Terrestrial radio faces decline as digital audio consumption rises

Traditional AM and FM radio is experiencing a steady erosion in audience share and infrastructure as listeners migrate toward digital platforms. Data from Edison Research indicates that AM/FM radio’s portion of total daily audio time for adults has settled in the low-to-mid 30 percent range, with digital alternatives like streaming, podcasts, and YouTube now accounting for a larger share of total listening.

Public radio is seeing a similar shift. Research from Jacobs Media shows that public radio listening is now split between 54 percent broadcast and 43 percent digital, a significant change from 13 years ago when broadcast accounted for 83 percent. Mobile apps and smart speakers are primary drivers of this digital transition, particularly for reaching younger demographics.

While in-car listening remains a relative stronghold for terrestrial radio, in-car AM/FM usage is reaching historic lows among core listeners. Additionally, the number of core listeners who own a traditional radio at home has dropped from 83 percent in 2018 to 68 percent in recent years.