UTV Radio's national sports station talkSPORT has recorded its highest ever market share, and highest ratings for breakfast, whilst Absolute Radio and Classic FM both see a drop in listeners.

But whilst most stations go down after a re brand, Absolute Radio is happy with their increase in total hours – up 2.1 per cent this quarter.

In Golden Square, Clive Dickens, Chief Operating Officer of Absolute Radio told us: “Total listening hours are a strong indicator of listener satisfaction and we are very pleased with this result."

Global Radio's Classic FM is down to a recent low of 5.1million listeners, and market share is down to 3.5. Last quarter the station was on 5.4m and 3.7 share.

talkSPORT now has a weekly reach of 2.5 million, with 1.2m tuning in to Alan Brazil and Ronnie Irani in the morning. It is the only national terrestrial station to gain listeners this quarter too.

Scott Taunton, UTV Media (GB) Chief Executive, said: “This is a fantastic result, ending what has been a great year for talkSPORT. More people are listening, they’re listening longer and we have grown market share to a record figure in the face of increased competition.