Drive-Time Congestion Expands Radio's In-Car Reach

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 2:36pm CT

Katz Radio Group

As daily traffic congestion rises across major U.S. metro areas, new insights point to an expanding opportunity for brands to reach attentive in-car audiences, with AM/FM radio continuing to dominate in-vehicle audio listening.

According to a new analysis from Katz Radio, the typical U.S. driver now spends 49 hours a year in traffic -- six more than in 2024 -- underscoring the growing importance of the car as a space for content consumption, communication, and advertising. The findings draw on newly released data from INRIX, whose latest Global Traffic Scorecard shows drivers losing nearly two full days annually to congestion alone.

The increase is most pronounced in large urban markets that are also among the nation's top radio metros. Sixteen U.S. cities exceeded the national average for hours lost to traffic in 2025. Drivers in Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles logged more than double the national average time spent in congestion, translating into longer and more consistent daily drive times.

INRIX data shows Chicago now ranks as the most impacted U.S. city, with drivers losing an average of 112 hours to congestion in 2025, surpassing New York at 102 hours. Chicago's delays rose 10% year over year, while congestion in New York remained relatively flat following the implementation of congestion pricing, which sharply reduced traffic on several previously overburdened corridors.

Despite the growing array of in-car entertainment options, AM/FM radio continues to lead in-vehicle audio usage. Katz Radio reports that broadcast radio captures nine out of every ten minutes spent with in-car audio, exceeding the combined share of streaming services, podcasts, and satellite radio. The firm notes that this dominance translates into broader reach and more frequent exposure for advertisers during extended commute windows.

As congestion stretches daily travel times and reinforces the car as a consistent part of consumers' routines, Katz Radio argues that in-car media -- particularly broadcast radio -- offers brands a reliable way to reach listeners when attention is already engaged. With longer drives becoming the norm in many markets, drive time is increasingly positioned as prime time for audio advertising.

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