RAJAR Q2 2026 figures showcase growth for KISS and its new Breakfast Show 

As radio reaches an all-time high audience, KISS is living its best life in 2026. Fresh from revealing its iconic new look, the station has seen game changing growth, up 32% year on year. And Tyler West and Chloe Burrows are giving main character energy at KISS Breakfast, with the show growing 40% year on year.

There’s more great news across the KISS Network, which is up to 3.7 million listeners (+3% YoY), with KISSTORY on top as the No.1 commercial digital station.

Bauer Media Audio UK continues to entertain and engage audiences across its portfolio. The Q2 2026 RAJAR results showcase growth, with 22.7 million listeners tuning in each week across its portfolio of owned and partner stations.*

This number is driven by brands, including Absolute Radio, Greatest Hits Radio and Magic Radio all posting growth this quarter, and all five of Bauer Media’s flagship Drivetime shows increasing their audience. Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio once again reigns as the nation’s most listened to commercial radio show.

These RAJAR results confirm radio goes from strength to strength, reaching 87% of the UK population as it grows to its biggest ever audience of 51.1 million weekly listeners (+2% YoY). Digital listening now accounts for 76% of all hours, with 30% taking place online via apps and smart speakers.

Our headlines this quarter are:

Commercial radio’s biggest portfolio, the Hits Radio Portfolio – made up of Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio – reaches 12.2 million listeners and 14.3 million when partner stations are included.

The Greatest Hits Radio Network grows its weekly audience this quarter to 6.9 million, with the network’s spin-off decades stations, 60s, 70s and 80s, reaching 1.4 million listeners between them.

The Hits Radio Network reaches 6.5 million listeners, with Hits Radio 90s and Hits Radio 00s continuing to build momentum, up 48% and 50% year on year respectively.

The Absolute Radio Network is up this quarter to 5.4 million listeners. Absolute 80s grows to 1.5 million listeners (+6% YoY) and Absolute Radio 00s is up 14% year on year to a new all-time high of 510,000.

The Magic Radio Network has a weekly audience of 3.3 million, with Magic Musicals (+8% YoY) and Magic Classical (+3% YoY) both growing this quarter.

The KISS Network now entertains 3.7 million listeners each week (+3% YoY). The main KISS station is up 32% year on year to 1.75 million listeners, continuing its momentum since its rebrand and relaunch earlier this year. KISSTORY reaches 2 million listeners (+3% YoY), while KISSTORY R&B is up 25% year on year to 681,000.

Planet Rock reaches 1.1 million listeners a week, while Kerrang! Radio reaches 615,000, up 17% year on year.

With Bauer Media reaching audiences in app, online and via smart speakers, the company is home to four of the top five digital commercial stations, including #1 KISSTORY and #2 Absolute Radio.

Simon Myciunka, Bauer Media’s President of Audio and CEO for Bauer Media Audio UK said, ” These figures prove the strength and breadth of our portfolio. Having invested in a bold new identity for KISS, it’s great to seecontinued momentum as audiences enjoy its refreshed line-up. The media market is more turbulent than ever, yet despite the carousel of new platforms, consumers consistently turn to audio. The nation doesn’t just trust radio, it has a deep connection to it, as demonstrated by radio’s biggest ever audience and our fantastic results.”

Gary Stein, Director of Audio at Bauer Media Audio UK, said, “It’s been a brilliant summer for KISS, and this result is a real reflection of the chemistry and energy Tyler and Chloe have brought to Breakfast. A 40% year-on-year rise shows just how strongly the show is connecting with younger audiences. Greatest Hits Radio has grown again too and, with Zoe Ball joining in September, we’re continuing to back talent audiences love. A huge thank you to everyone on air and behind the scenes who has made this quarter possible.”

– ENDS –

* Sources:
Bauer Media Audio UK figure includes partner stations – https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/advertise/partner-stations/

For more information, please contact:
Amelia Burgess – Head of Communications
E: amelia.burgess@bauermedia.co.uk   T: 07531 949693

Melanie Webb – Commercial Communications Manager
E: melanie.webb@bauermedia.co.uk   T: 07851 113879
About Bauer Media Group:
We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offer covers print and online publishing, audio broadcasting and entertainment, Out of Home advertising, and investments in other media related sectors. We are one of Europe’s largest Publishers, with almost 500 million copies sold each year. From women’s and celebrities’ magazines and TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of Europe’s most popular digital and print publishing brands. Our Audio business operates more than 150 radio and podcast brands, reaching over 61 million listeners every week. Bauer Media Outdoor is one of Europe’s leading Out of Home advertising businesses, with more than 100,000 advertising panels. Family-owned in the 5th generation, Bauer Media focuses on the long-term with a consumer first mindset. Our workforce of over 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people’s everyday lives. For more information go to www.bauermedia.com.