Esperanza Spalding at the 2018 JazzFM Awards Photo courtesy of JazzFM

Sebastian writes:

JazzFM, which was recently acquired by Bauer Media, shows continuing growth, at annual rates between 15% and 19%, according to the latest RAJAR data for the third quarter of 2018. Here is the text they have issued:

“Once again, Jazz FM has received another set of very promising figures that shows growth for the UK’s only jazz, soul and blues broadcaster. As of today, our weekly reach is 657,000 which is an increase of 15% on this time last year. Our hours are at 2,725,000 which is also an increase of 19% since this time last year. Our daytime schedule has also see increases with big wins for all programmes from the breakfast show until midnight with specific highlights from Chris Philips mid-morning show gaining a 17% YoY increase and Jazz FM Loves with China Moses receiving an audience increase of 30% YOY.

Of those listening, 320,000 are in London, making it the second largest digital only commercial station, behind that of another Bauer Media brand Kisstory.

At the weekend Nigel Williams (Sat 1000-1400) and Jeff Young (Sun 1000-1400) have provided the largest daypart figures.

Nick Pitts, JazzFM’s content director said: “These audience figures are not only the fourth highest that we’ve had since it re-launched as a digital brand exactly 10 years ago, but also the second survey in a row where we’ve indexed above 650,000 listeners per week. That means 650,000 listeners are being exposed to the greatest jazz, soul and blues every week! This shows that our unique content continues to engage our listeners and that the expert curation our presenters bring is still a force to be reckoned with and one of the most successful in the UK.” (End of statement)