News Broadcasting has once again demonstrated its formidable presence in the audio landscape, announcing a new set of impressive RAJAR results that underscore its expanding reach and innovative approach to digital media.
For the survey period ending June 22, 2025, the group, encompassing leading brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK, Times Radio, and Talk, along with U105 in Northern Ireland, collectively garnered an astounding 6.7 million weekly listeners. This remarkable achievement translated into cumulative listening hours soaring to an impressive 44 million, solidifying their dominant position in the competitive UK audio market.
A cornerstone of News Broadcasting’s strategy is its industry-leading investment in multi-platform innovation, distinguishing it as the most digital of the UK’s major broadcasting groups. A staggering 85.8 percent of its total listening originates from digital platforms, with an industry-best 36.8 percent of hours contributed by streaming platforms. This digital prowess extends to video, where the group’s brands collectively amassed 1.6 billion views on YouTube over the past year, showcasing their comprehensive engagement across diverse media.
Scott Taunton, News UK EVP and President of Broadcasting, emphasized the group’s continued success in captivating audiences across various digital audio and social channels. He highlighted the relentless innovation by national brands like talkSPORT, the Virgin Radio network, Times Radio, and Talk, both on and off-platform, to deliver compelling audio and video experiences that deeply resonate with their dedicated listeners.
The acclaimed talkSPORT team also enjoyed significant recognition at the Audio & Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS), clinching the prestigious Judges’ Award. This accolade honored the network not only for its consistent excellence in serving its audience over the years but also for its innovative strategies in attracting record numbers of listeners today, marking a fitting celebration for its 25th year on air in January.
Times Radio continues its trajectory of notable success, achieving record year-on-year growth in listenership and firmly establishing itself as the UK’s fastest-growing speech radio station. During this quarter, the station attracted 616,000 listeners, marking a substantial 29 percent increase year-on-year, with total listening hours reaching an impressive 4.9 million, up 15 percent from the previous year. Times Radio cemented its reputation as a premier destination for high-quality coverage of breaking news, incisive expert analysis, and insightful commentary, navigating a packed news agenda that included significant political events and global affairs.
The Virgin Radio UK network expanded its reach to 2.2 million listeners, a robust 3.1 percent increase quarter-on-quarter. Individual stations within the network contributed significantly to this success, with Virgin Chilled experiencing a remarkable 46 percent year-on-year increase to 363,000 listeners. Following its rebrand, Virgin Radio Legends saw its listenership grow to 454,000, up 38 percent year-on-year, accumulating 1.3 million hours listened, a 15 percent year-on-year rise. Virgin Radio’s strong appeal to advertisers is evident, with an impressive 64 percent ABC1 demographic.
Beyond listener figures, the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with The National Lottery continued to draw A-list talent, featuring an impressive lineup of guests including Bono, Simon Pegg, Julia Louis Dreyfus, American author Mel Robbins, and Hollywood star Jeremy Renner. Chris also hosted an exclusive live session with the American rock band Counting Crows. Additionally, Virgin Radio UK provided exclusive coverage of the Isle of Wight Festival, featuring interviews with acts like Sting and Stereophonics, and announced the return of its award-winning pop-up station, Virgin Radio Pride, for another summer residency.
Meanwhile, news and opinion brand Talk engaged 487,000 listeners, accumulating 4.2 million listening hours. Talk provided comprehensive coverage of a whirlwind of headline-grabbing stories, including the evolving political landscape, ongoing government crises, and crucial societal debates, reinforcing its role as a key voice in public discourse.
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