Business · Companies · 15 hrs ago
UK consumers turn to radios and physical music to reduce screen time
British consumers are buying more radios and physical music as some seek to spend less time on screens.
A survey for electronics brands Pure and TEAC found that 52% of Gen Z respondents had made dedicated listening spaces at home, and 23% put their phones out of reach while listening.
The trend includes vinyl, cassettes and retro-style radios, with nearly half of Gen Z saying they would consider buying a modern cassette player.
Radio remains widely used in the UK: 87% of adults listened to their chosen stations each week in the second quarter of 2026.
Digital and online platforms now account for almost 75% of UK radio listening, and the DAB+ market grew by 5.5% last year.
Emergency preparedness also boosted battery-radio sales: Pure said sales of its AA-battery radio rose sharply after government advice on keeping a battery or wind-up radio at home.
British households are buying radios and physical music formats as they seek to reduce screen time.
A report by electronics brands Pure and TEAC says consumers want to enjoy music without constant notifications and scrolling.
The survey found that 52% of Gen Z respondents had created dedicated listening spaces at home.
The UK digital radio market grew by 5.5% last year, according to GfK figures.
Pure said sales of its battery-operated Elan One2 radio rose sharply after government emergency-preparedness advice.
- Who
- UK consumers, including Gen Z listeners and older adults.
- What
- Consumers are turning to radios, vinyl, cassettes and CDs as they seek to reduce screen time.
- When
- The report was published on November 8, 2026. It also cites UK digital radio market growth last year.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- Consumers are seeking to listen to music without constant notifications and scrolling, and some value radio for company, calm and ease of use.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Government issued preparedness advice urging households to have a battery or wind-up option available for emergencies.
Pure said sales of its Elan One2 radio spiked by 7,360% compared with a regular October.
- Gen Z listening spaces
- 52% said they had created dedicated listening spaces at home.
- Phone out of reach
- 23% of Gen Z respondents said they actively put their phone out of reach while listening to music.
- Digital radio growth
- UK digital radio market grew by 5.5% last year.
- Elan One2 sales
- Rose by 7,360% on a regular October after the preparedness announcement.
- Weekly radio audience
- 51.1 million UK adults, or 87% of the adult population, tuned in during the second quarter of 2026.
What people are saying
Radio has never really left the home, but the reasons people value it are evolving.
For some it’s familiarity, for others it’s calm, design and ease of use. What unites them is that radio still creates an atmosphere without distraction.