The latest RAJAR figures show over two million listeners are ‘rolling with it’ as the nation celebrates a Britpop Summer with Absolute Radio. Embracing the Oasis fever that has swept the country, the station has been the place to go for all the latest news, highlights and tour coverage.

Other highlights for Bauer Media Audio UK this quarter include record results for Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Radio 00s with Greatest Hits Radio remaining the country’s most listened to commercial radio station. And, as Bauer Media Group marks its 150th year, we continue to lead the way in smart speaker and digital listening, all of which now sees Bauer stations reaching an impressive 23m weekly listeners *.

Headlines this quarter are:

Absolute Radio celebrates reaching 2.2m listeners with an increase of 10.1% (QoQ) and has become the UK’s #1 digital commercial station. The Absolute Radio Network has a reach of 5.5M listeners, with Absolute Radio Country achieving a record 690k weekly listeners (+50.7% YoY) and record reach also for Absolute Radio 00s with 449,000 listeners (+26.6% YoY)

Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio combined (the Hits Radio Portfolio) now reach 12.9m listeners and 14.9m when partner stations are included, with the Hits Radio Network securing an audience of 6.9m and the national Hits Radio station now reaching 4.4m.

Greatest Hits Radio remains the most listened to commercial station in the country **, with the total network reaching 7.3m listeners. And at Breakfast, Rossie now wakes up 3.2m listeners each week and has the UK’s most listened to commercial Breakfast show, ** whilst Ken Bruce still has the most listened to commercial radio show**.

There has also been a strong start for Greatest Hits Radio’s new decades stations with GHR 70s and GHR 80s attracting 333,000 and 495,000 listeners respectively.

The Magic Radio Network welcomes an audience of 3.6m, with 2.3million for the main station and Mellow Magic reaches 470k listeners, an increase of 6.1% YoY.

The KISS Network has 3.6m listeners with KISS Xtra continuing to grow and now reaching 240,000 listeners (+14.8% QoQ)

Planet Rock now reaches 1.1million – up 8.0% QoQ and with a reach of 526k this quarter Kerrang now has its biggest audience since 2018

Connected listening continues to grow, with constant innovation meaning ever more choice for audiences across more diverse platforms. Just this month Bauer Media Audio UK launched audioXi, the new way to buy digital audio.  audioXi  brings together diverse, premium data from across Bauer’s eclectic mix of audio and publishing brands, helping our commercial partners target and connect with listeners in a more effective way and allowing our audiences to enjoy more relevant content.

With Bauer reaching audiences in app, online and via smart speakers the company is home to three of the top five digital commercial stations with #1 Absolute Radio, #2 KISSTORY and #4 Absolute 80s.

Simon Myciunka, CEO for Bauer Media Audio UK said, “In the month that we launched our digital audio advertising platform, audioXi, here in the UK, it’s exciting to see Bauer Media Audio UK leading the way in connected listening. A third of our listening is now online, in app or via smart speakers. As our audio brands continue to entertain millions of listeners every week, our commitment to excellence and innovation remains as strong as ever in our 150th year.”

Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK said, “As the UK is enjoying a summer of live music, it’s great to see Absolute Radio at the centre of the Britpop Summer and taking the crown as the UK’s biggest commercial digital station for the first time ever. With strong growth as well for Planet Rock, Kerrang! and Absolute Radio Country it’s proof in the power of radio and its ability to be there 24/7 for fans, super serving our listening communities with their unique output.”

– ENDS –
* Including partner stations
** According to listening hours
For more information, please contact:
Beth McDonald  – Senior Communications Manager, Bauer Media Audio UK
E: beth.mcdonald@bauermedia.co.uk   T: 07513 823447

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.