UK

Podcasts continue to grow while both commercial radio and digital streaming face revenue slowdowns, according to Ofcom’s latest Media Nations report.

It found that commercial radio revenue dropped slightly to £651 million in 2024, down from £667 million in 2023.
While national advertising rose slightly, local ad revenue declined further reflecting structural market changes, centralised programming, and advertiser preference for national inventory packaging.
Digital audio advertising flatlined at £175 million. Podcast advertising grew by 8% to £90 million, but this was well below the 23% growth seen in 2023.
Streaming audio ad revenue fell by 8%, down to £85 million. Despite the easing momentum, podcasts remain a strong area of investment, particularly among younger listeners.
Some podcast ad revenue is likely captured under digital video budgets, as many creators now produce video versions for platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Self-serve ad platforms, including AudioGo and Spotify Ad Studio, have made it easier for more advertisers to invest in podcasts.
Listeners aged 15-34 now spend over half their weekly listening time with streamed music and podcasts which is double the average across all adults. This continues to support podcast growth, even if at a slower pace.
Meanwhile, digital radio services expanded further. Global launched 12 new DAB+ brand extensions in September 2024, including Heart 00s and Classic FM Calm. Bauer added Greatest Hits Radio 60s, 70s, 80s and more, also moving KISS, Magic and Absolute to DAB+ in March 2025.
The BBC added Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind as new streams on BBC Sounds. In July 2025, Ofcom approved their launch on DAB+, but blocked plans for a Radio 2 stream and extended hours for BBC 5 Sports Extra, citing insufficient public value.
Boom Radio, which opposed the Radio 2 extension, launched its own spin-off Boom Light and ran a national marketing campaign.
Bauer and Global continued centralising their networks. Bauer rebranded 15 stations in England and Wales in 2024 under Hits Radio and networked its breakfast show nationally from July 2025. Global removed all regional programmes from Capital, Heart and Smooth in England from February 2025.
Small-scale DAB growth continued, with 74 multiplexes on air by June 2025. These support local and community services across the UK.
STV plans to launch a new Scotland-wide commercial music station later in 2025, targeting adults aged 35-54 and led by former Bauer exec Graham Bryce.
While traditional and digital revenues ease, podcasting remains a strong performer and key growth area in the UK audio sector.
You can read Ofcom’s annual Media Nations report here.

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Radio 1’s Residency will return from Thursday 7th August with a new line-up of DJs to Radio 1 and Radio 1 Dance.

For four weeks each, SG Lewis, KETTAMA, Oppidan and Taylah Elaine will take over the Thursday night slot from 11pm to 1am, showcasing their musical influences and spotlighting new talent from the UK and beyond.
SG Lewis kicks off the August shows, followed by KETTAMA in September, Oppidan in October, and Taylah Elaine in November.
The series will also include one-off special shows with twin duo Major League DJz on 31st July, and Drum & Bass DJ, Bou on 30th October.
Later this year, the programme will rebrand to The Residency on Radio 1 Dance following Ofcom’s approval of the BBC’s new DAB+ station.

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River Radio has confirmed that Ofcom has approved the licence transfer for 107.9FM, clearing the way for the return of community radio to Bangor.

The newly named River Radio Bangor is now preparing to relaunch on FM before winter 2025, following the closure of Bangor FM last year which left the town without a community station.
A spokesperson for the station said: “It’s been bumpy, with many hurdles. But with the support of the UK Community Radio Network, SERC and the amazing team at River Radio, we’ve managed to ensure that Northern Ireland and the UK doesn’t lose a vital FM community station.”
The move follows 12 months of collaboration between River Radio, the UK Community Radio Network, SERC, and Ofcom to secure local broadcasting in the area.
The station’s official launch date will be announced soon.

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Chris Duke will broadcast his Coast Radio Scotland morning show from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every weekday throughout August.

Fringe Focus, will air from 10am to 2pm, live from Black Medicine Coffee Shop on Nicolson Street.
The show will feature conversations with comedians, musicians, actors and other performers, from first-time festival acts to well-known names.
Each interview will also be released as part of The Peer Project Podcast, which has previously featured guests including Alex Horne, Mike Wozniak, Nicky Campbell and the late Hulk Hogan.
Chris says: “I’ve always believed in giving people a proper platform. There are so many brilliant acts at the Fringe, all with something to say, and I want to help get those voices heard.
“Whether someone’s brand new or been doing this for years, it’s all about connection, stories, and sharing something real over a coffee.”

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The BBC will mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with a range of programming including radio highlighting stories from the Far East during the Second World War.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said the coverage will honour “the courage and sacrifice of all who served” and ensure their stories are remembered through powerful testimonies.
On BBC Radio 2, The Jeremy Vine Show on Friday 15th August will feature voices of veterans and broadcaster Kavita Puri reflecting on the war in the Far East and the atomic bombings.
BBC Radio 4 will air a three-part series The History Podcast: The Second Map, uncovering Britain’s role against Japan with previously unheard testimonies. Archive on 4 will tell the story of Wilfred Burchett, who first reported from Hiroshima despite US censorship.
A two-part drama, Hersey’s Hiroshima, will depict the devastation of the atomic bombing, while Book at Bedtime will feature Tim McInnerny reading Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World.
Any Questions? will broadcast live from the REME Museum on 15th August to commemorate the day.
BBC Radio 5 Live will carry coverage from the National Memorial Arboretum, including the national two-minute silence. On Wednesday 13th August, Matt Chorley will broadcast from the Cabinet War Rooms with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and special guests.

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DAB multiplexes in Leeds, Bradford, East Lancashire, Milton Keynes and Halifax have formed a partnership to deliver a streamlined service.

A new website has launched offering a single access point for all updates, applications and technical information relating to these areas, replacing the need for separate communications with each operator.
The collaboration aims to simplify the process for stations applying for carriage and keeping up to date with multiplex developments.
Raj Parmar, a partner in the initiative, said: “It makes sense for our users to have access to a streamlined site offering information and updates. This collaboration is a step toward improving transparency and accessibility in local digital broadcasting.”
The partnership is designed to reduce costs for broadcasters and encourage wider coverage. To express an interest or apply, email info@dabbroadcast.com.

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