As FMR Associates and Eastlan Ratings prepare to release their full 2023 National Radio Listening Survey, they’re giving further insight into how traditional AM/FM radio maintains its power and reach in the marketplace. For those still wondering who listens to radio over-the-air, the answer is the majority.
According to the data, 69% of total radio listening occurs on traditional OTA radio, with the figure slightly higher at 71% in smaller markets. Large markets (1-30) report 66% of listening through AM/FM. This is likely due to commuters and more public transportation options in larger cities.
Streaming audio accounts for 13% of listening nationally, consistent across both large markets and smaller ones. Usage of phone apps for radio listening stands at 10% overall but is slightly higher in the top 30 markets at 13%. The survey also indicated that 8% of respondents were unsure or said it depends when asked about their primary method for listening to their favorite local radio stations, with 9% in larger markets and 7% in smaller markets reflecting this uncertainty.
This matches with results dropped last week, revealing that weekly AM/FM listening in 2023 among adults aged 25-64 remained steady from 2022 rates at 86%.
The survey, conducted from March to October 2023, involved 1,500 adults aged 25 to 64. Full results will be made available to Eastlan and FMR clients on December 15.
