In the latest RAJAR Q3 2025 report, BBC Radio 2 has shown improvements in its audience figures, bouncing back after a previous low. The station recorded a 1.3% rise in listeners, bringing its total audience to 12.79 million in the three months leading up to September 14. However, this number reflects a 3.9% decline compared to the same quarter last year.
Radio 2’s Breakfast Show Performance
Despite the overall decline in annual ratings, Radio 2 retains its status as the UK’s most popular station. The Breakfast Show, now hosted by Scott Mills, continues to lead with 6.2 million listeners. However, it lost approximately 50,000 listeners from the previous quarter.
Competition and Other BBC Ratings
- Vernon Kay’s show remains the most listened-to radio program in the UK, attracting 6.6 million listeners.
- BBC Radio 1 experienced a drop to 7.31 million listeners, slightly exceeding its Q2 2024 performance.
- BBC Radio 6 Music continues to thrive with a reach of 2.73 million, making it the UK’s leading digital-only station.
Radio 3 and 1Xtra witnessed declines, while BBC Sounds achieved an 8.5% growth in plays over the past year.
Global Broadcasting Achievements
On the commercial front, Global radio brands recorded a historic share of 28.1%. Commercial radio overall reached 56% listener share compared to BBC Radio’s 41.7%. This indicates a growing preference for digital listening, highlighted by 73.8% of total hours now spent on digital platforms.
- Heart remains the leading commercial brand with 12.79 million listeners.
- Heart Breakfast, hosted by Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, reported 4.058 million weekly listeners.
- Radio X celebrated a milestone with 2.55 million listeners, boosted by the recent Oasis reunion.
Bauer Media Audio UK’s Performance
Bauer Media Audio UK reported a reach of 22.9 million listeners in Q3. The Absolute Radio brand saw a 4.9% year-on-year increase, while Kerrang! Radio grew significantly, recording a 36.4% increase annually.
| Station | Listeners (Weekly) | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Radio 2 | 12.79 million | -3.9% |
| Radio 1 | 7.31 million | 0.1% |
| BBC Radio 6 Music | 2.73 million | +2.5% |
| Heart | 12.79 million | -1.0% |
| Capital Network | 7.014 million | -6.5% |
| Absolute Radio | 2.07 million | +4.9% |
The developments highlight the competitive landscape of the UK’s radio sector. As digital listening becomes increasingly prevalent, major players are adapting to consumer preferences while striving to maintain audience engagement.
