Report: Nielsen Profiles Summer Radio Listening

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 3, 2017 | 1:37am CT

With the summer of 2017 upon us, Nielsen says Classic Rock -- last summer's outstanding format -- is already surging and already outpacing last year's numbers in the May PPM. A year ago the Classic Rock format had a 5.1% share of the listening audience (persons 6+). At the same time, Urban Contemporary has set some new benchmarks, tying the all-time mark in total listener share. Among Millennial listeners (18-34 year-olds), UC set a new record with a 7% share, up from 6.5% in May 2016.

Country is also growing its Millennial audience, which increased from 7.2% in the Holiday book to 8.7% in May. On a 25-to-54 audience basis, Country remains at the top of this summer horserace pack, moving up one-10th of a share point in each of the past few months. Classic Rock is also moving steadily upward, while Classic Hits has been up and then down. Nielsen also said that Urban Contemporary set another new record in May among 25-54 year-olds.