Official Midweek Charts Launched On Radio 1

The race for the top of the singles and albums charts will today (March 10) take an added dimension when BBC Radio 1 starts broadcasting the midweek chart updates. Up until now, the midweek charts have been made available only to industry insiders. Compiled by the Official Charts Company each Wednesday morning, the midweek results will go out on Greg James' show between 3.30-4pm GMT.

The Official Chart Company's managing director Martin Talbot outlined the reasoning behind the decision to make the midweek charts public saying, "Music fans will get a reliable insight into how the race for number one is shaping up."

Fans will also be able to follow the official midweek charts online when they're published on Radio 1's website as well as social networks Facebook and Twitter.

Host Greg James told the BBC that the midweek charts will give a new insight into the weekly race for pole position. He said, "I want to shine a light on all the songs going in and dropping out of the charts.

"Why are people buying a specific record? Why aren't they buying that one? Reasons like that."

In recent months, chart action has been the focus of much media speculation. The closely-fought race between agit-rockers Rage Against The Machine and 'X Factor' winner Joe McElderry for the Christmas number one slot last December was the highlight of a year that saw Lady Gaga become the highest-selling artist of the year with single 'Poker Face.'