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UK Radio Soars: Digital Listening and Smart Speakers Lead the Way in Q4 2023

The RAJAR Q4 2023 data reveal exciting trends in the UK radio landscape, underscoring the nation’s enduring love for radio while highlighting the shift toward digital platforms and smart speaker usage. Here’s a breakdown of the latest insights and what they mean for radio listeners and broadcasters.

All Radio Listening: Reaching 88% of the UK’s Population

Radio continues to be a staple for British audiences, with 49.5 million adults tuning in weekly—that’s a whopping 88% of the UK adult population! This high reach showcases radio’s resilience in a world where entertainment options are increasingly fragmented. For Q4 2023 alone, UK audiences clocked in over 1.013 billion hours of weekly radio listening.

Average Hours Per Listener: 20.5 Hours of Weekly Radio Time

On average, each listener tunes in for 20.5 hours every week. This shows that, beyond the sheer reach, radio commands substantial engagement, as listeners tune in regularly and stay connected for extended periods. The commitment to radio is robust, even as digital alternatives proliferate.

The Rise of Digital Platforms: 76% of Listeners Go Digital

Digital radio has now become mainstream, with 76% of adults aged 15 and above choosing to listen via digital platforms such as DAB, online apps, or smart speakers. Digital platforms are transforming how people access radio, making it easier to tune in on the go, at home, or at work.

Platform Share of All Radio Listening: Digital on the Rise

With 72% of total listening hours now happening on digital platforms, radio is firmly in the digital age. Here’s a breakdown of the listening share across platforms:

  • DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting): 43%
  • Online (Websites and Apps): 11%
  • Smart Speakers: 15%
  • DTV (Digital TV): 4%
  • AM/FM: Holds a 28% share

As digital options continue to grow, AM/FM’s share is gradually declining, though it still remains a significant component of the radio experience.

Monthly Usage Trends: Streaming, Podcasts, and Catch-Up Are Gaining Ground

Monthly data shows a strong digital trend among UK listeners:

  • 31% of adults aged 15+ listen to live radio through a smartphone or tablet each month.
  • 27% tune into podcasts, reflecting the format’s continued rise in popularity.
  • 13% use catch-up radio or “listen again” functions, showing how on-demand content is changing listening habits.

These statistics highlight a growing desire for flexibility, as listeners increasingly opt for content they can control, pause, or replay.

Digital Listening Hours: A Weekly Breakdown

Digital listening hours total an impressive 729 million each week. Here’s where people are tuning in digitally:

  • DAB: 433 million hours (59% of digital listening hours)
  • DTV: 37 million hours (5%)
  • Websites/Apps: 110 million hours (15%)
  • Smart Speakers: 149 million hours (20%)

Smart speakers, in particular, are becoming a key driver in digital radio consumption, with 20% of digital listening hours attributed to these devices.

Smart Speaker Usage: A Vital Player in Radio’s Future

Smart speakers are playing an increasingly important role in the way people consume radio. A notable 63% of smart speaker owners use their devices to listen to the radio, with 33% tuning in daily. These speakers are creating a seamless, hands-free experience, making radio more accessible in the home and allowing listeners to effortlessly switch between stations, genres, and even podcasts.

Listening by Location: Where Britons Tune In

Radio isn’t just confined to the living room. Here’s where people are listening:

  • At Home: 58% of listening occurs here, as radio remains a background staple for many households.
  • Car/Van/Lorry: 19% of listening happens on the move, showing radio’s importance as a companion on the road.
  • Work/Elsewhere: 14% of listening is at workplaces or other locations, underscoring radio’s versatility and reach.

The Future of Radio: Strong Digital Growth with Traditional Roots

The latest RAJAR findings indicate a bright future for radio, marked by impressive digital growth. The continued adoption of digital platforms, smart speakers, and on-demand options like podcasts and catch-up services highlight how radio is evolving to meet the changing needs of UK listeners. Traditional AM/FM still plays a role, but digital channels are clearly taking the lead.

With 88% of the population tuning in weekly, radio remains one of the most influential media platforms in the UK. As digital transformation continues, broadcasters have more ways than ever to engage audiences, wherever and however they choose to listen.

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