The BBC has lost 750,000 radio listeners over the past year while the audience for commercial stations increased by two percent.
Radio 1 had an average of 7.48 million weekly listeners between April and June last year. This figure fell to 6.9 million in the same period this year, a drop of 579,000 according to radio research group RAJAR.
The latest figures cover the period before Radio 1 announced it was dropping six long standing DJs. Melvin Odoom, who had been at the station for seven years, was dropped alongside Dean McCullough and Rickie Haywood-Williams. The station is making way for fresh talent such as social media star GK Barry.
The Radio 1 Breakfast Show hosted by Greg James lost 144,000 listeners in the last three months. It remains the UK's most listened to breakfast show for younger listeners.
Commercial radio listener gains
Commercial radio has welcomed former BBC radio hosts such as Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo. Greatest Hits, which is now home to former Radio 2 veterans Bruce, Mayo and Zoe Ball, had an increase of 54,000 weekly listeners in the last quarter.
Greatest Hits 60s and Greatest Hits 80s have continued to grow their audience, as have Capital spin off stations. However, Radio 1's new station launches, including Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 1 Dance, have boosted their audience.
BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 listener drops
Radio 2 has lost just over a quarter of a million listeners since last year, a drop of two percent. The station has been grappling with the scandal over former presenter Scott Mills after he was sacked over historical allegations of sexual offences.
Radio 2 still remains the UK's most listened to radio station, with Vernon Kay's mid morning slot attracting 6.8 million listeners.
Radio 4 also saw a drop, with its flagship Today programme losing 54,000 listeners since March.
