Hits Radio and Absolute Radio Networks enjoy record figures in latest RAJAR results

Commercial radio is attracting its biggest ever audiences, a record 40.5m weekly listeners (+3.2% YoY) according to the latest RAJAR results (Q2 2024). Game-changing commercial successes such as Greatest Hits Radio are driving wider radio listening, with the total radio market now reaching a record 50.8m listeners (+2.7% YOY).

Bauer Media Audio UK has achieved another record reach of more than 24m weekly listeners tuning into its portfolio of owned and partner stations each week (+5.4% YoY). This includes the Hits Radio Network – now celebrating a record 7m listeners, and the Absolute Radio Network which has a record 5.6m weekly listeners.

Standout performances this quarter, include:

The Hits Radio Network is celebrating its biggest ever audience of 7m weekly listeners (+7.8% YoY). The ambitious rebrand of stations across England and Wales has boosted Hits Radio to now reach 4.8m weekly listeners. LGBTQ+ station Hits Radio Pride records a fantastic 300k in its first book.

Greatest Hits Radio has added 1.7m listeners in the last year, with 7.5m weekly listeners (+30% YoY). Simon Mayo has the biggest commercial drivetime show, Ken Bruce now reaches a record 4m listeners and Rossie at Breakfast now reaches a record 3m listeners a week.

Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio combined (the Hits Radio Portfolio) now reach 13.2m listeners (+16.3% YoY) and 15.1m (+11.8% YoY) when partner stations are included.

The Absolute Radio Network secures its biggest ever audience of 5.6M listeners (+2.4% YoY), and with country music further crossing over into the mainstream this year, Absolute Radio Country has gained a nearly 30% increase in audience with 458k weekly listeners (+27.9% YoY).

The Magic Radio Network has 4.2m listeners (+8.1% YoY), with a record number of listeners to Magic Soul which now has over 600k weekly listeners (+33.1% YoY).

The KISS Network reaches 4m listeners a week, and KISSTORY is the No.1 digital commercial station with 2.4m listeners.

Over a third of Bauer’s listening is now via connected devices including smart speakers, web and app, with a further 50% of listening on DAB. Bauer is also home to three of the top five digital commercial stations, #1 KISSTORY, #2 Absolute Radio, and #5 Absolute 80s.

Simon Myciunka, CEO for Bauer Media Audio UK said, ‘The reach, resilience and reinvention of commercial radio has led to another set of record-breaking RAJAR figures. At Bauer Media Audio UK, our continued growth is down to delivering brands that resonate with our audiences and advertisers. It’s our team’s commitment to excellence, coupled with smart distribution and investment that drives our success and sets the stage for an even brighter future.’

Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK said, ‘What another stunning set of results for Bauer Media Audio UK. In a quarter where we rebranded 16 stations across England and Wales to Hits Radio, I’m delighted this has resulted in a record reach for Hits Radio and the wider network. It’s also great to see Absolute Radio Network hit new highs, and Ken Bruce continue to grow audience, with Greatest Hits Radio extending its position as the UK’s most listened to commercial station. A huge well done to our brilliant teams up and down the country.’

– ENDS –

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.