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Radio has once again demonstrated its ongoing strength and popularity amongst UK audiences, after the latest RAJAR results reveal that 49m people across the country listen to radio each week. Bauer Media Audio UK secures an impressive 21m reach, while its biggest network the Hits Radio Brand goes from strength to strength as it grows audiences. 

The Q2 2022 results display another market-leading digital performance for Bauer this quarter, with a digital listening profile of 75%, ahead of an industry average of 68%. Bauer is home to 3 of the top 5 digital only commercial radio stations: KISSTORY, Absolute 80s and Planet Rock. 

Standout performances this quarter, include: 

  • The Hits Radio Brand grows to 9.5m reach (+ 2.8% QoQ). When partner stations are included, it is the UK's biggest commercial network, with record reach of 11.5m (+3.7% QoQ)* 
  • Within this the Hits Radio Network grew total audiences to 6.3m (+7.8% QoQ), while Greatest Hits Radio has 4m listeners. Hits Radio, the ARIA award-winning Station of the Year increased reach by 7% to 1.3m. 
  • The Absolute Radio Network delivers a 5.1m reach, and its ARIA award-winning Dave Berry Breakfast Show grows reach to 2.2m (+1.4% QoQ) 
  • The KISS Network posts 4.1m reach, including No.1 commercial digital only station, KISSTORY and main station KISS grows 9.3% to 2.5m 
  • The Magic Radio Network has 3.9m reach, with Mellow Magic growing 13.5% QoQ and Magic Soul posts a record reach as it increases audiences by 24.3% QoQ 

Dee Ford CBE, Group Managing Director, Bauer Media Audio UK said, "There has never been a more exciting time to be in radio.  Our strategy has been to actively encourage digital listening by delivering content across channels that our listeners can access however they want. The growth in listening via smart speakers and smart phones means we can offer more creative content to delight our listeners and more innovative solutions for our commercial partners." 

Ben Cooper, Chief Content and Music Officer, Bauer Media Audio UK said, "The good times continue to sound like this with today's great story of an all-time record high for the Hits Radio Brand, with more listeners than ever before tuning in.  Congratulations also go to the award-winning Dave Berry Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio and Jordon & Perri on KISS Breakfast who both enjoy success with new audiences."

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

I Want to Thank God: Music Award Shows

Music business executive and diversity advocate Andy Edwards highlights some interesting nuances about the intersection of race and religion in attitudes to faith amongst the music industry workforce. This op ed is the personal view of the author.   I have been...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Record Store Day Black Friday: Exclusive releases announced

   Record Store Day Black Friday returns with exclusive releases from Sam Fender & Olivia Dean, Fred again, Billie Eilish, Post Malone and many more Record Store Day UK introduces official new partner of 2025/26: Lägom Studio This year, Record Store Day’s sister...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

The Adriatic Sound Festival taps Ticketmaster as the primary ticketing partner

The Adriatic Sound Festival, Europe’s newest electronic music festival in Fano, Italy, has announced a ticketing deal with Ticketmaster, which will serve as the primary ticketing platform for the 2026 edition of the festival. The Adriatic Sound Festival will take...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Wise Music Group signs Gabriel Prokofiev to Chester Music

Chester Music, part of Wise Music Group, has signed an exclusive publishing deal with the British composer and producer, Gabriel Prokofiev. Over the last decade Gabriel has become a significant voice in the contemporary classical music, combining a wide breadth...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Tessy Schulz announced as new Chair of the European Music Managers Alliance

The European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) has announced that highly respected German manager Tessy Schulz will serve as the organisation’s new Chair.   An experienced executive with over 20 years in the music business, including more than a decade  with Sony Music...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Independent music community publishes “100 Voices” on why Universal Music Group’s acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings should be blocked

  More than 100 business leaders and artist groups from across the independent music community have made fresh appeals to the European Commission on why the deal should be blocked Representatives from 20 countries, business leaders and artist groups have shared personal...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Abbey Road announces the winners of the Music Photography Awards 2025

Abbey Road has announced the winners of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 during a thrilling and celebratory evening held across the iconic Studios One and Two. Hosted by the returning Lauren Laverne, the night revealed the winners and...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

21 live music agencies to attend AIF, AIP and MVT Grassroots Networking Day

Creative Wales and City Of Belfast join Arts Council England backing. A total of 21 live music agencies will be present at the recently announced Grassroots Networking Day, alongside members the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the Association of Independent Promoters...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

The UK's Official biggest songs and albums on vinyl of 2025 so far revealed 

  Sam Fender scoops the biggest vinyl album of 2025 so far as four British acts make the Top 10      Oasis secure best-selling vinyl single of the year so far with Whatever anniversary reissue  As Chappell Roan lands highest new entry in the Top...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy celebrates eight recipients at inaugural honours

RAYE, KAE TEMPEST, SIR RICHARD BRANSON, JON PLATT, KANYA KING CBE, SIR CHRIS BRYANT MP, CATHERINE MANNERS AND JOHN SWEENEY (1959-2025) ARE HONOURED THE HONOURS RECOGNISE ADVOCATES AND INNOVATORS WHO CHAMPION SONGWRITERS AND COMPOSERS AND SHAPE A FAIRER MUSIC INDUSTRYThe Ivors...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

Mascot Records Celebrates 35 Years with a Bold New Era

 Watch the trailer HERE Listen to the Mascot Records Compilation HERE Check out our brand-new website HERE Mascot Records marks its 35th anniversary in 2025 with a dynamic rebrand and fresh visual identity, reflecting a future-focused A&R strategy that's redefining rock and metal for a new...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

Hail to the city of Oxford as National Album Day research names Radiohead’s birthplace the UK’s top location per capita for launching rock artists

Manchester is runner-up thanks to Oasis, The Smiths and Stone Roses – ahead of Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow.  Greater London is the UK’s biggest rock region overall.                           New research for...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

The annual BPI Classical Committee/PPL charity quiz returns

Now into its 11th year, to be held on 13th November 2025 in King’s Cross   The annual BPI Classical Committee/PPL Charity Quiz is back next month for its 11th edition on13th November 2025.  Mark Wilkinson will again expertly compère this popular industry gathering, which this year will be hosted...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

The BRIT Awards with Mastercard launches Season 4 of acclaimed podcast series

The Red Carpet Treatment - On The Road Presented by MastercardHosted by Luke Hamnett   Sam Ryder kicks off fourth series - episode 1 available to watch in full on @BRITs YouTube or on @BRITs social channels    The BRIT Awards with Mastercard today announces...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

BPI leaders call on UK Government to protect IP and support music industry ecosystem at Labour Party Conference

  BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE calls on UK Government to support music businesses in pursuit of creative industries growth, while BPI Chief Strategy Officer Sophie Jones highlights importance of IP to UK’s world-leading creativity Political names including Lisa Nandy, Bridget...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

2025 Mercury Prize 'Albums Of The Year' performances announced for awards show

THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER AT NEWCASTLE'S UTILITA ARENA LAST REMAINING TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE   2024 MERCURY PRIZE WINNER ENGLISH TEACHER'S LILY FONTAINE CONFIRMED FOR MERCURY FRINGE PANEL The 2025 Mercury Prize has today announced the artists who will perform at this year's Awards Show. Those...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Songtrust Introduces 'Songtrust Amplified' - A New Rewards Program Designed to Elevate and Empower Songwriters

Songtrust, a Downtown company and global music publishing administration service, announces the launch of Songtrust Amplified, a new rewards program designed to elevate career opportunities for music creators at every stage of their journey. Available to all active clients, Songtrust Amplified...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Merlin and Spotify Extend Multi-Year Global Licensing Partnership

Spotify and Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independents, today announced the renewal of their global, multi-year licensing partnership. This agreement reinforces the vital role of independent music on Spotify and provides Merlin members continued access...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Southbank Centre and TikTok launch 'Crescendo': a new accelerator programme to discover the next generation of classical music talent

  Violinist and TikTok star Esther Abrami joins judging panel to select 10 standout UK based creators for the Crescendo cohort    The Southbank Centre (@southbank.centre) and TikTok have today announced the launch of Crescendo, a pioneering new accelerator programme aimed at spotlighting emerging classical music content creators in the UK, bringing...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Concord Music Publishing ANZ signs The Belair Lip Bombs

  Concord Music Publishing ANZ is thrilled to announce the signing of acclaimed Australian indie-rock band The Belair Lip Bombs to a global publishing agreement.  The announcement comes as the band prepare to release their highly anticipated sophomore album Again, out 31 October via Third Man...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Norman Cook’s first book It Ain't Over... 'Til The Fatboy Sings to be released on 16 October

LAUNCH EVENT TAKES PLACE AT THEATRE ROYAL IN BRIGHTON ON 14TH OCTOBERTICKETS HERE BRITISH ARTIST MARK VESSEY IMMORTALISES FATBOY SLIM’S ICONIC RECORD BOX IN NEW PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLABORATIONVIEW HERE   Legendary DJ and producer Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, announces his debut book, It Ain’t Over......more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

BBC Pop Music Television to explore David Bowie’s Berlin years as never before with Bowie in Berlin

  BBC Two and BBC iPlayer will celebrate David Bowie in autumn 2026 with Bowie in Berlin (w/t, 1 x 90”), a documentary marking the 50th anniversary of Bowie’s arrival in the German capital. A Mindhouse / Blackstar Films co-production, with Executive Producers Louis Theroux...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Youth Music begins search for next CEO as Matt Griffiths announces departure

Youth Music today announces that it is seeking its next CEO, following Matt Griffiths’ decision to step down after 13 outstanding years at the helm.  Since joining in 2012, Matt has redefined Youth Music’s mission to break down barriers to music-making for young...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Nordoff and Robbins appoints three new Trustees to Board

  Selina Emeny (Live Nation Entertainment), Kate Reilly (PPL) and Giles Wilmore (Manchester Camerata) all join Board of Trustees New strategy aims to establish music therapy as a recognised, integrated and accessible form of health care Suzie Power and Prof Norma Daykin appointed...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Bridging the Gap: New Report Exposes Systemic Exclusion of South-East European Artists from the EU Music Ecosystem

Geographical Underrepresentation and Diversity within the EU Music Ecosystem by SoAlive Music Conference/Flat Line Collective. Download the full report - https://musicequality.org/    A new report by Bulgaria’s SoAlive Music Conference and Flat Line Collective, the record label by artist Ruth Koleva, sheds light...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Stradebase: British fintech-meets-music company launches new fan-first royalty trading platform

Stradebase: British fintech-meets-music company launches new fan-first royalty trading platform allowing superfans to invest directly into their favourite artists. Skepta & JME first to join the platform where music fans become business partners Multimillion streaming music creators Skepta and JME champion Stradebase...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

UK Music Video Awards 2025 nominations announced

AWARDS CEREMONY: OCTOBER 30TH    FKA TWIGS MOST NOMINATED ARTIST AT THIS YEAR’S UKMVAS, ALONGSIDE MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS FOR A$AP ROCKY, DOECHII, LITTLE SIMZ, SABRINA CARPENTER AND WOLF ALICE   FKA twigs heads the list of multi-nominated artists for this year’s UK Music Video Awards,...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

UK Music Labour Conference Panel - Industry leaders outline challenges to Creative Industries Minister

Industry leaders seized the chance to outline some of the challenges facing the music industry to Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray at UK Music’s packed Labour conference panel.    Chaired by UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl and titled Push The Button: Why...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Vocana Teams Up with MassiveMusic to Build a Better Service for Indie Music

Indie-friendly payouts combined with world-class tech to create a true home for the beating heart of the music business, independent and emerging artists. Vocana has joined forces with MassiveMusic (formerly 7digital, part of the Songtradr brand portfolio) to build a truly innovative...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

‘The Last Safe Space’ Podcast Lifts the Lid on PRS/PPL Struggles and Grassroots Music’s Hidden Conflicts

“It’s time to talk openly about the battles grassroots music venues face” The Last Safe Space, the official podcast from Music Venue Trust (MVT), returns this week with an unflinching look at the challenges facing grassroots music venues (GMVs) across the...more

03 Oct 2025

  • Does Daniel Ek deserve to be the richest ever man in music? (see Comment)

  • Independent music community publishes '100 Voices' on why Universal’s acquisition of Downtown should be blocked (see News)

02 Oct 2025

  • Universal and Warner said to be close to landmark AI licensing deals (see News)

01 Oct 2025

  • Industry leaders outline challenges to Creative Industries Minister (see News)

30 Sep 2025

  • Spotify isn’t broken, it’s working exactly as intended (see Comment)

29 Sep 2025

  • Spotify is completely unserious about combating AI music (see Comment)

26 Sep 2025

  • Hw British and American musical tastes remain distinct (see Analysis)

  • Oliver Schusser on Apple’s strategy in music (see Features)

25 Sep 2025

  • Europe’s music sector call for a comprehensive policy strategy and an ambitious budget for Europe’s music sector within AgoraEU (see News)

24 Sep 2025

  • Artist-led lawsuit against Suno introduces stream-ripping claims (see Digital)

  • Music Tech has historically been a difficult bet. So why are investors still showing up? (see Comment)

23 Sep 2025

  • IFPI publishes Music in the EU report (see Reports)

  • AI music - is it time to explore a blanket approach? (see Opinion)

22 Sep 2025

  • The music video is back and more important than ever (see Features)

  • Author Liz Pelly discusses how streaming saved the industry from piracy, but not the artists (see Features)