BBC Radio 2 has recorded its smallest audience in more than two decades, attracting 12.6 million weekly listeners during the second quarter of 2025.
The figure represents the station’s lowest listenership since 2003, according to ratings body Rajar.
The decline coincides with Scott Mills taking over the breakfast programme from Zoe Ball in January.
Mills now attracts 6.2 million listeners to his weekday morning show, compared to Ball’s 6.8 million audience when she presented her final programme last year.
The latest quarterly figures mark the first complete measurement period since Radio 2 restructured its weekday programming at the end of January 2025.
Despite the drop, Radio 2 maintains its position as Britain’s most popular individual radio station.
Meanwhile, Boom Radio has achieved its highest listenership since launching in 2021, attracting 711,000 weekly listeners.
The digital station, which targets audiences aged 55 and above, recorded a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
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The station has recruited several former BBC presenters, including David Hamilton and Simon Bates, who broadcast from their homes. Phil Riley, Boom Radio’s co-founder, attributed the success to presenter freedom and listener loyalty.
“We’re so proud and thankful to our incredible army of listeners. Their amazing loyalty, tuning in for almost 16 hours per week each, is down to the brilliant work of our presenters,” Riley said.
He added that the station’s approach differs from “formulaic music radio” by allowing presenters greater control over their playlists.
Radio 2’s audience has fallen by nearly one million since Christmas 2024, dropping from 13.11 million to 12.62 million listeners.
The decline represents the station’s poorest performance since current measurement methods began in autumn 2021.
The exodus has occurred despite Vernon Kay’s mid-morning programme remaining Britain’s most popular radio show with 6.6 million listeners.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, emphasised the station’s achievements during the quarter, including Eurovision coverage and VE Day commemorations.
“Radio 2 firmly remains the UK’s most listened to single radio station with an audience of 12.6 million listeners each week,” the BBC stated.
Industry observers note that loyal audiences often resist schedule changes, with listeners developing strong attachments to familiar presenters who become part of their daily routines.
Commercial radio has reached its highest ever market share at 55.7 per cent, whilst the BBC’s share stands at 42.1 per cent, according to the latest Rajar data.
The figures show 39.5 million people tuning into commercial stations weekly, exceeding BBC radio by 8.4 million listeners.
Matt Payton from Radiocentre said: “Commercial broadcasters focus relentlessly on ensuring listeners can easily access their favourite stations on any platform, whether that’s via apps or smart speakers.
“This new record is testament to the continued innovation and investment from our sector.”
Global’s portfolio reached 27.5 million listeners, with founder Ashley Tabor-King CBE stating: “For Global to continue to grow and extend its lead is a considerable achievement.”
Heart Radio now claims 415,000 more weekly listeners than Radio 2, according to Global.
Previous transitions include Ken Bruce’s departure from Radio 2 in 2023, which saw his successor Kay initially attract only 6.9 million listeners compared to Bruce’s 8.3 million.
Chris Evans faced similar resistance when replacing Terry Wogan in 2009, despite eventually building his own following.
Boom’s success stems from offering music from the 1960s and 70s, contrasting with Radio 2’s recent decades focus. The station’s profile increased following Ofcom’s rejection of a BBC proposal for a similar archive-based service, which regulators said would harm Boom’s commercial viability.