Study: Podcasting and Audiobooks Both Attain 50% Reach

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 6, 2019 | 5:03pm CT

Edison Research and Triton Digital

Podcasting is showing explosive year-over-year growth as the 2019 Infinite Dial Study by Edison Research and Triton Digital reflect gains in spoken-word audio. Among the U.S. population ages 12 and older, the total number of people who have ever listened to a podcast passes 50% for the first time. One-third of the population reported having listened to a podcast in the last month, representing 90 million monthly listeners. The spoken-word audio sector also saw increases with audiobooks, as the portion of the U.S. population that has ever listened to an audiobook surpasses one-half for the first time.

"This is a watershed moment for podcasting -- a true milestone. With over half of Americans 12+ saying that they have ever listened to a podcast, the medium has firmly crossed into the mainstream," noted Edison Research Senior VP Tom Webster.

"It's a pleasure to once again partner with Edison Research for another insightful presentation of media usage and consumption in the U.S." added Triton Digital President of Market Development John Rosso.

The latest study also finds that the number of current users of Facebook continues to drop. The study shows an estimated 15 million fewer users of Facebook than in the 2017 report. The declines are heavily concentrated among younger people.

Other findings include:

• More than half the U.S. population now reports having used YouTube specifically for music in last week. This number is now 70% among 12-34-year-olds.

• The percentage of Americans who listen to online audio (defined as listening to AM/FM radio stations online and/or listening to streamed audio content available only on the internet) has doubled since 2012, growing from one-third of the population to two-thirds.

• Time spent listening to online audio has reached a record high this year, with weekly online audio listeners reporting an average of nearly 17 hours of listening in the last week.

The 2019 Infinite Dial is the latest report in a series dating back to 1998 that covers consumer usage of media and technology, and has tracked many new mediums as they develop. The Infinite Dial currently provides the latest research in U.S. digital audio, mobile, smart speakers, podcast consumption, and social media. To view the presentation, visit www.edisonresearch.com/infinite-dial-2019/

Edison: Top Podcasts Hold Steady in Q1 2026 Edison Research at SSRS Edison Research at SSRS, has released its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2026, based on reach among weekly podcast listeners ages 13 and older. The rankings from Edison Podcast Metrics show continued dominance at the top, with The Joe Rogan Experience, Crime Junkie, and The Daily More

Bob Kevoian, ''Bob & Tom'' Co-Founder, Dies at 75 Bob Kevoian Bob Kevoian, the longtime co-host and co-creator of The Bob & Tom Show, has died at the age of 75. According to media reports and a statement shared on social media, Kevoian passed away Friday at his home, surrounded by family and friends, following a three-year battle with cancer. Kevoian's final More

98 Rock Sacramento Unveils New Weekday Lineup Abe Kanan KRXQ-FM (98 Rock) in Sacramento will roll out a revamped weekday lineup beginning Monday, April 20, featuring new roles for Abe Kanan (pictured) and Michael Whitney. Kanan moves into morning drive with the launch of "Abe Kanan Mornings," airing from 6-10am PT. He previously handled afternoons at the station More

Broadcast Electronics Names Berry Chief Revenue Officer Broadcast Electronics Broadcast Electronics has appointed Andrew Berry as Chief Revenue Officer, marking the first time the company has created the role as it looks to expand customer engagement and global growth. Berry will oversee all customer-facing functions, including worldwide sales and service More

NPR Secures $110 Million in Major Philanthropic Gifts NPR NPR has received more than $110 million in philanthropic contributions, including the largest gift ever made by a living donor in the organization's history, as it looks to expand digital capabilities and strengthen its national network. Philanthropist Connie Ballmer contributed More

AOA Expands With New Weekend Edition Launch Agriculture of America (AOA) Farm and Ranch Media has announced it will expand its radio lineup with a weekend edition of its syndicated talk program, "Agriculture of America" (AOA), beginning May 1. The new "AOA: Weekend Edition" builds on the weekday show, which launched in 2018 and is now heard on more More