According to a “Share of Ear” report from the USA, AM/FM broadcasting has surpassed podcasting and other digital pureplays and still plays an important role in radio listenership.
Recent research by Audacy reveals that AM/FM radio streaming now leads digital listening, with podcasts tied with pureplays like Spotify and Pandora by a factor of 1 to 4.
Podcasting is still waxing strong, according to the report, which also indicates that the shift towards content that caters to individual preferences and demands for on-demand accessibility is still on an upward trajectory.
The Audacity report shows that audio listening on connected TVs (CTVs) has gained more attention in the US markets in recent months, with a 20% growth in audio usage. As traditional television viewership declines, the use of smart TVs and related devices for audio content has increased. The percentage of Americans aged 13 and older using these devices for audio has grown from 2% in 2016 to 6.9% recently, with notable growth occurring since 2020.
Gen Z and Millennials show a marked preference for podcasts and AM/FM radio among ad-supported audio, which is their top platform, with 40% and 35% listening, respectively.
While AM/FM radio remains a central part of audio consumption, podcasts and smart speaker integration are paving the way for an innovative future in audio entertainment and interaction.
