Bauer is also marking record reach, with 21.6m weekly listeners, led by the growth of its Hits Radio Brand Network.
The group continues to lead the way in terms of digital listening, with more than three quarters of its audience using a digital device, ahead of the industry average of 74% (41m adults).
The Hits Radio Brand Network (Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio Networks) grew its reach to 10.1m – a 20.2% year on year increase.
The Greatest Hits Radio Network, which has added another BBC Radio figure to its line-up, with Ken Bruce joining Simon Mayo at the station later in the year, has seen audience figures grow to 4.4m.
Its Absolute Radio Network has a 5.2m reach, with the Magic Radio Network rising to 3.8m and KISS Network at 4.2m.
“This RAJAR offers further proof that this is an ambitious new era for commercial radio,” said outgoing Group Managing Director, Bauer Media Audio UK, Dee Ford CBE,
“Bauer Media Audio’s record success is built on the unique spirit of radio –creative content, amazing talent and authentic connection with audiences – supercharged by digital innovation. We are perfectly placed for a hugely exciting future.”
News Broadcasting (previously Wireless) is the other major UK radio group, with 6m tuning into its talkSPORT, Virgin Radio and Times radio brands.
The talkSPORT network reached 3.15m listeners – up 9.9% quarter-on-quarter, listening for 19m hours – up 3.1% quarter-on-quarter.
“News Broadcasting is driving growth across its portfolio and continues to reap the benefits of its digitally-focused approach,” said News UK EVP, President of Broadcasting, Scott Taunton.
“talkSPORT saw reach up 9.9% quarter-on-quarter in what was a vintage period for the network, including the Autumn Nations Rugby and 330 hours of live coverage from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Back in the domestic season, talkSPORT remains committed to delivering the very best build up, commentary and post-match analysis from our award-winning line up of pundits and presenters.”
talkSPORT covered every game from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including 330 hours of radio coverage live on location from Doha. Its new Premier League rights package saw an additional Monday GameNight fixture in its schedule.
BBC
During a period dominated by news and sport, MediaCity’s Radio 5 Live increased its audience to 5.57m.
Salford-bound BBC Radio 3 had 1.87m, with BBC Radio 6 Music achieving 2.5m.
The combined listening audience for BBC Local Radio was 7.78m.
The BBC focused this morning on its on-demand listening via BBC Sounds, which achieved a record 417m live and on demand plays for podcasts and music mixes. 193m of these were on-demand.
Its Newscast, and the Football titles, including Football Daily and Match of the Day: Top 10 were the most popular – especially for younger audiences.
“Both our live and on-demand listening grew during this period dominated by a fast-paced news agenda, as people came to us for our trusted, high-quality coverage and in-depth analysis, and Radio 5 Live boosted its audiences with its world class sports coverage,” explained Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer.
“More and more people are also discovering great audio from the BBC on Sounds, wherever and whenever they want to, and we’ve seen record plays of our on-demand content. Newscast has truly secured its position as an essential daily listen as listeners come to us for high quality news and insightful analysis. People have also enjoyed content that matches their interests and entertains them, from our football titles to lifestyle shows and Radio 1’s Murder Mystery, and the brilliant storytelling in our investigative podcasts and interviews.”
