Nielsen, using its own data as well as data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear Study, publishes its Audio Today 2026 report. Some of the key findings include: 1) that radio reaches 93% of all U.S. adults monthly, outperforming smartphones (89%), TV (84%), and PCs (76%). Its reach
is nearly universal among Hispanic (94%) and Black (93%) consumers; 2) AM/FM radio commands more than 80% of all ad-supported audio time in vehicles. Nearly three-quarters of out-of-home radio use during peak drive times occurs in the car, placing brands closest to the point of purchase; 3) however, a significant “perception gap” exists; while marketers often rank radio low for effectiveness, Nielsen data reveals it delivers the highest ROI of any platform trailing only social media; and 4) radio and podcasts combined account for more than 80% of all daily ad-supported audio time, while streaming music accounts for only 15%. See the report here.
