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A Record for Radio Listening: Over 50 Million People Tune in each Week RAJAR Q2 2024

RAJAR Q2 2024: Radio Listening Trends and Highlights


Today, RAJAR released the latest figures for the second quarter of 2024, revealing that 51 million adults tuned in to their selected radio stations each week.


Visual breakdown of RAJAR Q2 2024 top lines
Visual breakdown of RAJAR Q2 2024 top lines


Key Figures

  • 88% of the population* tune in to radio every week.

  • On average, a listener tunes into 20.6 hours of live radio per week.


Year-on-Year Comparison

The year-on-year figures show a positive trend for both BBC and commercial radio stations:

  • BBC Listening: Up by 1.1%, holding a 42.6% share.

  • Commercial Radio Listening: Up by 3.2%, commanding a 55% share.


Quarterly Highlights

BBC Radio

  • BBC Radio 1: Up by 11.1% adding almost a million listeners

  • BBC Local Radio increases weekly reach and hours with Radio London up 32%

  • BBC 5 Live Sports: Up by 9.8%.

  • BBC 5 Live Extra: Up by 14.8%.

  • BBC Asian Network: The biggest increase at 18.8%.

  • BBC Radio 4: Down by 2.5%.

Commercial Radio

  • Greatest Hits Radio: Dropped by 2%.

  • Heart: Increased by 3%, with Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden the biggest breakfast show in the UK with a whopping 12.8 million weekly listeners.

  • Capital Network: Saw a 9% rise.

  • Absolute Radio:

  • Absolute Country: Up by 16.8%.

  • Absolute Radio 60s: Up by 23.6%.


Chart showing RAJAR Q2 2024 Digital listening figures and break down

Digital Radio Listening

Digital platforms continue to gain traction among UK listeners:

  • 45 million adults aged 15+ are tuning in to radio via digitally enabled platforms (DAB, DTV, Website/App, or Smart Speaker) each week.

  • 77% of the population tune in to digital radio every week.

  • 74% of weekly listening hours are consumed digitally, with 28% listened to online.


Listening Locations

In an average week, the location of listening in terms of weekly reach percentage is as follows:

  • In Home: 61%.

  • In Vehicle (Car/Van/Lorry): 60%.

  • Work/Elsewhere: 19%.

In terms of share percentage:

  • In Home: 61%.

  • In Vehicle: 26%.

  • Work/Elsewhere: 13%.

RAJAR Q2 2024 Smart Speaker Listening figures

Additional Listening Trends

  • Podcasts: 34% of adults listen to podcasts at least once a month.

  • Smartphone Listening: 29% listen via smartphone.

  • Catch-Up: 15% listen via catch-up at least once a month.

These figures from RAJAR Q2 2024 highlight the enduring popularity of radio in the UK and the growing importance of digital platforms in reaching a diverse and engaged audience. The increase in digital listening and the robust performance of both BBC and commercial radio stations underscore the dynamic nature of the radio industry.


Stay tuned to The Relations Group for more insights and updates on radio listening trends and other media-related news. If you would like to find out how you can include broadcast PR into your strategy, getting onto the airwaves and using those interviews on your socials for an interactive multiplatform campaign book a call today.



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