Local Radio Drives $437B, Supports 909K U.S. Jobs

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:11pm CT

Wood & Poole Economics and BIA

A new economic study finds that free, local radio remains a powerful engine of the U.S. economy, generating $437 billion in annual GDP and supporting more than 909,000 jobs nationwide, underscoring radio's role as essential infrastructure in communities across the country.

The analysis, conducted by Woods & Poole Economics with support from BIA Advisory Services, measures the full economic footprint of local broadcast radio and television. While the combined impact totals $1.19 trillion in GDP and 2.46 million jobs, radio alone accounts for more than one-third of that activity, driven by its reach, advertising effectiveness, and role in local information delivery.

According to the study, local radio directly generates nearly $20 billion in GDP and employs about 115,000 people, spanning air talent, journalism, engineering, sales, and operations. Beyond station payrolls, radio creates a significant ripple effect across other industries -- supporting an additional $47.8 billion in GDP and 287,000 jobs through supplier spending and employee household consumption.

The largest economic contribution comes from radio's advertising impact. By providing free, over-the-air access to product and service information, radio advertising stimulates $369 billion in economic activity and supports more than 506,000 jobs, helping local businesses reach customers efficiently while fueling broader consumer demand.

Beyond economics, the study highlights radio's unique public-service role. Local stations are a cornerstone of the nation's Emergency Alert System, capable of reaching audiences during wildfires, hurricanes, and other crises-even when power, broadband, or mobile networks fail. Radio also remains a primary source of trusted local news, community events, and sports, available without subscription fees or internet access.

"No other industry gives more to Americans for free," said Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. He added that the findings reinforce broadcasting's importance not only to democracy and public safety, but to the strength of the U.S. economy.

As policymakers weigh changes to media and communications policy, the report concludes that free, local radio continues to deliver outsized economic and civic value -- supporting jobs, enabling commerce, and ensuring every community has access to critical information, regardless of income or connectivity.