What Bauer Media Group does

Bauer Media Group is a privately-held, 5th-generation family-owned UK multi-platform media conglomerate operating across three core segments: Audio (commercial radio broadcasting), Publishing (consumer magazines and digital properties), and Outdoor advertising (post the 2025 Clear Channel Europe-North and Amscreen acquisitions). The Audio segment includes the #1 UK commercial radio network (Greatest Hits Radio) plus Hits Radio, Absolute Radio, Magic Radio, KISS, Planet Rock, Jazz FM and Kerrang!, reaching 27 million UK adults weekly and generating over 200 million weekly listening hours; the Publishing segment spans 100+ titles including Empire, Grazia, heat, Closer, MOJO, Take a Break, TV Choice, CAR and Mother & Baby with 111 million annual magazine circulation and 1-in-3 UK magazine market share; the Outdoor segment is a recent addition that consolidates Bauer, Clear Channel and Amscreen inventory. Underlying technology includes the proprietary 'illuminate' first-party data platform, a Veritone-powered audio attribution tool measuring web-traffic uplift within an 8-minute post-air window, and Smartzer shoppable video embedded in editorial content, all routed through the Rayo listening app and distributed via DAB/FM, smart speakers and partner stations. The business model is primarily advertising-led across audio, digital and outdoor, supplemented by magazine subscription and retail revenue, live-event ticketing/sponsorship (KISSTORY, Planet Rockstock, Love Supreme Jazz Festival), Bauer Academy apprenticeship and L&D fees, and mustard.co.uk motor insurance referral fees; long-tenured enterprise advertiser relationships (Wickes 12+ years, Very, Subway, Global) anchor the multi-platform GTM motion.

Name

Bauer Media Group

Legal name

Bauer Media Group

Website

https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Bauer Media Group is a privately-held, 5th-generation family-owned UK multi-platform media company operating radio (Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Absolute, Magic), 100+ magazine titles, and outdoor advertising (post Clear Channel acquisition), serving 27 million UK adults weekly and major brand advertisers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multi-Platform Media & Advertising

NAICS

Periodical Publishers (513120), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516), Media Buying Agencies (54183)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812), Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Services-Advertising (7310)

akta.pro primary industry

Consumer News & Digital Newsrooms (Web/App-First) (MPAJADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Exclusive/Original Audio Content Studios (Audio Originals, Serialized Audio) (MPAJAIAF), Video/CTV/OTT Media Buying (MPAAABAE)

Keywords

• Commercial radio broadcasting
• Magazine publishing
• Outdoor advertising
• Audio streaming services
• Media advertising sales

Headquarters

HQ city

Peterborough

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Audio/Radio Advertising: Revenue from radio advertising across multiple stations including Hits Radio, Absolute Radio, Magic Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Planet Rock, Jazz FM, and regional networks
2. Publishing/Magazine Sales: Revenue from magazine sales across diverse titles including Empire, Grazia, heat, Closer, MOJO, and niche publications in automotive, motorcycle, angling, and other verticals
3. Digital Advertising: Digital advertising revenue from websites, apps, and online content across all media brands
4. Events and Live Experiences: Revenue from live events including KISSTORY festivals, Planet Rockstock, Magic of Christmas, Love Supreme Jazz Festival, and various brand events
5. Bauer Academy Training Services: Government-registered training provider offering work-based learning solutions and apprenticeships to external clients and internal employees
6. Sponsorship and Brand Partnerships: Revenue from headline sponsorships and brand partnerships such as Subway's KISSTORY sponsorship and multi-year brand collaborations
7. mustard.co.uk Insurance Comparison: Motor insurance comparison website generating revenue through referral fees from insurance providers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Bauer Media Group operates a multi-platform consumer media business spanning commercial radio broadcasting (Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Absolute Radio, Magic Radio, Planet Rock, Jazz FM and others), magazine publishing (Empire, Grazia, heat, Closer, MOJO and over 80 specialist titles), outdoor advertising (acquired via Clear Channel Europe-North in 2025), and live events. The company monetises primarily through advertising sales to brand clients across its owned audio, print, digital and outdoor inventory, with supplementary revenue from magazine subscriptions, training services, and data-led targeting via its proprietary 'illuminate' platform.

Product overview

Bauer Media Group is a multi-business family-owned media company operating across three core segments: Audio (radio broadcasting), Publishing (magazine and digital publishing), and Outdoor advertising. The Audio division includes major radio networks such as Absolute Radio, Magic Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Hits Radio, Planet Rock, Jazz FM, and Kerrang! Radio, along with specialty decade stations and the KISSTORY event brand. The Publishing division spans entertainment (Empire, heat, Closer), fashion (Grazia), music (MOJO), women's magazines (Take a Break, Bella, that's life!), TV guides (TV Choice, Total TV Guide), automotive (CAR, Practical Classics), outdoor interest (Country Walking, LandScape, Modern Gardens), and specialist interests (Rail, Today's Golfer, Bird Watching). The company also operates the Rayo app for listening, the Bauer Academy training business, the Cash for Kids charity, and the illuminate first-party data platform for targeted advertising. The outdoor advertising business was expanded through the 2025 acquisition of Clear Channel Europe-North.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hits Radio Network: Radio network featuring contemporary hit music
• Greatest Hits Radio
• KISS
• Magic Radio
• Absolute Radio
• Empire
• MOJO
• Planet Rock
• Jazz FM
• Grazia
• KISSTORY
• Bauer Academy
• Cash for Kids
• Kerrang! Radio
• Magic Classical
• heat
• Closer
• Take a Break
• TV Choice
• Mellow Magic
• Magic Soul
• Magic at the Musicals
• Country Walking
• Rail
• CAR
• MCN
• Bike
• Classic Cars
• mustard.co.uk
• Rayo

Products and services

• Absolute Radio Commercial radio brand focused on rock music, comedy programming and the No Repeat Guarantee, with specialty decade stations (70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s), Classic Rock and Country variants. Targeted at adult listeners seeking music and entertainment.
• Magic Radio Upbeat-optimistic UK radio station playing variety from the 1980s to now, with sub-brands Magic Classical, Magic Soul, Mellow Magic and Magic at the Musicals. Targeted at adult contemporary music listeners.
• Greatest Hits Radio The #1 commercial radio network in the UK, with 57 million weekly listening hours and a network of 50+ local and regional stations playing classic hits music format. Targeted at adult listeners seeking familiar music.
• KISS UK's largest multimedia brand for engaging 15-34 year olds across radio, social, YouTube, TikTok, live events and streaming. Includes KISS XTRA and KISSTORY sub-brands. Targeted at younger urban music audiences.
• Hits Radio Network Major radio network featuring contemporary hit music programming with local station presence across the UK. Targeted at mainstream pop music audiences.
• Planet Rock Authoritative rock music radio station with over 1 million weekly listeners, covering classic, metal, blues, southern, prog and all forms of rock. Targeted at rock music enthusiasts.
• Jazz FM UK's largest jazz media brand celebrating jazz, soul and blues. Co-founded the Love Supreme Jazz Festival. Targeted at jazz, soul and blues enthusiasts.
• KISSTORY Old Skool & Anthems radio brand playing R&B, Dance, Garage and Hip Hop, with successful live events including 100+ dates per year across London, Bristol, Ibiza and Dubai. Targeted at throwback music fans.
• Empire magazine The world's most widely read and most respected film publication, encompassing print magazine, digital editions, podcasts, website and live events. Targeted at film enthusiasts.
• Grazia Fashion and lifestyle magazine published fortnightly with a highly targeted demographic of 25-45 year old women, with more AB profile readers than Vogue and Elle. Targeted at affluent fashion-conscious women.
• Take a Break UK's biggest-selling women's magazine for over a quarter of a century, with brand extensions selling over 10 million copies each year. Targeted at mass-market female readers.
• MOJO Music magazine covering stories about favourite records, interviews with music heroes and reviews of the month's best releases. Targeted at music journalism enthusiasts.
• heat Multi-platform entertainment brand including magazine, radio station, podcast, app and large online and social media presence. Targeted at entertainment enthusiasts.
• Closer Magazine combining celebrity news with extraordinary real-life content, focused on readers' needs around family, friends, wellbeing and personal time. Targeted at women interested in celebrity and real-life stories.
• CAR magazine

Quantifiable outcome

• 97% campaign awareness among Absolute Radio listeners for Wickes partnership
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• SubwaycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 June 2026Headline sponsor of KISSTORY 2026 summer events including KISSTORY Blackheath (July 25) and KISSTORY Bristol (June 27), bringing 'Keep It Fresh' platform to over 13,000 music fans. Partnership includes on-air campaign across KISSTORY and KISSTORY R&B with competitions and promotions.
• Global (Radio)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 May 2026Headline Partner for The Podcast Show 2026 (May 20-21, London Business Design Centre), continuing strategic partnership bringing podcast shows across UK and US markets. Record attendance expected with delegates from 50+ countries.
• iHeartPodcastsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 May 2026Headline Partner for The Podcast Show 2026, continuing strategic partnership across UK and US podcast markets. The show returns for its fifth edition with 450+ speakers across 170 sessions.
• EBU (European Broadcasting Union)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Partnership in Radio Ready initiative launched at WorldDAB Automotive Conference in Madrid, June 2025. Initiative aims to ensure radio remains accessible, discoverable, and easy to use in connected cars through four guiding principles.
• Association of European RadioscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Co-developer of Radio Ready initiative with EBU and Bauer Media Group, working to maintain radio's presence in the connected-car environment with backing from major broadcasters.
• BBC (Radio Ready)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Major broadcaster backing Radio Ready initiative to shape industry collaboration and maintain radio's presence in connected cars, alongside Global, NRJ, Radio France, RTL, and Sveriges Radio.
• Global (Radio Ready)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Major UK broadcaster backing Radio Ready initiative with EBU, Association of European Radios and Bauer Media Group to ensure radio accessibility in connected cars.
• Clear Channel Europe-NorthflagshipOthers · 16 January 2025Bauer Media Group acquired Clear Channel Europe-North for $625 million in early 2025, significantly expanding the company's outdoor advertising presence. This acquisition brings Bauer Media's Audio, Publishing, and Outdoor businesses together in London under one campus.
• VerycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 April 2024Fashion partnership with Very targeting mums on a budget across heat, Closer and Grazia magazines. Multi-channel campaign including print, shoppable video, social media and influencer content with Smartzer technology enabling direct shopping from content. Achieved +17% average uplift in sales.
• BBCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 March 2024BBC personnel have participated in Bauer Academy training programs as part of the 25,000+ individuals trained across 60+ external clients including media companies, agencies and retailers.
• OgilvyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 March 2024Ogilvy has utilized Bauer Academy training services as part of professional development initiatives for their people.
• ITVminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 March 2024ITV personnel have participated in Bauer Academy training programs as part of cross-industry professional development initiatives.
• Big LotteryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Community project collaborator with Bauer Academy in initiatives contributing to creating a robust talent pipeline for Bauer Media and partner businesses.
• Prince's TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Community project collaborator with Bauer Academy supporting youth employment and skills development initiatives.
• VeritonecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Technology partnership providing in-market audio attribution tool that measures uplift in web traffic within an 8-minute window post advertising on air. Tool enables Wickes and other clients to measure campaign effectiveness.
• Halilit (Mother & Baby Award Winner)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Musical instruments company that won Mother & Baby Award and experienced uplift in sales of Taf Toys Developmental Pillow as direct result, demonstrating award's impact on purchase behavior.
• Love Supreme Jazz FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Jazz FM co-founded the Love Supreme Jazz Festival in Glynde, East Sussex. Annual broadcast partnership with live interviews and multiple performances from festival stages each July.
• WickesflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 202312-year ongoing partnership with Wickes (home improvement retailer) delivering integrated campaigns across Absolute Radio, Hits Radio, Planet Rock and Grazia. Partnership drives brand awareness, consideration and conversion with measurable results including 97% campaign awareness and 64% of listeners purchasing from Wickes after hearing advertising.
• The Story LabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Integrated creative agency within Bauer Media Group that collaborates on Wickes partnership and other major brand campaigns, developing multi-channel advertising solutions.

Scale indicators29 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Reach plc: UK's largest national and regional newspaper publisher (Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star, OK!, regional titles). Comparable multi-platform news and consumer media operator with overlapping advertising clients and Bauer Academy training relationships.
• Immediate Media: UK-based special-interest magazine and digital media publisher (Radio Times, BBC Good Food, olive, BBC History, etc.). Directly comparable UK magazine portfolio with similar advertising-led, multi-platform consumer model.
• JCDecaux: World's largest outdoor advertising company. Direct peer following Bauer's Clear Channel Europe-North acquisition, competing for out-of-home budgets across UK and European markets.
• Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings: Global out-of-home advertising company whose Europe-North business Bauer acquired for $625M in early 2025. Remaining parent and competitor in outdoor advertising globally, with overlapping municipal and transit contracts.
• Wireless Group (News Corp): UK and Ireland radio station operator owned by News Corp (formerly UTV Media). Direct peer in commercial radio broadcasting with comparable talk and music formats serving UK audiences.
• Future plc: UK-listed global multi-brand media company operating 200+ specialist titles across technology, gaming, music and home (TechRadar, Tom's Guide, GamesRadar+, etc.). Direct peer in consumer magazine and digital vertical publishing, monetised primarily through advertising and e-commerce.
• Global (Radio): UK's largest commercial radio company operating Capital, Heart, LBC, Classic FM, Smooth, Radio X and Capital Dance. Direct head-to-head competitor in UK commercial radio, particularly against Bauer's Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio networks, and a co-partner of Bauer in The Podcast Show.
• Condé Nast: Global premium magazine publisher (Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Wired, Tatler). Direct competitor in upmarket consumer magazines — particularly relevant for Grazia, Empire and the fashion/lifestyle end of Bauer's portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• News UK: UK media arm of News Corp publishing The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times and operating talkTV, Talk Radio and the Wireless Group. Broader incumbent media group that overlaps with Bauer in UK commercial radio and national consumer advertising inventory.
• Hearst: US-headquartered global media conglomerate operating magazines (Cosmopolitan, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Good Housekeeping), TV stations and digital media. Broad incumbent peer with overlapping consumer magazine and digital ad inventory across markets Bauer operates in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bauermedia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bauer-media-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/bauermedia.uk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bauer Media Group