US terrestrial radio decline

The United States is experiencing a decline in terrestrial radio infrastructure and audience engagement as listeners migrate toward digital platforms.

FCC data indicates a continuous drop in licensed radio stations. As of late September 2026, the total count of licensed AM and FM stations fell to 15,613, marking three consecutive quarterly decreases. While noncommercial educational FM stations saw slight growth, it was insufficient to offset losses in the commercial AM and FM sectors.

This decline in infrastructure coincides with shifting consumption habits. Research shows that AM/FM radio’s share of total daily audio time for adults has settled in the low-to-mid 30 percent range, as streaming, podcasts, and YouTube capture larger shares. Public radio has also seen a significant transition; broadcast listening now accounts for 54 percent of its audience, down from 83 percent thirteen years ago. Drivers of this shift include mobile apps and smart speakers, while traditional radio ownership and in-car AM/FM usage continue to reach historic lows.