Hits Radio Strengthens UK Presence with Network Expansion and Live Events

Introduction: The Rise of Hits Radio

Hits Radio has emerged as one of the United Kingdom’s leading contemporary hit radio networks, cementing its position in the competitive broadcasting landscape. The Hits Radio Network secures an audience of 7.1m (+5.7% YoY), with the national Hits Radio station now reaching 4.7m (+3.3% YoY), demonstrating significant growth in listener engagement throughout 2025.

Owned and operated by Bauer Media Audio UK, Hits Radio is a network of 26 contemporary hit radio stations in the United Kingdom. The network launched in 2018 with the rebranding of Bauer’s Manchester station Key 103 and its merger with The Hits, marking a strategic consolidation of Bauer’s radio portfolio.

Major Network Changes in 2025

The broadcaster has undergone substantial transformation this year. In early September 2025, new localised variants of Hits Radio for fourteen areas of England and north Wales which had previously received Hits Radio UK on DAB began to operate online and on digital radio. In Suffolk this effectively led to the reintroduction of a dedicated Hits Radio Suffolk.

In a significant programming shift announced earlier in the year, Hits Radio made changes to some of its breakfast shows across England from the 6th June 2025, with The Hits Radio Breakfast Show broadcast across England and Wales from Monday June 9th. This move towards greater network integration reflects evolving industry trends and listener preferences.

Expanding Digital Offerings

Hits Radio has diversified its content with new digital stations. On 31 March 2025, Bauer launched two decades spin-off stations Hits Radio 90s and Hits Radio 00s. On 9 June 2025, Steve & Karen’s Breakfast Show moved to Hits Radio 90s, providing listeners with decade-specific music programming.

Hits Radio Live: The Signature Event

The station’s flagship event continues to draw massive crowds. Hits Radio Live featured the biggest performances from 2025 artists in Birmingham on Friday 21st November, with a HUGE night of unmissable performances from Tinie Tempah, Sugababes, Jax Jones, Ella Henderson, Craig David, Myles Smith, AND Olly Murs in Manchester on 22nd November.

Conclusion: Future Prospects

Hits Radio’s strategic network consolidation, combined with its strong listener growth and successful live events, positions the broadcaster for continued success in the UK radio market. The station’s ability to blend national programming with local news and community engagement through initiatives like Cash for Kids demonstrates a balanced approach to modern radio broadcasting. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Hits Radio’s focus on contemporary hits and throwbacks appears to resonate strongly with its target demographic of 25-44 year olds across England, Wales, and Scotland.