AM/FM Radio Leads In-Car Listening, Edison Says

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12:32pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

AM/FM radio continues to dominate in-car audio listening despite growing competition from digital platforms, according to newly released Q1 2026 data from Edison Research at SSRS.

The latest "Share of Ear" findings show that 55% of all in-car audio time among Americans age 13 and older is spent with AM/FM radio, whether over-the-air or via streaming. That places it well ahead of all other audio sources in the car.

Streaming audio ranks a distant second, accounting for 16% of in-car listening. While streaming usage has grown steadily over the past decade, the report notes it has yet to seriously challenge radio's lead among the total population.

Among younger listeners, streaming platforms make stronger gains but still trail radio. For Americans ages 13-34, AM/FM radio captures 46% of in-car audio time, compared with 30% for streaming audio.

The report underscores radio's continued strength in the car, even as consumers gain access to an expanding array of digital audio options.