The Times’ Radio Station after “BBC News Stars”

Giles Coren was proudly talking about how his show had the first sponsor last week - Fortnum & Mason.

I don't listen to Giles, so I missed that.

Obviously we don't have a definitive number of listeners because of COVID-19 disruption to RAJAR, but they'll have an idea of the streaming figures. And if they've been able to get BMW on board, then it sounds they're getting a decent audience.

I don't think anybody considers RAJAR as "definitive"

To be fair it is really good. Like a cross between Five Live and LBC, without all the gammons phoning in getting angry about everything. I’ve been listening in the car a lot.

OK. Definitive might not have been the best word, but AKAIK, RAJAR is widely trusted to give a good overview of radio listening figures.

Well if the talent or brand didn't tell you the audience they were after then the sponsors certainly do.

RAJAR won't be reporting on them for another few months anyway. Why have overnight ratings when you can have them quarterly? Can't believe they haven't at least gone to monthly - surely the data must be there for that in compiling the quarterly figures.

Did you actually hear any stings for Fortnum & Mason or was it some dry humour about the type of station it is?

Yes there were stings plus a lengthy discussion about their tea.

Rajar has been suspended due to Covid 19 anyway, so a new station, even if it wanted ranking, could not get figures.

https://www.rajar.co.uk/docs/news/Survey_Updates_Q1_2020.pdf

I don't have an issue with the sponsors being included in the stings, but they'd better not go down the road of regularly talking about them.

Interesting tonight, Jon Sopel was a guest on John Pienaar's evening show today!

Isn't that a bit like having Jon Snow on Marr's programme!?

Not exactly as Jon Sopel is an editor so can speak on American Politics, Jon Snow is an anchor so isn't a specialist