Connected radio listening hits record levels

Online radio listening has hit a new record according to the latest RAJAR figures released today for the first quarter of 2026, continuing to demonstrate changing listener habits as more people choose to listen to their favourite stations via connected devices.

Online listening to all radio has reached a new high of 30.4%, which is well ahead of analogue (AM/FM) listening at 24%. Commercial radio is leading the way as online listening now accounts for a third of its listening hours, rising to 32.9% from 32.3% in the same period last year.

Commercial radio has also maintained its overall audience share lead over the BBC, now at 54.3%, compared to 43.4% for the BBC.

The total UK radio audience remains high, reaching 50.6 million a week, up from 50 million in the same period last year. Commercial radio now has 39.2m listeners, 7.91m more than the BBC.

Total smart speaker listening continues to grow, accounting for 18.8% of total listening, up from 17.6% in Q1 2025. For commercial radio listening via smart speakers it’s even greater, with share of listening now at 21.8%.

Radiocentre’s CEO Matt Payton, said:

“These figures highlight how radio continues to play an important role in the daily lives of millions, and how commercial broadcasters are innovating to ensure audiences can access their favourite content wherever they are. For advertisers, that means commercial radio can continue to offer huge reach and enhanced targeting within a trusted environment”.