Public radio’s most engaged listeners say the economy is squeezing their households, but it isn’t squeezing their generosity. Early results from Jacobs Media’s Public Radio Techsurvey 2026 show the political climate continues to push listeners toward increased support.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%) agree with the statement, “As a result of the current political climate, I’m providing increased support to Public Radio,” including 39% who strongly agree and 33% who agree. Another 17% are neutral, 9% disagree or strongly disagree, and 2% don’t know.
Agreement is up from 64% in PRTS 2025 and more than double the 37% recorded in 2024. From 2019 through 2023, the figure held between 41% and 46%.
Across formats, AAA listeners lead at 76%, followed by News/Talk at 72% and Classical at 69%. Women (74%) edge out men (70%), while Millennials top the generational breakdown at 75%, ahead of Boomers (73%), Gen X (71%), and the Greatest Generation (68%).
A new question this year asked listeners how much the economy is affecting their households. Over half (53%) report either a major negative impact (10%) or a significant effect that still allows most usual purchases (43%). Another 43% describe minimal impact, and just 1% say spending is as usual or higher.
Economic strain skews young, with Millennials (64%) and Gen X (61%) far more likely than Boomers (51%) and the Greatest Generation (40%) to report a major or significant impact. Women (56%) feel it more than men (49%), and AAA listeners (57%) more than News/Talk (53%) or Classical (49%) audiences. Among listeners reporting the maximum negative economic impact, 69% still say they are increasing their support for public radio.
In July 2025, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, eliminating federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. In September 2025, CPB sent its final round of Community Service Grants to public radio and television stations.
Jacobs Media will present the full results of Public Radio Techsurvey 2026, its 18th annual study of public radio listeners and supporters, during a webinar on October 7 at 2p ET. Registration is open via the Jacobs Media website.
