GB News Radio has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing Times Radio in audience numbers. This achievement marks a significant turning point for the station, which has only been broadcasting for three years.
The latest RAJAR ratings reveal a 63% increase in listeners for GB News Radio over the past year, positioning it as the fastest-growing radio station in the United Kingdom. This surge in popularity highlights the station’s increasing influence in the radio market.
A Surge in Listener Numbers
In the second quarter of this year, GB News Radio reported 518,000 weekly listeners, exceeding Times Radio by 40,000. This substantial growth comes while Times Radio experienced an 8.5% decline in its audience. Such an increase underscores GB News Radio’s growing appeal and innovative programming.
Beyond surpassing Times Radio, total weekly listening hours for GB News Radio climbed to 3.315 million, marking a 53% year-on-year rise. This achievement solidifies its place ahead of other stations like LBC News UK, which have shown minimal or negative growth.
Strength in Core Programming
The significant audience growth is reflected across GB News Radio’s core programming. The Breakfast show, featuring hosts such as Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster, saw a 60% increase in listeners year-on-year, demonstrating the show’s wide appeal.
Britain’s Newsroom, presented by Andrew Pierce and Beverley Turner, registered an 89% rise in audience, reinforcing its relevance and engagement with listeners. Similarly, Good Afternoon Britain and the Martin Daubney Show have also witnessed remarkable listener increases, with growth rates of 96% and 99% respectively.
Commuter and Demographic Trends
GB News Radio is notably popular among commuters, with in-car listening rising by 20% quarter-on-quarter. This trend shows an impressive 160% year-on-year growth, indicating an expanding commuter audience.
Female audience numbers have notably grown, increasing by 44% in the past quarter and making up 45% of total listeners. Additionally, the ABC1 demographic has expanded by 33%, while AB audiences rose by 52% in the last quarter and 76% over the past year.
Listeners aged 15-44 increased by 32% over the last quarter, reflecting the station’s ability to attract a younger demographic. Notably, 90% of GB News Radio listeners are the main shoppers for their households, integrating radio into their daily routines.
Digital Platform Expansion
Digital platforms have played a pivotal role in GB News Radio’s success. DAB radio listening surged by 72% year-on-year, indicating a strong preference for digital radio among the audience.
Moreover, smart speaker audiences grew by 106%, while internet streaming rose by 41%. These statistics illustrate the station’s effective digital strategy and its alignment with modern listener preferences.
Innovations in Broadcast Technology
GB News Radio continues to innovate with the introduction of AI-powered sports bulletins. These are delivered by the virtual voice of anchor Tatiana Sanchez, offering summaries of the latest sports stories.
The bulletins, generated through AI, are broadcast hourly from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm, highlighting the station’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its programming.
Nicole O’Shea, the Commercial Director, emphasised the station’s impressive growth, attributing success to its strategic initiatives and a focused approach to connecting with diverse listeners.
Market Position and Future Goals
Overtaking Times Radio marks a milestone for GB News Radio, reflecting its progressive vision and dynamic strategies. The station now aims to expand its reach further by engaging an even larger audience across the UK.
Commercial Director Nicole O’Shea stated, “These figures underline the strong continued growth of GB News Radio across the United Kingdom. To do this in the space of just three years is a remarkable achievement.”
Conclusion
As GB News Radio celebrates these record-breaking ratings, its strategic approach and digital advancement continue to captivate a growing audience.
The station’s determination to innovate and connect with listeners has set a new standard in the UK’s radio broadcasting landscape.
With its significant growth trajectory and innovative programming, GB News Radio has established itself as a formidable player in the radio industry.
The station’s future looks promising as it continues to attract a diverse and engaged audience.
