| Predecessor | Commercial Radio Companies Association (CRCA) |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1 July 2006 |
| Merger of | CRCA and Radio Advertising Bureau |
| Purpose | Representing interests of UK commercial radio |
| Headquarters | 15 Alfred Place, London |
CEO | Matt Payton |
| Staff | 20 |
| Website | www |
Radiocentre is the industry body for commercial radio in the UK. It exists to maintain and build a strong and successful commercial radio industry. The organisation works on behalf of over 50 stakeholders who represent over 90% of commercial radio in terms of listening and revenue. Its remit also encompasses all kinds of broadcaster-owned and operated audio, including podcasts and on-demand streaming services provided by commercial radio.
Radiocentre performs three main functions on behalf of its members.
Radiocentre was formed in 2006 when the Commercial Radio Companies Association (CRCA) merged with the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB). The RACC (Radio Advertising Clearance Centre) then became Radiocentre Clearance in 2015 as part of a wider rebrand.
The Commercial Radio Companies Association (CRCA) was founded by the first radio companies under the name Association of Independent Radio Companies when independent radio began with LBC and Capital in 1973. It became the CRCA in 1996. [1]
The RAB was founded in 1992. [1] It was the marketing body for radio, funded entirely by the UK commercial radio industry.
Radiocentre's chief executive Matt Payton was appointed in July 2022. It is the joint owner of the national radio ratings analyst Radio Joint Audience Research Ltd and online audio player Radioplayer alongside the BBC. [2]
Radiocentre offers three areas of expertise each with different functions: policy, advertising (formerly the Radio Advertising Bureau [RAB]), and clearance (formerly the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre).
Radiocentre represents the UK commercial radio industry directly with government, parliament, regulators and other industry bodies. It works closely with Ofcom and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on issues including media regulation [3] and the role and remit of the BBC [4] .
Radiocentre has been an advocate for updating broadcasting legislation to reflect changing listening habits and new technologies, including online and digital platforms [5] . A key focus has been to ensure that the Government introduces measures to support UK radio online and on devices like smart speakers. This included lobbying for the inclusion of Part 6 of the Media Act 2024 which introduced powers to ensure radio remains freely available and accessible on voice activated platforms like smart speakers [6] .
Radiocentre also publishes research to support its regulatory and government affairs work. This includes Commercial Radio: A force for good [7] which demonstrated the broad public value of the sector; and Beyond the Bubble [8] which explored how commercial radio news connects with parts of the population that other media cannot reach in the same way. Its policy publications [9] are used to inform policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders about the economic, cultural, and social contribution of commercial radio in the UK.
Radiocentre drives industry revenue by promoting the benefits of radio to advertisers and agencies. In May 2016, Radiocentre adopted a new positioning strategy challenging decisionmakers to 'See Radio Differently' [10] which they promote through a combination of marketing activity (events, advertising, PR), research, and training. The launch campaign for 'See Radio Differently' won a Bronze at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity [11] . In 2025 Radiocentre launched a new advertising campaign voiced by Diane Morgan calling on brands to amplify their advertising with radio [12] .
Radiocentre Clearance is the UK commercial radio industry's advertising clearance body and is responsible for clearing up to 25,000 ads per year against the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) as developed by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. These regulatory codes, plus nearly 60 Acts of UK Parliament, determine what can and cannot be said in all UK radio advertisements. All stations contribute to the cost via their broadcasting licence fees.
Radiocentre member stations [13] together represent approximately 90% of commercial radio listening. Any commercial radio station in the UK holding a terrestrial radio broadcasting licence from Ofcom is eligible to become a station member of the Radiocentre. Major member groups are Global Radio and Bauer Media, while regional groups include Nation Broadcasting and DC Thomson.
Radiocentre leads or collaborates on many industry-wide initiatives.
Radiocentre and commercial radio have more publicly available effectiveness research than any other medium. All available on the Radiocentre website, the studies outline the reach, resonance and results commercial radio provides to advertisers. Notable reports include:
Radiocentre runs a series of online training courses throughout the year and has also brought back its in-person training course for media agencies which includes a station visit. It is aimed primarily at UK advertisers and agencies and is also available for Radiocentre full and associate member stations free of charge. A full training calendar is available on Radiocentre's website.
Radiocentre tools give you access to relevant data and creative stimulus, allowing you to stress-test your thinking and use radio advertising more effectively. Including:
Explore the full selection tools available on Radiocentre's website.
Tuning In is Radiocentre’s flagship event, with a focus on the latest developments and innovations in audio advertising. The audio conference is free to attend for UK advertisers and agencies, radio and audio professionals and Radiocentre members stations. Held in multiple cities across the UK, Tuning In has heard from John Cleese, Mel C, Diane Morgan and Alain de Botton, alongside radio personalities like Ronan Keating, Jordan North and Amanda Holden. Videos from Tuning In can be found on Youtube.
The award, run by Radiocentre in partnership with Campaign since 2022, celebrates creativity in audio advertising and champions the teams behind excellent work that has run within the year. Droga5 London took home the 2022 title with a campaign for Rustlers, followed by Adam&Eve DDB winning in 2023 with their campaign for Quorn, and most recently, Uncommon Creative Studio took home the 2024 gold for their work with Hiscox.
Radiocentre works closely with Creative Access to try and improve the representation of young people from BAME backgrounds and those with a lower socioeconomic status, hosting radio masterclasses for Creative Access interns who are looking to start careers in radio and audio. [14]
Radioplayer is a radio technology platform, owned by UK radio broadcasters and operated under licence in more than a dozen other countries. It operates an internet radio web tuner, a set of mobile phone apps, an in-car adaptor, and a growing range of integrations with other connected devices and platforms.
The Association of European Radios (AER) is the Europe-wide trade body for commercial radio, representing the interests of over 5,000 commercial radio stations to the EU Institutions. AER promotes the development of European commercially funded radio broadcasting, by ensuring a fair and sustainable economic framework for radio to thrive in. Radiocentre is a member of the AER. [15]
From 2018 to 2022, the Mental Health Minute brought together commercial radio, BBC stations and community radio to broadcast a unique, one-minute message during Mental Health Awareness Week on the importance of talking about mental health issues, reaching out for support or to check in on someone who may be suffering, and listening to each other. It was broadcast to one of radio's biggest collective audiences, with an average listenership of more than 20 million.
Led by Radiocentre in collaboration with The Royal Foundation's Heads Together initiative, the minute featured His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge with recognisable voices from music, film, TV and sport, with 2020's edition including England football captain Harry Kane, singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, actor David Tennant and two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, as well as The Duchess of Cambridge for the first time. [16]
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