Nielsen: News/Talk Remains Top Format for Total Radio Listening

Why It Matters

The dominance of news/talk radio signals strong advertiser demand for timely, engaged audiences and confirms broadcast’s relevance in a diversifying audio market.

Key Takeaways

• 62% of U.S. adults include AM/FM radio in daily audio mix
• News/talk holds 10.9% share, slight rise from 10.8% Q4 2025
• All‑news listening climbs to 2.9%, up from 2.7% last quarter
• Podcasts capture 20% of audio consumption, trailing radio but growing
• Ad‑supported streaming accounts for 16% of U.S. audio listening

Pulse Analysis

Nielsen’s latest quarterly “The Record” shows that traditional AM/FM radio remains a cornerstone of U.S. audio habits. For adults 18 and older, 62 % report tuning in to broadcast radio each day, outpacing ad‑supported streaming (16 %) and satellite radio (2 %). While podcasts have carved out a solid 20 % share of total listening, the combined reach of terrestrial radio still dominates the daily soundscape, underscoring its resilience amid a fragmented media environment.

The news/talk format retained its position as the top radio genre, capturing 10.9 % of total radio listening—a modest rise from 10.8 % in the previous quarter. All‑news programming also nudged higher to 2.9 % from 2.7 %. These gains reflect listeners’ appetite for timely information and commentary, a valuable proposition for advertisers seeking engaged, higher‑income audiences. Brands targeting commuters, professionals, and politically active demographics can leverage the format’s credibility and loyalty to drive higher‑impact ad placements.

Despite radio’s strength, the broader audio market continues to evolve. Podcast consumption, now at one‑fifth of all audio minutes, is expanding rapidly, driven by on‑demand convenience and niche content. Meanwhile, ad‑supported streaming services are closing the gap, offering personalized playlists that attract younger listeners. Broadcasters that integrate digital distribution—such as streaming their news/talk shows or repurposing content for podcasts—stand to capture cross‑platform audiences and safeguard revenue streams as listener preferences shift.