Rajar has released the United Kingdom’s radio audience figures for the third quarter of 2022. They show that over that period, 49.7 million adults or 89% of the adult (15+) U.K. population tuned in to their selected radio stations each week for an average of 20.6 hours.
This is a slight bump up compared to the second quarter and closer to the first quarter.
In terms of how those listeners consume live radio, digital dominates. Only 34% of weekly listening hours are via FM and AM. The balance — 66% — is digital, broken down accordingly: 39% DAB, online 24% and the rest digital TV. Of online listening, more than half — 57% — is via smart speakers, and the balance is via a website and mobile apps.
Compared to the first and second quarters, smart speaker listening is growing.
Given the traditional focus on drive-time radio, it’s interesting that the bulk of radio listening — 63% — is at home; 23% is while travelling in a vehicle, and 14% is while at work or another destination.
Another point to note: This measurement period covers a particularly tumultuous one for the U.K. — the death of Queen Elizabeth II and Boris Johnson’s departure as Prime Minister — and yet most news and talk stations saw a drop in listeners.