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Radio audiences soared to a new high in the first quarter of 2000 as the growth in “internet listeners” boosted figures across both commercial and BBC radio.

Radio had a total reach of 43.4 million adults – 90% of the population – from January to April, according to figures from the Radio Joint Audience Research body. It grew 1.5% over the quarter.

The BBC’s share of total audience increased 0.8% year-on-year to 51%, reaching 31.5 million adults.

Of BBC stations, Radio 2 and Five Live fared best, with combined reach of 10.59 million and 6.19 million respectively, the latter, an all-time high

Commercial radio’s total share over the quarter was 47.1%. Recently rebranded TalkSport added 136,000 listeners, while Classic FM and Virgin picked up 250,000 and 350,000 listeners respectively.