RadioCentre to run national poll

LONDON - The RadioCentre is to ask listeners to take part in an audience survey with the opportunity to influence the future of commercial radio with a series of short features fronted by celebrity presenters.

From today local and national radio stations across the UK will take part in The Big Listen, www.thebiglisten.com, which will culminate on Sunday, 17 June, in The Big Debate, a live show broadcast over 50 stations.

The feedback from listeners will shape the RadioCentre's response to Ofcom's Future of Radio consultation, which will end later this month.

Famous names like Kate Thornton, Peter Snow and Jamie Cullum will front the features while regular DJs will talk about radio's importance during their own shows.
Meanwhile, national stations TalkSport and Classic FM will be running specially commissioned programmes.

Audience research carried out by the RadioCentre to date has identified 20 key issues ranging from how the internet and digital technology are changing the way people listen to radio, to the role of radio in discovering new music and broadcasting talent.

"This is about engagement with radio audiences on an unprecedented scale at a critical time for the future of radio," said Andrew Harrison, RadioCentre chief executive, pictured.

He went on to say he wanted listeners of "every age group and background" to have the chance to influence the future of radio.

Media Week 11-Jun-07