The latest RAJAR results for Q1 2024 reveal a new era for UK radio, as digital listening officially surpasses traditional analogue platforms. Major radio groups—Global, Bauer, News UK, and Nation—are celebrating their highest-ever listening figures, reflecting radio’s enduring popularity and the power of digital platforms to engage listeners in new ways.

Record-Breaking Reach: 49.9 Million UK Adults Tuning In

More people are tuning into radio in the UK than ever before, with a record-breaking 49.9 million weekly listeners. This incredible reach represents 88.6% of the UK adult population, breaking the previous high of 49.7 million set in Q1 2022. Radio’s popularity has never been stronger, with the combined audience across all stations hitting unprecedented levels.

Commercial Radio’s Historic High: 39.7 Million Listeners

Commercial radio has hit a new milestone, attracting its largest-ever audience with 39.7 million listeners each week. This surge marks an increase from its previous record of 39.3 million in Q3 2023. What’s more, commercial radio’s share of listening has risen year-on-year, now commanding 54.2% of the market, while the BBC’s share has declined slightly to 43.4%. It’s a clear indication that commercial stations are winning listeners with diverse content and innovative digital strategies.

Digital Revolution: Online Listening Takes the Lead Over FM/AM

For the first time in radio history, online listening has overtaken traditional FM and AM, with 27.8% of all radio listening happening online. Analogue listening, meanwhile, has dropped to 27%, underscoring the shift as more listeners embrace digital platforms for their audio fix.

Smart Speakers on the Rise: The New Powerhouse for Commercial Radio

Smart speakers are reshaping the radio landscape, now accounting for 16.6% of total listening across all radio—a significant 19% increase from last year. For commercial radio alone, smart speaker listening is even more pronounced at 20.7%, surpassing analogue listening, which sits at 19.3%. As households adopt smart speakers in greater numbers, this trend is expected to accelerate, placing voice-activated devices at the heart of the radio experience.

Weekly Reach vs. Listening Hours: What Matters for Commercial Radio?

While weekly reach (the number of listeners each week) is impressive, listening hours are the real goldmine for commercial radio. The length of time people spend tuned in directly influences advertising revenue, making sustained engagement critical for advertisers and stations alike.