The latest RAJAR figures have been released, and here’s what you need to know:
talkSPORT has recorded its highest-ever reach, attracting more than 3.9 million weekly listeners in Q1. Its sister station, talkSPORT2, which broadcasts live domestic and international sports commentary, has seen a remarkable 25% growth, now reaching approximately 676,000 listeners per week.
Heart is officially the UK’s biggest radio brand, overtaking BBC Radio 2. Heart now boasts over 13.4 million weekly listeners compared to Radio 2’s 13.1 million. Listening hours for Heart are up 3% from Q4 2024, now totalling 84 million hours weekly, with each listener tuning in for an average of 6.3 hours.
Digital audio continues its upward trajectory. In Q1 2025, online radio listening hit a record 28.5% of all listening. Smart speaker usage is also on the rise, with a 21.4% share, up from 20.7% in Q1 2024.
Niche, digital-only stations such as Heart Musicals, Heart 90s, Boom Radio and Radio X Chilled are all seeing audience growth. The data clearly shows that stations with distinct identities and curated formats are resonating with listeners.
Radio and digital audio remain essential channels for reaching broad audiences, especially as commercial radio continues to grow in popularity. It’s an effective channel for amplifying media campaigns and should be a consideration if you’re looking to reach your target audience.
The rise in both smart speaker usage and online streaming means listeners are more accessible than ever. You can reach them at home, in the car or on the go, so by integrating radio and digital audio into your media mix, you can boost a company’s brand awareness, enhance message frequency and deliver cost-effective reach. All of these combine to make for a powerful tool when building connections and driving results in today’s media landscape.
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Source: RAJAR Q1 2025, Radio Experts
