TechSurvey 2025 reports that broadcast radio is treading water, showing aging audiences with stable metrics in some areas and erosion in others. AM/FM listening remains high overall but declines among younger age groups, with all ages still above 80% listening at least one hour daily. Agreement that listeners feel a connection with local radio rose from 49% in 2018 to 56% in 2025. Perceptions of local radio importance increased after Covid, rising to 54% agreement in 2025. Personality appeal remains strong: DJs, hosts, and shows rank among top reasons listeners choose radio.
In this general appraisal, there is a generational aspect, unsurprisingly. While AM/FM listening remains stable, that number drops as the age goes down. Even so, the youthful drop in radio listening is hardly catastrophic; all age groups remain above 80% radio listeners for at least an hour per day. This is illustrated in the graphic below, along with a general decline (from 92% to 87%) across the entire surveyed population.
Not taking anything for granted, TechSurvey asked respondents why they listened to radio. The answers: At the same time, a trendline stretching from 2018 to 2025 shows an eye-popping audience lean into "Connection." Respondents were queried on this hypothesis: "I feel a connection with local radio stations that I don't with other types of audio." In 2018 that statement gained 49% agreement, and sentiment steadily built to 56% this year.
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