Times Radio - Listen Live is a premium news and talk radio platform that leverages the editorial authority of The Times and The Sunday Times. It targets news-conscious professionals with a focus on expert-led debate and high-quality journalism, positioning itself as a sophisticated alternative to public broadcasters like the BBC. The app currently serves as a free distribution channel for Times Media content, focusing on brand loyalty rather than direct monetization.
Product velocity
Maintenance
Daily rank 🇺🇸
—
News
Sentiment
4.8
329 reviews
Nemesis
Global Player Radio & Podcasts
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For News-conscious individuals and professionals in the UK and globally who value high-quality, expert-led political and social commentary.
Key features
24/7 live broadcast of Times Radio featuring news, debate, and expert analysis.
Content hosted by respected presenters and journalists from The Times and The Sunday Times.
Access to a library of flagship podcasts including 'The Story' and 'Off Air'.
How much does it cost?
The app serves as a free distribution channel for Times Media content, likely driving brand loyalty and traffic to their broader subscription-based digital newspaper ecosystem.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentperformanceShow more...
The app has not released any descriptive release notes for its most recent version, indicating a lack of visible feature development. With only a single version update provided and no evidence of new functionality, the app appears to be in maintenance mode. Development momentum is currently stagnant, focusing solely on background stability or minor technical adjustments.
Who built it?
Times Media Limited (Apps)
5 apps tracked · News
The Times: UK & World News
The Times Literary Supplement
The Times Classic
Times PuzzlesUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads excited. Users appreciate high-quality content and app simplicity, but report playback navigation issues.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- High-Quality Content
- App Simplicity
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Times Radio - Listen Live
How's the News market?
The rivals identified
By Global Media & Entertainment Limited
Direct commercial rival in the UK market, aggregating major talk-radio brands like LBC that compete for the same 'informed conversation' audience.
- Multi-station ecosystem allows users to switch between News (LBC), Classic FM, and Pop within one app — target is a single-brand experience.
- Features a 'Skip' function for live radio segments on specific stations, allowing a semi-on-demand experience for linear broadcasts.
- Aggregates 18+ radio brands under one login, creating a higher-frequency daily utility than a standalone station app.
Sky News: Breaking, UK & WorldContender
NPR: National & Local NewsContender
Reuters - Breaking World NewsContenderUnlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Times Radio - Listen Live
Where is it heading?
- Users cite content as superior to BBC and NPR — strong editorial moat.
- Technical debt in playback controls remains unresolved in recent v55.5.0 update.
- Recent updates focused on maintenance/bug fixes rather than feature expansion.
The SWOT
- Exclusive access to The Times' journalistic talent
- High user trust and perceived content superiority over BBC
- Clean, simple UI focused on core audio utility
- AI-generated chapters and transcripts for long-form debate
- Introduction of 'Skip' functionality for live segments
- Expansion into broader platform ecosystems (iPad, CarPlay)
Next best moves
Re-engineer the playback slider UI component
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Live segment 'Skip' function (available in Global Player) +3
Bottom line
Times Radio has successfully built a high-intent audience through superior editorial content, but technical debt in the player UI is a critical churn risk. To maintain its lead over commercial rivals like Global Player, the PM must prioritize playback responsiveness and stability over new content features.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeReport last updated