UK commercial radio sets ad revenue record of £747m in 2025

UK commercial radio took a record £747 million in advertising revenue in 2025, according to Radiocentre, overtaking the previous high of £740 million reached in 2022.

The industry body said ongoing growth in digital audio, backed by strong broadcast and branded content income, was the main driver. Spending on digital ad formats grew 14.9% year on year, rising to £89.5 million from £77.9 million.

That growth tracks a steady rise in listening on connected devices, which is widening reach and giving advertisers more ways to find listeners wherever they are.

Revenue from commercial broadcasters’ digital audio formats has nearly doubled since 2018, when it stood at £45.4 million. Over the same period, RAJAR MIDAS data shows total connected listening hours for commercial audio up 107%, with connected adult reach for commercial audio up 56%.

Radiocentre said the result reflects radio becoming a genuinely multiplatform proposition for advertisers. Its Speed of Sound report argues that broadcast radio’s established strengths, combined with the precise targeting available through digital audio, let brands run campaigns that pair high reach with sophisticated contextual messaging.

Separate research from Radiocentre and WPP Media, titled High Gain Audio, found that audio ranks among the most profitable media for advertisers, producing a higher profit-ROI than the average across all media over both the short term and full term.

Matt Payton, chief executive of Radiocentre, said: “Reaching record revenues underlines the strength of UK commercial radio and its evolving multiplatform offer. Advertisers are increasingly embracing the combined power of broadcast and digital audio, where scale, targeting and proven effectiveness drive results.

“Audio’s reach, impact and strong ROI performance is providing brands with a compelling offer and continued confidence to invest in the medium in the future.”