Media News: Two charts to bolster radio

by Nicola Clarke, Marketing 01-Sep-05

Commercial radio stations are to air two additional chart shows in a bid to stem the rising popularity of BBC stations and boost sponsorship revenue.

This autumn, hit40uk, which runs the commercial chart show, is to
introduce the AC Chart, which will target older listeners with
mainstream tracks from albums.

A second, urban, chart will aim to capitalise on the growing popularity

of hip hop and R'n'B music.

GCap Media will handle the sales and commercial partnerships for the
charts and will announce the first sponsor within weeks.

Hit40uk has recruited two additional sales executives and a promotions
account handler to drive revenue

The AC Chart will be presented by TV's Melanie Sykes and Heart 106.2's
Nick Snaith. Targeting 25- to 44-year-olds, it will air on 54 stations,
including the Heart, Real Radio and Century networks. Charting the
nation's biggest-selling artists, it will include album and music DVD
sales, downloads and airplay.

The urban Fresh 40 chart will focus on R'n'B, hip hop and dance
music.

It will run across youth-radio brands, such as the Galaxy, Kiss and Vibe
networks, on both analogue and digital platforms.

The development follows criticism that the basis of the singles chart is
too narrow and only reflects the taste of a diminishing band of
single-buying teens.

It is hoped that the two charts will provide advertisers with a more
highly defined audience.

The hit40uk show, which is sponsored by Woolworths, will retain its
position as commercial radio's mainstream chart. It will also be
expanded by the addition of Emap's Big City network of radio stations,
which will broadcast the show when the Smash Hits chart comes to an end
in the autumn.