Commercial radio in the United Kingdom seems to be in good health. The latest Rajar results — for Q1 2023 — show that a record 38.7 million people listen weekly (an increase of 4.1% year-on-year), consuming 519 million hours (+5.9% YoY). Bauer Media Audio UK is a significant contributor to that, with a record 22.4 million reach (+6.5% YoY).
The group also has six of the U.K.’s top 10 digital commercial stations; #1 Absolute Radio, #2 KISSTORY, #5 Absolute 80s, #6 Planet Rock, #8 Absolute Radio 90s and #10 Absolute Classic Rock.
Standout performances for the group for this quarter include:
- The Hits Radio Brand Network, comprised of the Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio Networks, has grown its reach to a record 11 million (+19.2% YoY). Including partner stations, it is the U.K.’s biggest commercial network, reaching 13.1 million listeners (+19% YoY).
- The Hits Radio Network has grown 16.4% YoY to reach 6.7 million listeners, with the main Hits Radio station up to a record 1.8 million reach (+40.8% YoY).
- The Greatest Hits Radio Network has a record reach of 5.3 million (+26.9% YoY), with Simon Mayo adding half a million listeners to his drivetime show, now reaching 2 million listeners (+34.8% YoY).
- The Absolute Radio Network has also recorded its highest-ever audience at 5.3 million, and since becoming digital only, Absolute Radio is now the U.K.’s No.1 commercial digital station.
- The Magic Radio Network is up on the quarter, reaching 4 million listeners, with Magic Chilled reaching its highest-ever audience of 453,000 (+39.8%).
Dee Ford, group managing director of Bauer Media Audio UK, said, “Our relentless focus on delivering world-class content while recruiting and nurturing the best talent in the industry continues to drive our growth and success. The future is exceptionally bright for commercial radio, and Bauer is in the best possible position to embrace the fantastic opportunities that lie ahead.”
Ben Cooper, the group’s chief content and music officer, said, “Greatest Hits Radio continues its unstoppable rise, with a million listeners added, and that’s even before Ken Bruce had started – meanwhile, Dave Berry’s Absolute Radio and Fleur East and the Hits Radio team celebrated their biggest ever audiences – so thank you for making this a record-breaking start to 2023 for Bauer Media Audio.”
