Live radio remains a central part of the United Kingdom’s audio landscape. Still, streaming services and smart speakers are steadily reshaping listening behavior—especially among younger audiences—according to Ofcom’s latest report, “Media Use and Attitudes.”
The regulator found that 93% of U.K. adults consume audio content weekly, rising to 98% among those aged 16–34. RAJAR data shows that 87% of adults listen to live radio each week, averaging 20.5 hours per week.
Digital platforms continue to close the gap. Music streaming and podcasts now match live radio in popularity, with about 60% of adults using each regularly. Among individuals aged 15–34, 58% of weekly listening time is spent on digital formats—almost double the 30% average across all age groups.
Not so smart speakers
Smart speakers account for 18% of total radio listening, with live radio comprising 55% of audio consumption on these devices. However, around 60% of users report playback errors, highlighting ongoing limitations with voice recognition.
DAB+ remains the leading platform for live radio listening, responsible for 42% of listening hours, followed by analog (27%) and online (18%).
“BBC Sounds” is the most widely used broadcaster app, reaching 24% of U.K. adults weekly—up from 21% last year—with notable growth among listeners aged 16–24 and 45–54. Global and Bauer’s digital brands reach 14% and 7% of adults, respectively.
Ofcom’s findings suggest a hybrid future for audio, with traditional and on-demand platforms playing complementary roles across different generations.
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