Radio Weekly Reach Holds Strong at 84%, Study Finds

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 7:30pm CT

FMR/Eastlan Ratings

Radio continues to maintain a dominant and stable position in the audio landscape, according to new findings from the 2026 FMR/Eastlan Ratings National Radio Listening Survey.

The study shows that 84% of adults ages 25-64 listen to AM/FM radio each week, a level that has remained remarkably consistent over the past five years. The report notes that radio's weekly reach has held steady despite continued growth in other audio platforms.

Streaming audio reaches 63% of adults weekly, while personal music listening accounts for 60%. Podcast listening stands at 40% weekly in 2026, stabilizing after a significant surge during the 2025 election year. Researchers said the increase in podcast consumption appears to represent additional time spent with audio rather than drawing listeners away from radio, streaming or satellite platforms.

The survey also found that traditional broadcast remains the primary way audiences listen to radio. Two-thirds of all primary radio listening occurs through traditional AM/FM receivers, while 11% takes place through a phone app and 16% through streaming. In markets ranked 31 and smaller, traditional AM/FM accounts for 68% of primary listening.

The 2026 study also examined how listeners watch video podcasts. Among respondents who view podcasts on video platforms, 72% said they primarily use YouTube. Instagram and TikTok trailed significantly, each cited by 10% of viewers.

The statistically projectable national survey included 1,000 adults ages 25-64 and was designed to be demographically balanced and geographically representative across the United States.