How to end your Radio Times subscription in the UK

About Radio Times

Radio Times stands as Britain's longest-running television and radio listings magazine, having served UK households since 1923. Originally created by the BBC to publish programme schedules, this iconic publication has evolved into a comprehensive entertainment guide covering terrestrial, satellite, and streaming content across all major UK broadcasters. Today, Radio Times offers both print and digital subscriptions, delivering weekly issues packed with TV and radio listings, exclusive interviews, feature articles, and entertainment news that help millions of readers plan their viewing and listening habits.

The magazine maintains its position as a trusted source for entertainment journalism, providing detailed programme information up to two weeks in advance. Subscribers receive not only comprehensive listings but also behind-the-scenes features, celebrity interviews, and expert recommendations across television, radio, film, and streaming platforms. Radio Times has adapted remarkably well to the digital age, offering both traditional print editions and digital access through apps and online platforms, though many loyal readers still prefer the tactile experience of the physical magazine.

Despite its enduring popularity, circumstances change, and subscribers sometimes need to cancel their membership. Common reasons include switching to digital-only TV guides, reducing household expenses, preferring on-demand content that doesn't require advance planning, or simply finding that electronic programme guides built into smart TVs and set-top boxes meet their needs. Whatever your reason for cancelling, understanding the proper process ensures a smooth termination without unexpected charges or complications.

Plans, features and pricing

Radio Times offers several subscription options tailored to different reader preferences and budgets. Understanding what you're currently paying helps you make informed decisions about cancellation and ensures you're not leaving money on the table by cancelling at the wrong time in your billing cycle.

Current subscription options

The magazine provides flexibility through multiple subscription tiers. Print subscribers receive the weekly magazine delivered directly to their door, whilst digital subscribers access content through the Radio Times website and dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices. Some packages combine both formats for readers who want the best of both worlds.

Keep in mind that Radio Times frequently runs promotional offers, particularly around Christmas and New Year when TV viewing peaks. You might have subscribed at a discounted introductory rate that increased after the initial period. Check your most recent payment to confirm your current rate, as this affects any potential refund calculations.

What subscribers receive

Print subscribers get the weekly magazine delivered every Tuesday, covering the following two weeks of programming. Each issue includes comprehensive listings for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky channels, and major streaming services. Digital subscribers access the same content through responsive apps with enhanced features like personalised recommendations, searchable listings, and the ability to set reminders for favourite programmes.

Additional benefits typically include exclusive subscriber-only content, early access to special editions, and occasional competitions. Some subscription packages offer bonus access to the Radio Times archive, allowing readers to explore decades of entertainment history. These extras might seem valuable, but if you're not actively using them, they probably don't justify the ongoing cost.

Price increases and billing cycles

Most importantly, understand your billing cycle before cancelling. Annual subscribers who cancel mid-term may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for undelivered issues, whilst quarterly subscribers should time their cancellation to avoid paying for another term. Radio Times typically bills quarterly subscribers approximately two weeks before the next period begins, so acting promptly prevents unwanted charges.

Magazine subscriptions often increase prices annually, usually announced in renewal notices. If you've noticed a recent price jump, you're not alone—many subscribers choose to cancel when rates rise beyond what they consider reasonable value. This is perfectly legitimate, and you shouldn't feel obligated to continue a subscription that no longer fits your budget.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Radio Times' cancellation policy protects your rights and ensures you're not caught off guard by unexpected charges or complications. UK consumer law provides strong protections for subscribers, but knowing the specific terms helps you navigate the process smoothly.

Notice periods and requirements

Radio Times typically requires subscribers to provide cancellation notice before the next billing cycle begins. For quarterly subscriptions, this usually means notifying them at least 14 days before your renewal date. Annual subscribers generally have more flexibility but should still provide reasonable notice to ensure processing before any automatic renewal occurs.

The magazine operates under UK consumer protection regulations, which means you have statutory rights beyond what their standard terms might suggest. If you're within 14 days of starting a new subscription, you have a legal cooling-off period allowing cancellation with a full refund under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This applies particularly to subscriptions purchased online or over the phone.

Refund entitlements

Radio Times' refund policy varies depending on your subscription type and how much of your term remains. Annual subscribers who cancel mid-term are typically entitled to a refund for undelivered issues, calculated on a pro-rata basis. However, the magazine may deduct a small administrative fee or charge the difference between your discounted annual rate and what you would have paid for individual issues.

For example, if you paid £140 for an annual subscription but cancel after six months, you might expect roughly £70 back. However, if the monthly equivalent rate is higher than your annual rate when broken down, the refund calculation becomes more complex. Always request a clear breakdown of any refund calculation to ensure accuracy.

Automatic renewals and continuous payment authority

Many Radio Times subscriptions operate on automatic renewal, particularly those paid by continuous payment authority through debit or credit cards. This means your subscription continues indefinitely until you actively cancel it. Simply stopping payment through your bank doesn't constitute proper cancellation and may result in debt collection attempts or credit issues.

Additionally, be aware that cancelling your payment method without properly terminating your subscription can create complications. Radio Times may continue to send magazines and bill you for them, leading to outstanding balances. Always cancel through proper channels first, then consider cancelling the payment authority as a secondary measure.

UK legal protections for subscribers

British consumer law strongly favours subscribers in disputes with magazine publishers. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires services to be provided as described, and if Radio Times fails to deliver magazines on time or provides defective copies, you have grounds for compensation or cancellation without penalty. Keep records of any service failures if you're cancelling due to poor delivery.

Furthermore, if Radio Times makes it unreasonably difficult to cancel—such as requiring phone calls during limited hours or ignoring cancellation requests—this potentially violates consumer protection guidelines. Documented postal cancellation provides the strongest legal evidence that you've fulfilled your obligations, which is why this method is strongly recommended over less formal approaches.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation represents the most reliable and legally robust method for terminating your Radio Times subscription. Unlike phone calls that leave no record or online forms that might malfunction, a properly sent letter creates indisputable evidence of your cancellation request and the date you submitted it.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

First, understand why experienced subscription managers consistently recommend postal cancellation. Written correspondence creates a permanent record that protects you if disputes arise about whether you cancelled, when you cancelled, or what you requested. Phone conversations can be forgotten or misrecorded, and online systems sometimes experience technical glitches that lose your request entirely.

Most importantly, sending your cancellation via Royal Mail Tracked or Recorded Delivery provides proof of posting and delivery. This evidence becomes invaluable if Radio Times claims they never received your cancellation and attempts to charge you for additional terms. In any dispute, your tracking receipt demonstrates you took reasonable steps to notify them, shifting the burden of proof onto the company.

Additionally, postal cancellation allows you to include all necessary information in one comprehensive communication. You can clearly state your cancellation intention, provide your account details, specify your preferred last delivery date, request refund calculations, and ask for written confirmation—all in a single, organised document that leaves no room for misunderstanding.

Essential information to include

Your cancellation letter must contain specific information to ensure Radio Times can identify your account and process your request without delays. At minimum, include your full name exactly as it appears on your subscription, your complete delivery address, your subscriber number if available (found on magazine wrappers or previous correspondence), and the email address associated with your account.

Next, clearly state your intention to cancel using unambiguous language. Phrases like \