Digital surge sees commercial radio adspend top £747m

Commercial radio in the UK achieved its highest-ever advertising revenue in 2025, hitting £747m – surpassing the previous record of £740m set in 2022 – as digital audio revenues soared, underpinned by strong broadcast and branded content revenues.

In fact, spend on digital ad formats increased by 14.9% year-on-year, up from £77.9m to £89.5m, mirroring sustained increases in listening via connected devices, expanding reach and unlocking more opportunities for advertisers to reach listeners wherever they are.

Further analysis reveals that revenue against commercial broadcasters’ digital audio formats has almost doubled since 2018, up from £45.4m to today’s £89.5m, reflecting evolving listening behaviour – Rajar Midas records a 107% increase in total commercial audio connected listening hours and a 56% rise in commercial audio connected adult reach across the same period.

This record revenue reflects the medium’s shift to a truly multiplatform proposition for advertisers.

As highlighted in Radiocentre’s ‘Speed of Sound’ report, the strengths of broadcast radio alongside the precision targeting opportunities presented by digital audio, enables brands to deliver audio campaigns that combine both high reach and sophisticated contextual messaging, proven to deliver effective outcomes for advertisers

The latest analysis from Radiocentre and WPP Media further demonstrates how including multiplatform audio within the media mix amplifies overall campaign effectiveness.

The findings in ‘High Gain Audio’ reveal that audio is among the most profitable media for advertisers, delivering notably higher profit ROI than the all-media average, both short- and full-term.

Radiocentre chief executive Matt Payton 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.”