Commenting on the figures, Station Director Richard Collett said: ?Everyone at Citybeat is delighted with these results. There?s no doubt that the radio landscape in Belfast has changed dramatically with the arrival last year of high profile competition, so it is particularly pleasing to increase both our market share and our listening hours in this new challenging environment?.
These figures are an excellent springboard for Citybeat 96.7 FM as the station prepares to move to a new city centre state of the art studio complex next month and celebrate its 10th anniversary in the Autumn.