Bauer Media Audio UK reported a combined weekly reach of 23.4 million listeners in Q1 2025, according to the latest data from Rajar covering the period Dec. 30, 2024 to March 30, 2025. The Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio brands — grouped under the Hits Radio Portfolio — now attract a combined audience of 13.1 million listeners, or 15.3 million when partner stations are included, up 2% year-on-year.
The Hits Radio Network achieved a weekly reach of 7.1 million, representing a 5.7% year-on-year increase. The national Hits Radio station reached 4.7 million listeners, up 3.3% year-on-year.
Greatest Hits Radio reported a total network reach of 7.5 million. Its breakfast programme, hosted by Rossie, reached 3.1 million weekly listeners.
The Absolute Radio Network reached 5.6 million listeners, up 1.6% year-on-year. Absolute Radio Country reported 670,000 weekly listeners, representing a 71% increase.
The Magic Radio Network achieved a reach of 3.6 million, representing a 3.2% increase since the introduction of a new schedule at the start of the year. Magic at the Musicals posted 327,000 weekly listeners, while Magic Soul reached 642,000. These represent year-on-year increases of 63% and 25%, respectively.
The KISS Network reported 3.9 million listeners, a 2.6% quarter-on-quarter increase. KISSTORY reached 2.6 million listeners. KISS Xtra, formerly KISS Fresh, posted 209,000 listeners (up 10%) and KISSTORY R&B recorded 552,000 (up 4.2%).
Strong digital listening in U.K.
According to Rajar, 50 million adults in the U.K. — 87% of the population aged 15 and over — tuned in to radio each week during Q1 2025. Weekly listening totalled 1.027 billion hours, with 73% of those hours consumed via digital platforms. DAB made up 57% of digital listening hours, followed by smart speakers (24%), websites and apps (15%) and DTV (4%).
Rajar also reported that 76% of adults now listen to radio through a digitally enabled platform each week. Listening by location revealed that 62% of listening occurred at home, 26% in vehicles and 12% at work or other locations.
Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK, said, “Our audio brands continue to captivate millions of listeners every week, showcasing our commitment to excellence and innovation. As Bauer celebrates its 150th year, we look to the future with a steadfast focus on enhancing our products, increasing investment to strengthen audience engagement and creating gold-standard opportunities for our commercial partners.”
Gary Stein, director of audio at Bauer Media Audio UK, said, “In a quarter where we continue to invest in our brands and talent, it’s brilliant to see our new lineup on Magic Radio already attracting new listeners — on the very day we launch a brand-new nationwide marketing campaign for the station.”
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