Listeners shape future of commercial radio

Commercial radio listeners will be given the chance to air their views on the future of radio this week as part of a major survey across local and national stations. The Big Listen is being led by industry body RadioCentre.

The poll, which is being run by YouGov, starts a week of special programming, including short features headed by celebrities such as Kate Thornton and Suzanne Vega, and online activity. The week will culminate in a live debate that will be broadcast over 50 stations on June 17.

RadioCentre has identified 20 key issues such as the way the internet and digital technology is changing listening habits to the role of radio in discovering new music and broadcasting talent. It is hoped the poll and debate will give listeners the chance to “shape the future of commercial radio”.

Andrew Harrison (pictured), RadioCentre chief executive, says: “This is about engagement with radio audiences on an unprecedented scale. The Big Listen will involve all genres of radio station from music to talk from local to national.”