GB News Radio Breaks Records: A Thank You from Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello
In a remarkable turn of events, GB News Radio has achieved a significant milestone, boasting a staggering 54% growth in its audience over the past year. This achievement has not gone unnoticed, as hosts Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello took a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude to viewers and listeners alike. Their enthusiasm reflects the channel’s commitment to delivering engaging content and connecting with its audience.
A Record-Breaking Audience
The latest official RAJAR ratings reveal that GB News Radio now enjoys a weekly audience of 611,000 listeners. This impressive figure not only marks a 54% increase year-on-year but also represents an 18% rise compared to the previous quarter. Such growth positions GB News Radio as the fastest-growing radio brand in the UK, surpassing established competitors like Talk Radio, which has an audience of 576,000, and Times Radio with 557,000 listeners.
Stephen Dixon, one of the channel’s breakfast hosts, expressed his gratitude during a recent broadcast, stating, "Thank you so much to everyone who’s been tuning in on GB News Radio because we are doing very well, aren’t we?" His words encapsulate the excitement surrounding the channel’s success and the appreciation for its growing listener base.
The Breakfast Show Experience
Ellie Costello, co-hosting alongside Dixon, chimed in with her own thoughts on the channel’s rapid ascent. "Yes, it’s the fastest growing radio brand in the UK. It is a great listen in the car, especially at breakfast time," she remarked. This sentiment resonates with many listeners who rely on radio for their morning routines, whether commuting to work or driving the kids to school.
The breakfast show format has proven to be particularly effective for GB News Radio, providing a blend of news, analysis, and engaging discussions that keep listeners informed and entertained. Ellie added, "I know that we’re a little bit biased, but if you’re on your way to work or on the way to the school run, it’s a fantastic listen." This personal touch from the hosts helps to create a sense of community among listeners, encouraging them to tune in regularly.
Total Listening Hours on the Rise
In addition to the growing audience numbers, GB News Radio has also seen a remarkable increase in total listening hours. Over the past year, listening hours have surged by 30%, reaching the highest levels ever recorded for the station. This growth is further complemented by a 19% increase compared to the previous quarter, indicating that not only are more people tuning in, but they are also spending more time engaged with the content.
In contrast, Talk Radio has experienced a decline in audience numbers, with a 17% drop year-on-year. This decline has been particularly pronounced during daytime programming, with breakfast listeners down by 15% and notable host Julia Hartley-Brewer seeing a 23% decrease in her audience. Such shifts in listener preferences highlight the competitive nature of the radio landscape and the importance of delivering quality content that resonates with audiences.
A Call to Action
As the segment concluded, Ellie Costello made a playful yet earnest appeal to potential listeners: "So thank you for joining us if you already have, and if you haven’t, why not? You’ve got no excuse. Now join the rest of them." This invitation reflects the hosts’ confidence in the quality of their programming and their desire to welcome new listeners into the GB News Radio family.
Conclusion
With its record-breaking audience growth and increasing total listening hours, GB News Radio is carving out a significant niche in the UK radio landscape. The heartfelt messages from Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello serve as a reminder of the importance of listener engagement and the role of quality content in driving success. As GB News Radio continues to evolve and expand, it remains committed to providing its audience with the news, analysis, and entertainment they crave. Whether you’re a long-time listener or considering tuning in for the first time, there’s never been a better moment to join the conversation on GB News Radio.