GB News Radio has achieved an impressive milestone by surpassing Times Radio in listener numbers, based on the latest RAJAR ratings. Meanwhile, Times Radio experienced a notable decline, highlighting GB News Radio’s significant growth.
With GB News Radio’s audience increasing by 63% over the past year, the station attracted 518,000 weekly listeners in the year’s second quarter. This burgeoning listenership sets the stage for a detailed exploration into how the station has reached this record-breaking feat.
Record-Breaking Milestone
GB News Radio has reached a significant milestone by surpassing Times Radio in audience numbers. This achievement is based on the latest RAJAR ratings.
Over the past year, GB News Radio saw a 63% increase in listeners, showcasing its rapid growth. The station, relatively new with just three years of broadcasting, attracted 518,000 weekly listeners in the second quarter of this year.
Comparative Performance
Times Radio, on the other hand, experienced an 8.5% decline in audience, bringing its weekly listeners to 478,000. This decline contrasts sharply with GB News Radio’s growth.
GB News Radio’s weekly listening hours also rose significantly, reaching 3.315 million. This 53% year-on-year increase highlights its popularity.
Other news channels, such as talkRADIO, LBC News UK, and Times Radio, witnessed either single-digit growth or a loss in listeners. This places GB News Radio in a leading position among its competitors.
Core Programming Success
GB News Radio’s core programs are experiencing substantial growth. The Breakfast show, hosted by Eamonn Holmes, Isabel Webster, Stephen Dixon, Anne Diamond, and Ellie Costello, saw a 60% increase in listeners year-on-year.
Britain’s Newsroom, presented by Andrew Pierce and Beverley Turner each weekday morning, experienced an impressive 89% audience growth.
Good Afternoon Britain, fronted by Tom Harwood and Emily Carver, enjoyed a 96% rise in listenership. The Martin Daubney show also saw a remarkable 99% growth in its audience.
Demographic Shifts
A noticeable rise in in-car listening contributed to GB News Radio’s success. In-car listening increased by 20% quarter-on-quarter and 160% year-on-year.
Female listeners rose by 44% over the last quarter, now making up 45% of the total audience. Additionally, the ABC1 demographic grew by 33% in the last quarter.
AB audiences increased notably by 52% in the last quarter and 76% over the past year. Listeners aged 15-44 also went up by 32% in the last quarter.
Digital Platforms Boost
Digital platforms have played a crucial role in GB News Radio’s rise. DAB radio listening surged by 72% year-on-year, showing strong digital engagement.
Smart speaker audience numbers saw an impressive increase of 106% year-on-year. Internet streaming also contributed to the growth, rising by 41%.
These digital gains indicate a trend where more listeners prefer modern, flexible ways to access their favourite programs.
Innovative Features
GB News Radio is not just riding the wave of traditional listening platforms; it is innovating with new technologies. The station now delivers AI-powered sports news bulletins, voiced by the virtual anchor Tatiana Sanchez.
These AI summaries are taken from the latest sports stories on the station’s website and are broadcast hourly and half-hourly between 6:30 am to 11:30 pm daily.
Official Comments
Nicole O’Shea, GB News’ Commercial Director, remarked on the station’s growth, “These figures underline the strong continued growth of GB News Radio across the United Kingdom”.
She added, “To do this in the space of just three years is a great achievement, and we’re now reaching more listeners than ever all over the UK.”
In conclusion, GB News Radio’s unprecedented growth reflects its strong programming and adaptability in a competitive market. The station’s success in increasing listener numbers and engagement across different demographics and platforms is impressive.
As it continues to innovate and attract more listeners, GB News Radio is well-positioned to maintain its lead over competitors. The future looks promising for this rapidly growing station.
