Last updated September 2007
Printable version
Global audience
BBC World Service's overall global audience figure in 2007 rose to 183 million weekly listeners, a rise of 20 million listeners compared to 2006's estimate of 163 million. This is the eighth year in succession that BBC World Service has attracted an audience over 145 million.
It remains the world's best known and most listened to international radio broadcaster. BBC World Service is the clear global leader, significantly ahead of its nearest international broadcasting competitors.
The surveys also showed that BBC World Service is regarded as the most objective international broadcaster when compared to its main competitors in top markets – including Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and USA.
BBC World Service programmes are now available in the high quality audibility of FM in 151 capital cities.
The new BBC World Service global audience estimate is derived from a comprehensive programme of independent audience research – the largest ever commissioned by the World Service – and incorporates new data from 24 countries. It does not include estimates for countries, such as Somalia, where market research cannot be carried out safely.
