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True Crime Podcast Listeners Triple in Five Years


Edison Research
Edison Research

The true crime genre has seen exponential growth in podcasting, positioning itself as a dominant category among American listeners, according to the newly released True Crime Consumer Report from Edison Research and audiochuck. Data from Edison Podcast Metrics highlights how the audience for true crime podcasts has expanded significantly over the past five years.

In 2019, an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 18 and older listened to true crime podcasts weekly. This number has nearly tripled, reaching over 19.1 million in 2024. True crime now ranks as the third most popular podcast genre in the U.S., surpassing sports and trailing only comedy and society & culture.

True crime podcasts captivate listeners with their storytelling, suspense, and insights into criminal psychology. Key findings reveal that:

  • 50% of listeners are drawn to the genre for its suspense and thrill.

  • 49% appreciate the psychological exploration of criminal events, while 48% enjoy forensic science elements.

  • A significant portion of listeners also values the advocacy inherent in true crime coverage, with many feeling compelled to support victims or share cases to raise awareness.

Beyond entertainment, true crime podcasts have proven to be catalysts for social change. Listeners are over three times more likely than non-listeners to donate to related causes, sign petitions, or even provide tips to aid investigations. Notable cases, like the exoneration of James Reyos following a feature on the popular podcast Crime Junkie, underscore the genre's transformative potential.

The report emphasizes opportunities for further growth by focusing on victim-centered storytelling and topics that resonate deeply with audiences, such as local cases, high-profile crimes, and the psychology behind criminal actions. Podcasts like Crime Junkie, ranked among the most popular in the U.S., illustrate the genre's ability to attract and sustain large audiences.

As the demand for true crime content continues to rise, creators and brands associated with these podcasts are poised to benefit from the genre's unique blend of education, advocacy, and intensive audience engagement.

Broude Named Chief Judge for 2025 Radio Mercury Awards


Chad Broude
Chad Broude

The Radio Mercury Awards has announced Chad Broude, co-founder and chief creative officer of Highdive Advertising, as the chief judge for the 34th annual Radio Mercury Awards competition. Broude, recognized for his innovative approach to advertising, will lead the final judging process for the prestigious awards celebrating excellence in radio creative.

Broude, a self-described "student of culture," is dedicated to using its influence to create impactful advertising that advances brands. At Highdive, he collaborates with co-founder and co-chief creative officer Mark Gross to oversee creative campaigns for major clients including Jeep, State Farm, BetMGM, Jersey Mike's, NHL, KFC, Frito-Lay, and Perfetti Van Melle. Under Broude's leadership, Highdive has earned multiple accolades, including the 2024 Radio Mercury Awards Best of Show, a spot on Ad Age's 2024 A-List, and Adweek's Breakthrough Agency of the Year. The agency has also topped the USA Today Super Bowl Ad Meter four times in the last five years.

"Ideas that stand out have been a crucial part of my career," said Broude. "The Radio Mercury Awards celebrate the best of those ideas, and I am excited to work with my jury to hear the creative brilliance that this medium inspires."

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) President and CEO Mike Hulvey, who is also chair of the Radio Creative Fund, expressed enthusiasm about Broude's appointment. "We are thrilled to have Chad as our chief judge. Highdive's history of exceptional creativity demonstrates the enduring power of radio as a platform for innovative ideas."

The Radio Mercury Awards, established in 1992, recognize outstanding creative achievements in radio and audio advertising. The competition's 2025 award categories, entry guidelines, and deadlines will be announced in December.

Hope Media Group Names Jon Hull Vice President Emeritus


Jon Hull
Jon Hull

Hope Media Group (HMG) announces Jon Hull as its new Vice President Emeritus, effective January 1, 2025. In his new post, Hull will use his experience to help lead and encourage the on-air donor acquisition teams, while also working with those teams that engage existing and lapsed donors off-air. In addition, Hull will join the leadership team that strategizes support drives & programming initiatives.

"I'm so grateful Jon Hull will become Hope Media Group's Vice President Emeritus. This title is one of distinction and honor-something Jon has more than earned in his 28 years of service to God through this ministry. I consider Jon a national treasure, as does the Christian radio industry," shared Hope Media Group CEO Joe Paulo.

Formerly VP of Donor Acquisition, Hull has been a cornerstone of the ministry, recently receiving Hope Media Group's Legacy Award in recognition of his dedication and contributions, which have shaped the ministry's ability to impact lives for generations to come.

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NAB Now Accepting Nominations for 2025 Technology Awards


National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has opened nominations for the 2025 NAB Technology Awards, which honor outstanding contributions to broadcast engineering, digital leadership, and technology innovation. The awards will be presented during the 2025 NAB Show, scheduled for April 5-9 in Las Vegas.

The NAB Technology Awards include three categories:

  • NAB Digital Leadership Award: Recognizes individuals at a broadcast station, group, or network who have played a pivotal role in advancing digital initiatives and leveraging emerging technologies for business success.

  • Engineering Achievement Awards: Honors individuals in both radio and television categories for exceptional accomplishments in the broadcast industry.

  • Technology Innovation Award: Celebrates organizations that conduct advanced research and development in communication technologies. Eligible technologies must demonstrate significant merit, be showcased at the NAB Show, and remain non-commercialized at the time of consideration.

"NAB Technology Awards honor the creative thinkers and technical leaders who push boundaries and elevate our industry to new heights," said NAB Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Sam Matheny. "We look forward to celebrating these visionary individuals and organizations at NAB Show in April, where their contributions will inspire the entire broadcast community."

The deadlines for nominations for the Digital Leadership Award and Engineering Achievement Awards are January 21, 2025. Deadline for the Technology Innovation Award is March 3, 2025. Nominations are open now, and submission details can be found on the NAB website.

WABD Holds Successful Annual Camp Out for Hunger Food Drive


Camp Out for Hunger Food Drive
Camp Out for Hunger Food Drive

Cumulus Media's WABD in Mobile successfully wrapped up its annual Camp Out for Hunger Food Drive, collecting over 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food for Gulf Coast families facing food insecurity. The ten-day event, held in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast and sponsors such as Mobile Mitsubishi, Walmart and Mobile County Public Schools, ran from November 8 through November 18 at the Walmart on Schillinger Road South.

Midday host Vincent "Mojo" Wilson camped out on a school bus parked in the Walmart parking lot until the bus was completely filled with food donations. Station staff, local businesses, and community members contributed to the event's success.

"This effort highlights the power of radio and community collaboration," said Cumulus Mobile and Pensacola Regional Vice President and Market Manager Don Boyd. "Mojo and our team at 97.5 WABD stepped up to meet an important need, showing the impact we can have when we come together."

Mojo reflected on the experience with gratitude and humor. "After ten days of no sleep and hearing every parking lot noise imaginable, it's all been worth it," he said. "The Gulf Coast community showed up in a big way, and I'm beyond thankful. Families won't go hungry this holiday season because of their generosity."

Mojo hinted at more to come: "After a little rest, we'll gear up to stuff another bus in December. Stay tuned."

CMG/Atlanta Names Michael Saunders as WALR D/B&P


Michael Saunders
Michael Saunders

Cox Media Group (CMG) appoints Michael Saunders as the new Director of Branding & Programming for WALR-FM (Kiss 104.1) in Atlanta. He'll start this role November 25. Saunders' career includes brands such as KQBT-FM in Houston, WJLB-FM in Detroit, CMG's WCFB-FM in Orlando (2011-2016) and the launch of WWPR in New York in 2002. He founded the New York, Detroit and Florida Music Conferences and was inducted into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.

"We're excited for Michael to join our award-winning KISS 104.1 team and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on culture, branding, and our community," said CMG Atlanta's music brands Director of Operations Nate Reed.

"We're thrilled to welcome Michael back to the CMG family. I can't wait to watch WALR evolve to new heights with his programming leadership," added CMG SVP Programming Chris Eagan. "I'm beyond excited to return to Cox Media Group. I can't wait to work with Rob Babin, Chris Eagan, Nate Reed, Elroy Smith and the entire team at WALR, KISS 104.1 Atlanta," said Saunders.

Survey: Podcast Advertising Drives High Engagement


Veritonic
Veritonic

Podcasts continue to solidify their position as a powerful medium for brands, with a recent survey highlighting the effectiveness of podcast advertising. Conducted by Veritonic, the survey provides insights into how brands can optimize their audio creative strategies to maximize impact and drive measurable results.

The survey revealed that 29% of podcast listeners are "likely" to purchase a product after hearing an ad, with 12% "extremely likely." This underscores the trust listeners place in podcasters, particularly in host-read ads, which are viewed as authentic and lead to greater engagement.

Podcast ads outperform traditional formats like TV and social media in memorability. Over 40% of listeners reported feeling a stronger connection to brands advertised on podcasts. The highly engaged podcast audience fosters brand loyalty and top-of-mind awareness.

Listeners frequently take action after hearing podcast ads, with 57% visiting a brand's website and 28% making a purchase. These results demonstrate that podcast advertising goes beyond raising awareness-it drives direct business outcomes.

The effectiveness of podcast ads varies depending on the creative approach. While 26% of listeners prefer host-read ads, 32% are drawn to jingles. Testing and optimizing ad formats can help brands connect more effectively with their audiences.

Veritonic emphasizes the role of testing, optimization, and measurement in creating high-impact podcast ads. Platforms like Veritonic enable brands to refine their campaigns by analyzing engagement, emotional response, and metrics like brand lift and listener recall. This data-driven approach ensures brands can maximize their return on investment in podcast advertising.

MediaCo Holdings Reports Rising Q3 2024 Results


MediaCo
MediaCo

MediaCo Holding Inc., the parent company of New York-based WQHT-FM (Hot 97) and WBLS-FM, reported significant financial growth for the third quarter of 2024, thanks in large part to its acquisition of Estrella Media. Revenue grew 363% to $29.9 million from $6.4 million, while net income rose to $54.9 million (74 cents per share), reversing a $2.76 million (11 cents) loss from the same period last year.

Spot advertising sales was up 66% year-over-year to $19.6 million and Digital Revenue increased 19% to $5.8 million. Syndication and Event Revenue both rose by 3%. However, the company's New York-based radio stations faced challenges. Revenue from WQHT and WBLS fell 11.3% year-over-year due to weaker ad sales in the media and financial services sectors and underperformance of the annual Summer Jam concert.

The $25.5 million Estrella deal, finalized in April 2024, added substantial assets to MediaCo, including: a network of radio and TV stations across major U.S. markets like Los Angeles, Housto, and Miami. This acquisition is also reshaping MediaCo's operations as the company incurred $1.4 million in one-time costs during Q3 for studio and marketing consolidation as part of the integration process.

MediaCo is reportedly evaluating additional acquisition opportunities and asset sales. With the successful integration of Estrella Media, the company is poised to further expand its footprint in multimedia advertising, premium programming, and digital content production.

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Poll Highlight Declining Trust in News Media


Stagwell The Harris Poll
Stagwell The Harris Poll

Trust in news media continues to wane, yet Americans recognize its critical role in sustaining a healthy democracy, according to new polls by HarrisX and Harris Poll. Despite concerns over misinformation and bias, media consumption habits remain strong among a subset of the population identified as "news junkies."

A HarrisX survey reveals that 42% of Americans feel their trust in news media has declined, while only 15% see improvement and 43% report no change. Key drivers of this distrust include misinformation or fake news (57%), lack of separation between news and opinion content (46%), and sensationalism or bias (44%).

Despite these concerns, 78% of Americans prioritize following general news, with political (71%), economic (63%), international (63%), and healthcare news (59%) also drawing significant interest. Moreover, 56% believe younger generations should engage more with news to stay informed.

Trust in specific media sources varies. Local TV news leads with a trust level of 73%, followed by broadcast TV (67%), local newspapers (66%), and radio (65%). Social media ranks lowest at 41%.

The survey also sheds light on the habits of "news junkies," a group making up 25% of Americans. These individuals, primarily Gen X (64%) and college-educated (51%), consume an average of seven news articles daily and check the news 5.6 times per day. They are also more likely to view companies that advertise on news media favorably (74% compared to 66% of the general population).

Futuri Unveils Redesigned AI-Powered TopicPulse Platform


Futuri
Futuri

Futuri, a provider of AI-driven broadcast solutions, has announced a major redesign of its flagship real-time content intelligence platform, TopicPulse. This update aims to provide broadcasters, content creators, and digital publishers with enhanced tools to deliver relevant, engaging content to their audiences.

Designed to analyze audience behavior in real-time, TopicPulse offers actionable insights into trending stories, audience engagement, and untapped angles on current topics. The platform's core purpose is to empower users to identify content that resonates most effectively across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms.

New Features and Enhancements:

  • Smart Pulses: Customizable content categories allow users to track audience interest in key topics relevant to their markets.

  • Uncovered Angles: A feature that highlights story angles not yet explored, enabling broadcasters to deliver fresh perspectives.

  • Community Radar: This tool tracks activity in select Facebook groups, offering a localized look at audience interests within the TopicPulse ecosystem.

  • Broad Media Scanning: TopicPulse monitors X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and over 250,000 news sources to identify the most relevant stories in real time.

TopicPulse President Jay O'Connor highlighted the role of customer feedback in shaping the redesign. "Our customers have been instrumental in defining the features that matter most. This redesign is a testament to their input and our focus on delivering tools that inform what their audiences care about right now."

TopicPulse aims to help media organizations stay ahead in a competitive landscape, ensuring their content choices resonate with local audiences and key demographics.

Hughes & Coomer Extend Tenures as Cubs Radio Voices


Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer (Credit: Media Confidential)
Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer (Credit: Media Confidential)

Chicago Cubs fans can look forward to hearing familiar voices on the airwaves, as veteran broadcasters Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer have signed multi-year contract extensions to remain the radio voices of the team on Audacy Sports WSCR (670 The Score) through at least 2025.

Pat Hughes, 69, has been the "Voice of the Cubs" since 1996, earning widespread acclaim for his broadcasts. In 2023, he received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the sport's broadcasting greats.

Hughes began his Major League Baseball broadcasting career in 1983 with the Minnesota Twins before moving to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he spent 12 seasons. He joined the Cubs in 1996, forging a memorable partnership with Cubs legend Ron Santo until Santo's passing in 2010. Hughes later worked with Keith Moreland before pairing with Coomer in 2014.

Coomer, 58, enjoyed a nine-season Major League career, including a stint with the Cubs, before transitioning to broadcasting. He briefly called games for the Twins before joining Hughes in the Cubs Radio Network booth, where the duo has developed a strong rapport over the past decade.

AWM Honors Female Leaders at Gracies Leadership Awards


Alliance for Women in Media Honorees (see story bottom)
Alliance for Women in Media Honorees (see story bottom)

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) recognized the achievements of eight pioneering leaders at the annual Gracies Leadership Awards, held Tuesday at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The event highlighted these women's outstanding contributions to broadcasting, journalism, digital media, and beyond, celebrating their leadership and dedication to excellence.

The luncheon featured a fireside chat with Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award. Mitchell, NBC News' Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, shared insights from her decades-long career in journalism with Libby Leist, Executive Vice President of TODAY and Lifestyle. Their discussion emphasized the importance of amplifying women's voices in media, mentorship, and the power of investigative storytelling backed by thorough research and fact-checking.

The award recipients shared inspiring messages reflecting on their journeys and the broader mission of empowering women in media:

  • Sylvia Strobel, President & CEO of Twin Cities PBS and AWM Legacy Leadership Award recipient, remarked, "This recognition is not just a personal honor; it represents a collective effort of countless women who've paved the way for us in this industry."

  • Holly Tang, CFO of NBCUniversal Entertainment, expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance of mentorship, saying, "I am a product of a women-supporting-women philosophy... influential women have gone above and beyond in supporting me."

  • Jennifer Leimgruber, EVP Entertainment Programming at Premiere/iHeartMedia, urged attendees to mentor younger women, stating, "If we all continue to use our positions to champion younger women within our organizations, the representation of women in the future will be changed forever."

  • Deborah Parenti, President & Publisher of Streamline Media, emphasized the value of passion and using one's voice: "Find your passion and pursue it... Use your voice and encourage others to do the same."

  • Jen Sargent, CEO of Wondery, celebrated the AWM's mission, saying, "Ensuring that women's voices are heard, valued, and celebrated across every platform is an honor to be a part of."

  • Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive & GM at PBS, shared wisdom from her parents: "You're judged by the company you keep... and there's beautiful company in this space."

  • Sonia Coleman, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer at The Walt Disney Company, acknowledged the award by video, thanking AWM leaders who have mentored women globally.

AWM President Becky Brooks reaffirmed the organization's commitment to fostering the next generation of women in media: "While we know there is still much work to be done, those of you in this room are paving the way for the future."

AWM Board Chair Katina Arnold, VP of Corporate Communications at ESPN, highlighted the significance of the Gracie Awards as the organization's largest fundraiser. She noted, "As we approach the milestone 50th anniversary of the Gracie Awards in 2025, we are reminded of the importance of honoring and uplifting women in media."

As part of the event, the AWM Foundation launched an auction to fund initiatives connecting students and supporting emerging women leaders in media. Bidding is now open.

Honoree Photo (L-R):

Sylvia Strobel, AWM Legacy Leadership Award recipient and President & CEO, Twin Cities PBS
Holly Tang, CFO, NBCUniversal Entertainment
Jen Sargent, CEO, Wondery
Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award- NBC News' Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and Host of MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
Deborah Parenti, President & Publisher, Streamline Media
Jennifer Leimgruber, EVP Entertainment Programming, Premiere/iHeartMedia
Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Officer & GM, PBS

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KFUO Celebrates 100 Years as Oldest Christian Radio Station


KFUO-AM/St. Louis
KFUO-AM/St. Louis

KFUO-AM in St. Louis, the world's longest continuously operating Christian radio station, is marking its centennial year of broadcasting, celebrating 100 years of sharing faith-based programming since its first broadcast on December 14, 1924. Owned by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), KFUO began in a modest attic studio at Concordia Seminary on South Jefferson Avenue in St. Louis.

The station has launched a year-long series of centennial events with an open house on October 12. Visitors can explore a history display showcasing vintage radios, historic equipment, and photographs documenting the station's evolution over the last century. Studio tours will also be available throughout the year.

KFUO is honoring its history through special on-air programming, including interviews with former staff, audio archives, and a centennial documentary available on YouTube. Additionally, the station is producing an original radio drama adaptation of The Hammer of God by Lutheran theologian Bo Giertz.

KFUO has been at the forefront of religious broadcasting and technological advancements since its inception. The station played a key role in the syndication of religious programming, including The Lutheran Hour, which originated from KFUO's studios in the 1930s. Early syndication efforts relied on physical media like records and reel-to-reel tapes before transitioning to satellite delivery and eventually digital platforms.

In 1948, KFUO-FM became the first FM station west of the Mississippi River, a milestone that demonstrated the station's commitment to innovation. In the 1990s, KFUO and the LCMS won a landmark case against the Federal Communications Commission, affirming religious broadcasters' rights and shaping regulatory policies still in place today.

KFUO was also an early adopter of internet streaming and podcasting, launching its first podcasts in 2002. Today, its online content reaches a global audience, with more than 2 million downloads annually.

Hot Radio Maine to Give Away Over 200 Free Turkeys


Hot Radio Maine
Hot Radio Maine

Hot Radio Maine has announced the return of its annual Thanksgiving free turkey giveaway, a tradition now in its 12th year. The event has become a cornerstone for the station, having distributed over 2,500 turkeys to Maine families since its inception. This year, the station plans to give away more than 200 turkeys, a notable increase from previous years.

The giveaway, supported by Maine's Credit Unions and That Place in Ogunquit, will take place at the Wells IGA, located at 1517 Post Road, on Tuesday, November 26th. Turkeys will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11 a.m. until supplies are exhausted.

No cost or registration is required to participate in the event. Community members are encouraged to arrive early, and as in years past, the station asks attendees to allow those in need to collect their turkeys first.

Hot Radio Maine Program Director and morning host Ryan Deelon emphasized the significance of the event during an on-air announcement, stating, "This is one of the most important events our station holds each year. It's amazing to see how much the event has grown over the past 12 years. With the cost of everything on the rise, we're pleased to be able to provide a little relief to members of our community this Thanksgiving. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday."

Hot Radio Maine broadcasts on 104.7 FM in Portland and southern Maine, 100.3 FM in Lewiston, Auburn, and Brunswick, and 102.9 FM in Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, and Orono.

KRAO Brings All Christmas Format to Moscow-Pullman


KRAO-FM (102.5 My Radio) in Pullman-Colfax WA
KRAO-FM (102.5 My Radio) in Pullman-Colfax WA

Inland Northwest Broadcasting's Hot AC KRAO-FM (102.5 My Radio) in Pullman-Colfax, WA and Moscow, ID is bringing round the clock Christmas music to the "Palouse" region of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho for the first time as it became "North Pole 102.5" on Sunday.

Programming consultant Matt Mony said, "Bringing this format to the Palouse for the first time is a total win for INWB. I am so excited to see the listener response."

Inland Northwest Broadcasting acting General Manager Jon Carsona added, "We're thrilled to bring this listening experience to our audience for the first time on the Palouse. This is going to become a listening tradition for families on the Palouse for years to come."

iHeart Names Mark Glynn Area President for Washington


Mark Glynn
Mark Glynn

iHeartMedia appoints Mark Glynn as Area President for Washington, effective immediately. In his new role, Glynn, who is currently Market President in Seattle, will add oversight of the Spokane market operations. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Sales. Prior to that, Glynn served as a Vice President of Sales for TTWN, KBKS and KUBE in Seattle. He began his career at iHeartMedia Minneapolis and is a graduate of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

"Mark is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success in the media industry. Since the day I met him, his passion for his team and his ability to foster a collaborative and creative work environment has been effective and impressive, making him the perfect person to lead Spokane to the success he's achieved in Seattle," said iHeartMedia Division President Nick Gnau.

"I'm honored to lead iHeartMedia Washington. In an era where audio thrives as a powerful medium, our brands in Seattle and Spokane stand at the forefront, poised to continue our legacy of success. I am grateful for the support of our dedicated sales teams and leaders in both markets," added Glynn.

Study Finds AM/FM Radio Dominates Ad-Supported Audio


Edison Research
Edison Research

Edison Research's latest Share of Ear report for Q3 2024 reaffirms AM/FM radio's position as the leading ad-supported audio platform in the U.S., maintaining its dominance across all major demographics. The quarterly study, which surveys 4,000 Americans annually to track audio consumption habits, highlights trends in ad-supported audio, offering valuable insights for advertisers.

Key findings from the Q3 2024 report:

  • AM/FM radio's widespread appeal: Across demographic groups, AM/FM radio holds the top spot in ad-supported audio listening. Podcasts, while growing, maintain stronger shares among younger listeners.

  • African American audience: AM/FM radio remains a dominant force, with podcast shares notably weaker compared to the general market.

  • Hispanic audience: Podcasts have surged among Hispanic listeners, particularly those aged 18-34, where podcasts now rank as the number one ad-supported audio platform.

  • In-car listening: AM/FM radio continues to reign supreme on the road, capturing an 86% share of ad-supported audio in vehicles. Among younger listeners aged 18-34, AM/FM still commands an 82% share.

  • Streaming trends: Streaming accounts for 13% of AM/FM radio listening, a figure that has remained steady over the past three years. On smart speakers, AM/FM radio dominates, representing 50% of ad-supported listening.

  • Spotify's advertising challenges: While Spotify's ad-free subscription model grows, its ad-supported audience share remains stagnant at just 2%. This limits the platform's value for advertisers.

  • Shifts in streaming music: Growth in streaming music audiences appears to be at the expense of owned music libraries, rather than impacting AM/FM radio's share.

Edison Research's findings emphasize the enduring value of AM/FM radio for reaching broad audiences, particularly in the car and among key demographic groups. The data also highlights the potential for podcast advertising among younger and Hispanic audiences, alongside challenges in leveraging ad-supported music platforms like Spotify.

The full analysis is available in today's Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog. To explore more, visit Westwood One's blog.

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