- Government is committed to helping UK radio to thrive and
retain status as most trusted form of media, amid changing
listener habits
- Nearly 75% of UK radio listening now happens on digital or
online platforms, and the government will work with key industry
partners to help manage this transition
Radio listeners across the UK stand to benefit as the government
launches a review of the UK's radio industry to ensure it
continues to flourish as audiences increasingly shift to digital
platforms.
Radio remains the most trusted form of media in the UK, with more
than 85% of UK adults tuning in every week. From national and
international headlines to crucial local updates, radio stations
provide timely, reliable content that reflects the diverse fabric
of the UK's communities. They offer companionship and social
connection to millions of people.
However, the way people listen is rapidly changing. Almost 75% of
UK radio listening now takes place on digital or online
platforms, rather than FM and AM. To help the industry navigate
this shift, the government will work with key partners, including
the BBC and commercial radio, to examine changes in listener
behaviour and audio markets in recent years, and make
recommendations on the future distribution of radio services.
The review will consider:
- Whether there should be a managed transition away from FM in
the 2030s and, if so, over what timescale;
- The potential impact of a decision on the future of Digital
Terrestrial TV (DTT) on radio distribution;
- The role of emerging technologies, including Artificial
Intelligence (AI), and the benefits and challenges they pose to
the industry.
A previous Radio and Audio Review in 2021 concluded that FM
should continue until at least 2030, but recommended that in 2026
government and industry revisit a potential analogue switch-off.
There has been broad support across the industry for this further
review.
The launch of this new review coincides with World Radio Day
tomorrow (13 February), which this year focuses on ‘Radio and
AI', and how the technology could offer more personalised
listener experiences and support fact-checking.
Media Minister said:
In the midst of the media revolution, radio remains a powerful
and popular medium that holds a special place in people's lives.
It provides company for the isolated, entertainment to millions
of people on their daily commute, and helps circulate vital news
and information across the country.
However, we also know that listening habits are changing as even
more people access radio via digital and online platforms,
whether at home or in the car. The use of AI as a tool is only
going to keep increasing in the coming years and this will impact
how radio is made and consumed.
That is why it is so important that we carry out this review. We
need to make sure that the UK radio industry has the right
support to thrive long into the future.
Radiocentre's CEO Matt Payton said:
Radio remains extremely popular, yet listening habits continue to
change driven by new technology and innovation. Whether audiences
are listening on smart speakers, a radio set or in a connected
car, it's vital to ensure that distribution and access to radio
is secure for the future. We look forward to working together
with government and industry to address this challenge.
The BBC's Director of BBC Sounds Jonathan Wall said:
We all have a common objective to secure and protect the future
of radio for our listeners and welcome the opportunity to work
together with our colleagues in commercial radio and across the
industry during the Radio Review.
Notes to Editors
- The review's Terms of Reference are to:
-
Investigate future scenarios for the consumption of UK radio
and audio content on all platforms into the 2030s, taking
into account likely models of future listener behaviour,
market trends, and technical developments.
-
Consider the impact of these scenarios on current and future
distribution strategies for the UK radio industry and on the
future availability of UK radio services for listeners on all
platforms.
-
Make recommendations – based as far as possible on a
cross-industry consensus – on the future distribution of
radio services and provide advice to government on ways of
strengthening the long-term viability of UK radio until the
early 2040s.
- The Radio Review will conclude in autumn 2026 with a report
to the government.
- This report will inform further policy development and the
latter stages of the ongoing BBC Charter Review.
- The most recent Rajar
figures published on 5 February 2026 reported that 74.6% of
all UK radio listening was via a digital platform.
- The Steering Board for the 2026 Radio Review will be
confirmed in due course.
- This follows the recent uplift to the Community
Radio Fund, which DCMS has increased to over £1 million to
support nearly 50 radio stations across the UK, as announced by
Ofcom on Tuesday.
