Radio popularity reaches its highest level in 10 years

Television is usually regarded as the main source of interest when it comes to talent and radio can often be forgotten but figures released today reveal that radio popularity has reached its highest levels in more than 10 years.

Figures looking at the three months leading up to June showed that an average of 46.8 million adults tuned into their favourite radio stations every week - constituting 90.6% of the population aged over 15. Events such as the Election and the World Cup boosted interest in current reports and interviews and Radio 4, TalkSport, and Radio 5 Live saw the biggest increase in the number of radio listeners, especially the Today and PMprogrammes on Radio 4.

The skill of many radio presenters resides not only in their presenting and story-telling abilities, but also in their ability to assimilate and familiarise themselves with large chunks of new information in very short periods of time. Interviewers and reporters such as Evan Davies and Sarah Montague are not only brilliant on radio but also as conference facilitators in live situations which require sharp questioning and presentational skills. Evan himself has presented the Today programme since 2008 as well as being Economics Editor and current presenter of Dragons' Den on BBC2. Sarah has also presented BBC News 24,Newsnight, Breakfast with Frost, and BBC World's Hardtalk. Other Today presenters include the 'national institution' and longest-serving presenter John Humphreys - a winner of numerous Sony Gold awards, the Oscars radio equivalent - as well as music and book aficionado James Naughtie and facilitator and after dinner speaker Justin Webb.

The boost for Radio 5 Live has also come at a time when change is afoot. The show will be moving to Salford next year and celebrity presenter after dinner speaker Nicky Campbell will continue to live in London having decided to make the daily commute. Other Radio 5 Live presenters and celebrity speakers include Gabby Logan and Kate Silverton who like Nicky are accomplished awards hosts as well as interviewers. Peter Allen - himself a winner of 4 Sony Golds - is an experienced conference chair and after dinner speaker having presented his very successful Drivetimeshow for a number of years. Talksport has also been a big hit for the likes of Darren Gough who has taken the leap from cricketing to radio presenting whilst doing a spot of tango along the way - Darren won Strictly Come Dancing in 2005.

Since the mid nineties, Speakers Corner has evolved into one of the leading after dinner speakers and celebrity speakers booking agencies. Speakers Corner works closely with artistes from all walks of life including politics, sport, business, technology and media.