Just days after GCap Media Chief Executive Ralph Bernard described Capital Radio as being "in intensive care", the report that the station is delivering their target audience in London.
In other GCap news, Xfm now has over 1 million listeners, Choice FM grow 7% and Planet Rock is up 42% with 461,000 listeners.
GCap Media Operations Director, Steve Orchard commented: 'Capital Radio's relaunch strategy set out to target the top position in the important 15-44 year old female audience and the station is now more appealing to this market. At Breakfast, Johnny Vaughan has significantly increased his
lead over our nearest commercial competitor and the show remains London's clear commercial number one. I am delighted that Johnny has increased his share, particularly amongst women, who account for 58% of listening to the show. Feedback since the relaunch has been extremely positive and we have laid a solid foundation for Capital Radio's recovery.'
GCap Media Chief Executive, Ralph Bernard commented: 'These RAJARs demonstrate that as audiences fall at Radio 1 and Radio 2, we are
starting to deliver audience growth at key stations challenging the BBC. Xfm and Choice FM have both recorded growth nationally and in the important London market. Meanwhile, Capital Radio's groundbreaking strategy of no more than two ads in a row is helping to deliver growth in our target market and independent research published this week demonstrates that this policy has improved ad effectiveness by almost 40%.
As digital radio sales reach the three million mark, I am pleased that not only has Planet Rock been voted Sony Digital Station of the Year but new presenters such as Rick Wakeman have helped the station achieve record reach and share. Planet Rock is a future star of UK radio and one to watch in the GCap portfolio.'