Edison: Radio Tops As An In-Car Audio Choice

Why It Matters

Radio’s dominance in cars preserves a free, wide‑reach platform for advertisers and ensures drivers retain reliable news and entertainment, countering a shift toward subscription‑based audio solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Radio commands 55% of in‑car audio time Q1 2026
• Drivers 13‑34 give AM/FM 46% of car audio share
• Streaming services hold only 30% of younger drivers’ car listening
• Automakers testing radio‑free trims, Tesla already removed radios
• AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has 375 bipartisan co‑sponsors

Pulse Analysis

The car cabin has long been radio’s natural habitat, and Edison Research’s latest Share of Ear report confirms that habit remains strong. While manufacturers experiment with Bluetooth‑only speaker setups and some EVs ship without tuners, 55% of U.S. listeners still turn to AM/FM while driving. This resilience is especially notable among younger adults, who still allocate nearly half of their in‑car listening to traditional broadcast, suggesting that radio’s convenience and zero‑cost model still outweigh the allure of streaming data plans.

For advertisers, the data underscores radio’s continued relevance as a mass‑reach medium. The 46% share among 13‑34‑year‑olds translates into millions of impressions that streaming services cannot match without hefty subscription fees. Brands can leverage the captive car audience for time‑sensitive messaging, local promotions, and public‑service announcements, all while benefiting from the low production costs of radio spots. Moreover, the persistence of broadcast audio provides a stable platform for emergency alerts, a critical public‑safety function that streaming platforms lack.

Legislators are responding to the potential erosion of this free service. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, backed by 375 co‑sponsors, aims to codify AM band reception as a safety feature in all new passenger vehicles. Although the bill stalls in Congress, its bipartisan support signals that policymakers view radio as an essential information conduit, especially in rural and disaster‑prone areas. As automakers weigh cost savings against consumer demand and regulatory pressure, radio’s foothold in the vehicle interior appears poised to endure, at least in the near term.