Media Nations 2024

Media use and attitudes Media habits (adults) Research, statistics and data
Published: 31 July 2024

Ofcom’s annual Media Nations report is a research report for industry, policymakers, academics and consumers. Our main objectives are to capture evolving consumer behaviours and key trends in the media sector, and to set out how audiences are served in the UK.

We publish separate reports for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales covering specific themes and issues relevant to those nations.

UK report

Media Nations 2024: UK (PDF)

Key points:

  • The decline in broadcast TV’s reach accelerated in 2023, although for every age group the amount of viewing declined at a slower rate than in the previous year
  • Overall viewing of TV and video increased in 2023, driven by online platforms, including video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, and broadcasters’ own services such as iPlayer and ITVX
  • Revenues for commercial broadcasters fell in 2023 amid an economic downturn, almost completely offsetting the continued growth of online video revenue 
  • PSB first-run spend and output fell in 2023, after 2022’s record highs, which were driven by lingering Covid impacts and the cyclic nature of major sports events 
  • The SVoD market has matured, with subscriber numbers plateauing, and ad-supported tiers positioned to drive future growth 
  • There were mixed performances within commercial radio’s overall growth, while consumer spend on recorded music continues to rise
  • While listening continues to shift online, record numbers of listeners tune into radio weekly, and average listening time is up year on year
  • Reach of music streaming and podcasts is increasing gradually, with signs of potential growth among those aged 55 and over 
  • Live radio listening via a radio set is still the most popular form of audio in cars, but smartphone connectivity and access to streaming services are also important 

Nations reports

Other documents

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