Bauer Media Audio UK is celebrating an impressive reach of 23.4m weekly listeners (+0.7% YoY) in the latest RAJAR results. These Q4 2024 figures reinforce Bauer’s position as a leader in the industry, contributing significantly to the overall commercial radio reach of 40m people.

Standout performances this quarter, include:

• Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio combined (the Hits Radio Portfolio) now reach a record 13.3m listeners (+10.6% YoY) and 15.4m (+9.3% YoY) when partner stations are included.
• The Hits Radio Network secures an audience of 7.2m (+13.2% YoY), with the national Hits Radio station now reaching 4.7m (+228% YoY).
• Greatest Hits Radio remains the most listened to commercial station in the country and has 7.4m listeners (+9.1% YoY)*. Ken Bruce is the most listened to commercial radio show and has 4m listeners, and Kate Thornton is the most listened to solo female presenter anywhere on commercial radio in the UK. Simon Mayo continues to host the no.1 commercial drive time show (2.8m) and Rossie at Breakfast reaches over 3m listeners for the first time. Greatest Hits Radio 60s also debuts with a strong 386k audience.
• The Absolute Radio Network celebrates a reach of 5.6M listeners (+6.1% YoY), with Absolute Radio Country achieving a record 610k weekly listeners (+49.9% YoY) and Absolute Radio 90s reaches a new high of 1m (+8.6% YoY). The Dave Berry Breakfast Show reaches a record audience of 2.4m (+5.3% YoY) and the Hometime Show with Bush & Richie has a record 2.2m listeners (+6.9% YoY).
• The Magic Radio Network reaches an audience of 3.5m, ahead of a new talent line-up including Gok Wan, Gaby Roslin, Nicki Chapman and Mel Giedroyc. Magic at the Musicals continues to grow, reaching a new high of 298k listeners.
• The KISS Network has 3.8m listeners and KISSTORY remains the no.1 digital only commercial station. New station KISSTORY R&B sees impressive results, debuting with 530k listeners.

A third of Bauer’s listening is via connected devices including smart speakers, web and app, with a further 54% of listening on DAB. Bauer is also home to three of the top five digital commercial stations: #1 KISSTORY, #2 Absolute Radio, and #4 Absolute 80s.

Simon Myciunka, CEO for Bauer Media Audio UK said, “These results demonstrate the strength of our brands, the hard work of our teams and the connection we have with audiences across the UK. The continued growth of our networks, including Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio shows that our content resonates with listeners. We remain laser focused on evolving our offer and providing high-quality audio experiences for both our audiences and commercial partners.”

Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK said, “These results once again highlight the powerful connection our audiences share with the authentic talent at the core of Bauer brands. We’re thrilled to build on this success and look forward to an exciting year ahead as we welcome Gok Wan, Gaby Roslin, Mel Giedroyc, and Nicki Chapman to Magic Radio. My thanks go to all our on-air talent who continue to engage and entertain millions across the nation every single day.”

– ENDS –

*According to listening hours

For more information, please contact:  

Amelia O’Shea – Head of Communications, Bauer Media Audio UK
E: amelia.oshea@bauermedia.co.uk T: 07531 949693

Odelia Yu – Commercial Communications Manager
E: odelia.yu@bauermedia.co.uk T: 07718 124791

About Bauer Media UK: 
Bauer Media UK reaches over 27 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.

About Bauer Media Group :
We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offering extends from print and online publishing to audio broadcasting and entertainment, alongside investments in other media related sectors. With more than 500 million copies sold each year, we are one of Europe’s largest Publishers. From women’s and celebrities’ magazines to TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of the most popular publishing brands in Germany, UK, Poland and France – both digital and print. But not only that. Reaching over 61 million listeners weekly, we operate over 150 radio and podcast brands in nine countries, spanning the UK, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Portugal. Family-owned in the 5th generation, Bauer Media focuses on the long-term, with a consumer-first mindset that guides us across our diverse portfolio. Our workforce of 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people’s everyday lives.