Bauer Media Audio UK announced in a media release that its stations (including partner stations) reached a combined 23 million weekly listeners in Q2 2025, citing strong digital performance and growth across several of its brands.
According to the company, Absolute Radio grew 10.1% quarter-on-quarter to reach 2.2 million listeners, which Bauer says makes it the United Kingdom’s most listened to digital commercial station. The Absolute Radio Network reached 5.5 million, with Absolute Radio Country hitting a record 690,000 listeners (up 50.7% year-on-year), and Absolute Radio 00s posting 449,000 (up 26.6%).
Bauer’s Hits and Greatest Hits Radio portfolios drew a combined 12.9 million listeners — 14.9 million including partner stations. Greatest Hits Radio remained Bauer’s top-performing station, reaching 7.3 million listeners. The company claims its breakfast show with Rossie is now the most listened-to commercial breakfast show in the U.K., drawing 3.2 million weekly listeners, while Ken Bruce continues to host the most listened-to commercial radio show.
The company also reports a strong debut for its new digital decades stations, GHR 70s and GHR 80s, with 333,000 and 495,000 listeners, respectively.
Other network figures include 3.6 million for both Magic and KISS, with Mellow Magic up 6.1% year-on-year and KISS Xtra up 14.8% quarter-on-quarter to 240,000. Planet Rock grew 8.0% to 1.1 million listeners.
Bauer says one-third of its listening now takes place via connected platforms — in apps, online or via smart speakers — and claims three of the top five digital commercial stations: Absolute Radio, Kiss FM and Absolute 80s.
The group also launched audioXi in the UK, a digital ad platform that aggregates data from across its brands. CEO Simon Myciunka said the platform supports “more effective audience targeting and content relevance.” He added, “As our audio brands continue to entertain millions of listeners every week, our commitment to excellence and innovation remains as strong as ever.”
Gary Stein, director of audio, pointed to growth at Absolute Radio, Planet Rock, Kerrang! and Absolute Radio Country as evidence of “the power of radio and its ability to be there 24/7 for fans.”
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