*press information for release 8th May 2003*

Hit 40 UK steals the show!

Britain’s favourite chart takes top slot in today’s Rajars

RAJAR figures released today (for Wave 1 2003: analysis period 26th Sep 2002 – 25th Mar 2003) confirm Hit 40 UK as British radio’s biggest hit.

In the first survey period of 2003, Hit 40 UK’s reach has improved to 2,984,000 (listeners aged 4+), up 82,000 from the last period, despite losing the audiences from EMAP-owned radio stations, and hence broadcasting across a smaller network of 95 radio stations.

Hit 40 UK’s status is thus confirmed as Britain’s biggest chart by far - it also leads its commercial radio rival, the Smash Hits chart, by a staggering 1,939,000 listeners, further reinforcing its position as the only credible chart available on commercial radio.

Rob Corlett, Managing Director of Hit 40 UK Ltd, commented:

“Whilst this is a six-monthly Rajar reporting period, and therefore covers three months of the old Pepsi Chart and the first three months of Hit 40 UK, these results confirm a very positive upwards trend for Hit 40 UK in a time of unprecedented competition. Challenges from a revamped Radio 1 Top 40, the launch of the new Smash Hits chart, plus initial audience unfamiliarity with our new offering, have all done nothing to prevent Hit 40 UK going from strength to strength.

Indeed, it is interesting to note that in January, Andy Roberts, the EMAP Performance group programming director, stated his aim to match his Smash Hits chart audience share with our own within the year. Based on today’s results, he’ll have to treble his audience in just the next six months to do so! Bear in mind also that today’s results also reflect three months’ worth of Pepsi Chart audience data for the Smash Hits chart – we await August’s six monthly Rajar figures for a more accurate picture of how far behind Hit 40 UK Smash Hits truly lags.”

Hit 40 UK launched on Sunday 5th January 2003 supported by the largest sponsorship deal in British radio history with Woolworths. Richard Izard, Commercial Director for Woolworths, commented:

"Sponsorship of Hit 40 UK has already had a positive affect on our entertainment business. Our customers are linking the two brands and the on-air exposure we are getting is giving us a competitive edge. No other music retailer is achieving the kind of weekly radio coverage we are getting on the Hit 40 UK show."

For further information please contact Barnaby Levy at:

Triggerfish Communications on 020 8741 6006

Cont’d

Notes to Editors Hit 40 UK with Woolworths:
  • Hit 40 UK, formerly the Pepsi Chart, is the UK’s most listened to commercial radio programme, boasting an audience of 4.2 million every week.
  • Additionally, the Hit 40 UK Check-Up (Monday evenings) and the Hit 40 UK Midweek Chart (Wednesdays), are broadcast by the entire network of 95 radio stations (103 from 1.6.03), giving the brand a minimum of three on-air exposures each week.
  • The consortium responsible for Hit 40 UK, is comprised of the Capital Radio Group, GWR, Chrysalis Radio and Scottish Radio Holdings.
  • The Chrysalis Radio-owned Galaxy network is now also broadcasting the Chart for the first time on its key regional licences of Galaxy 102 (Greater Manchester), Galaxy 105 (Yorkshire), and Galaxy 105-106 (the North East), replacing broadcast areas formerly covered by EMAP-owned North East and North West stations.
  • Hit 40 UK entries 40-4 are based 50% on airplay and 50% on retail sales. The top three is entirely sales- based.
  • The audience profile for Hit 40 UK is 15-34 young adults/adults with a heavy bias towards the 15-24 age group.
  • Hit 40 UK is produced by unique the production company.