Bauer Media Audio UK has delivered a mixed set of results in the latest RAJAR figures for Q2 2025, with standout digital growth in some key brands offset by notable audience declines in others – particularly across its major regional networks.
The radio group, which this year marks its 150th anniversary, remains the UK’s biggest commercial audio company by reach and continues to lead in connected listening, with a third of all its listening now happening via apps, online, or smart speakers.
“In the month that we launched our digital audio advertising platform, audioXi, here in the UK, it’s exciting to see Bauer Media Audio UK leading the way in connected listening,” said Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK. “As our audio brands continue to entertain millions of listeners every week, our commitment to excellence and innovation remains as strong as ever in our 150th year.”
Among Bauer’s biggest wins this quarter was Absolute Radio, which has become the UK’s most listened-to digital-only commercial station with a weekly reach of 2.2 million. The wider Absolute Radio Network posted a reach of 5.5 million, with standout performances from spin-offs like Absolute Radio Country (690,000 weekly listeners, up 50.7% year-on-year) and Absolute Radio 00s (449,000, up 26.6%).
Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “As the UK is enjoying a summer of live music, it’s great to see Absolute Radio at the centre of the Britpop Summer and taking the crown as the UK’s biggest commercial digital station for the first time ever. With strong growth as well for Planet Rock, Kerrang! and Absolute Radio Country, it’s proof in the power of radio and its ability to be there 24/7 for fans, super serving our listening communities with their unique output.”
However, the quarter was more challenging for some of Bauer’s other networks. Greatest Hits Radio remains the UK’s most listened-to commercial station in terms of hours, and its breakfast show with Rossie now reaches 3.2 million listeners weekly — but overall weekly reach fell from 7.1 million to 6.6 million, with 35 of its regional stations losing audience. Only 19 GHR regions recorded growth, while two remained static.
The picture was also mixed for Hits Radio, Bauer’s national brand based in Manchester and built from legacy stations such as Key 103, Hallam FM and Rock FM. The Hits Radio network dropped from 4.68 million listeners to 4.36 million in Q2. Twenty-eight of its regions reported audience losses, including stations previously broadcasting under heritage names like Viking, Metro, and City. That said, ten stations — including some former TFM, Signal and Pulse frequencies — saw audience gains.
Despite the challenges, Bauer’s broader portfolio continues to perform strongly in digital. The company now claims three of the UK’s top five digital commercial stations, including Absolute Radio (#1), KISSTORY (#2) and Absolute 80s (#4). Its new digital audio advertising platform, audioXi, is being positioned as a key part of its strategy for growth, helping advertisers reach audiences across its publishing and radio ecosystem.
Planet Rock and KISS Xtra also posted quarterly growth, with Planet Rock reaching 1.1 million (up 8% quarter-on-quarter), and KISS Xtra growing by 14.8% to 240,000.
