Report: Radio Remains Audio's Top Reach Medium

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 2:51pm CT

Katz Radio Group

Radio continues to deliver unmatched reach and relevance even as the broader audio landscape expands, according to a new analysis from Katz Radio Group.

Citing recent data from Edison Research and Nielsen, Katz said audio consumption is growing across platforms, devices and demographics, with online audio now reaching 76% of Americans monthly, or about 233 million people. Weekly listening stands at 70%, underscoring audio's role as a daily habit.

Growth is also expanding across age groups. Among adults 55 and older, monthly online audio listening has jumped from 52% to 70% in just two years, signaling broader adoption beyond younger audiences.

Despite the rise of streaming and podcasts, radio maintains the largest footprint. Nielsen reports AM/FM radio reaches 93% of U.S. adults each month, making it one of the most widely used media channels available to advertisers. That reach translates into usage, with 61% of all ad-supported audio listening time in Q4 2025 going to radio, compared to 21% for podcasts and 15% for streaming audio.

The in-car environment remains a key strength. About 73% of Americans use AM/FM radio in the car, continuing to make it the dominant audio source during commutes and travel.

At home, Katz noted that radio's presence has expanded alongside digital adoption. With smartphone ownership at 91% and smart speaker penetration at 39%, consumers are increasingly accessing radio through apps, connected devices and voice-enabled platforms, extending its reach beyond traditional listening environments.

Katz concludes that radio remains the foundation of the audio ecosystem, combining scale, accessibility and consistent reach across multiple platforms. As listening habits fragment across services and devices, radio continues to provide a stable, ad-supported environment that connects with audiences throughout the day.

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