Radioplayer, the online radio service by BBC and other commercial stations has attracted 5.7 million users last month.

This is a really encouraging first set of figures, said Andrew Harrison, chairman of Radioplayer.

A report by the radio research group, RAJAR, suggests that UK has 38 million listeners of radio via the internet each week.

Currently, the Radioplayer is working with RAJAR to establish new standardised metrics that can be produced on a regular basis.

Radioplayer launched on March 31, with 157 stations on board and now 81 other stations have joined in to simplify listening to radio online by bringing it on single site.

The launch of “player building tool” this week is expected to attract smaller stations to join Radioplayer as it will enable stations to produce their own Radioplayer consoles comparable in look and design to those made by BBC and Global, making it even easier for Ofcom licensed, smaller community and student radio stations to join.

Radioplayer's managing director Michael Hill said, Growing digital radio is a long game, but we now have two magic ingredients. A simple, consistent Radioplayer with millions of users, and an industry working collaboratively on its digital future. It's a great start.

United kingdom