GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Radio Broadcasting Industry Statistics

The radio broadcasting industry statistics provide insights into audience reach, revenue generation, and advertising trends within the industry.

Highlights: Radio Broadcasting Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the United States had over 15,500 radio stations.
  • In 2021, the global radio broadcasting industry was valued at 57.4 billion U.S. dollars.
  • The revenue of U.S. radio broadcasting industry was 12.88 billion dollars in 2020.
  • Sirius XM was the leading radio company in 2019, with over 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in ad revenue.
  • The total number of licensed FM radio stations in the U.S. stood at 6,726 in 2017.
  • The total number of licensed AM radio stations was 4,628 in 2017.
  • The global radio market is expected to grow from 44,386.1 million dollars in 2020, to 50,387.1 million dollars by 2030.
  • As of 2020, there were 7,463 commercial radio stations in the United States.
  • In 2019, Brits spent 3.23 hours listening to radio each day.
  • As of 2019, the FM/AM radio reach among adults in the United States was 89%.
  • As of February 2021, classical format radio stations account for only 1.2 percent of all radio stations in the United States.
  • In 2019, there were 3.13 billion podcast listeners globally.
  • In 2025, the annual radio advertising expenditure in the U.S. is forecasted to reach 14.26 billion U.S dollars.
  • As of March 2021, News/Talk format was the leading radio format in the U.S., with a share of 12% of radio listeners.
  • As of 2021, the radio industry is projected to reach a value of 22 billion USD by 2025 in India.
  • Between 2021 and 2025, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the radio industry in India is projected to be 13%.
  • More than 90% of adults in the United States were reached by radio in 2019.
  • In 2019, the number of employees in the U.S. radio broadcasting (NAICS 51511) stood at approximately 27.24k.
  • In 2018, the U.S. radio industry reached around 99 percent of the American population every week.
  • In 2019, the total assets of Entercom Communications, the second-largest radio company in the U.S., were worth over $4 billion.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

The Latest Radio Broadcasting Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the United States had over 15,500 radio stations.

The statistic “In 2020, the United States had over 15,500 radio stations” indicates the significant availability and diversity of radio broadcasting in the country during that year. This data reflects a robust and varied radio industry in the US, showcasing the wide range of programming and content options available to listeners across the nation. With over 15,500 radio stations in operation, the United States offers a wealth of choices for audiences to access news, entertainment, music, sports, and other forms of audio content, highlighting the enduring popularity and relevance of radio broadcasting as a medium of communication and entertainment in the modern digital age.

In 2021, the global radio broadcasting industry was valued at 57.4 billion U.S. dollars.

The statistic “In 2021, the global radio broadcasting industry was valued at 57.4 billion U.S. dollars” represents the estimated total worth of the radio broadcasting sector worldwide for the year 2021. This valuation takes into account various components such as revenue generated from advertising, subscriptions, and other sources within the industry. The figure of 57.4 billion U.S. dollars highlights the economic significance and scale of the radio broadcasting sector on a global scale, indicating the financial impact and market size of the industry in that particular year. This statistic serves as a key indicator for assessing the health and growth of the radio broadcasting industry, providing valuable insights into its economic contribution and potential for further development in the future.

The revenue of U.S. radio broadcasting industry was 12.88 billion dollars in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the total revenue generated by the U.S. radio broadcasting industry in 2020 was $12.88 billion. This figure represents the combined income earned by radio stations in the United States through various revenue streams such as advertising, sponsorships, and syndication deals. The revenue level provides insights into the financial health and performance of the radio broadcasting industry, indicating its importance and significance within the broader media landscape. Factors such as audience size, market share, and advertising trends can influence the overall revenue generated by this sector, making it a key indicator of the industry’s economic impact and growth potential.

Sirius XM was the leading radio company in 2019, with over 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in ad revenue.

The statistic that Sirius XM was the leading radio company in 2019, with over 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in ad revenue, indicates that the company had a significant market share and revenue generation compared to its competitors within the radio industry during that year. This substantial ad revenue figure of over 1.6 billion U.S. dollars highlights the strong advertising appeal and audience reach of Sirius XM’s radio platforms. The statistic suggests that Sirius XM was successful in attracting advertisers and maintaining a loyal listener base, positioning it as a key player in the radio broadcasting sector for the specified year.

The total number of licensed FM radio stations in the U.S. stood at 6,726 in 2017.

The statistic that the total number of licensed FM radio stations in the U.S. stood at 6,726 in 2017 represents the count of radio stations that obtained licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to broadcast on the FM radio frequency in the United States during that year. This data point is a crucial measure of the diversity and competitiveness within the radio broadcasting industry, illustrating the wide range of options available to listeners across the country. The high number of licensed FM radio stations signifies a vibrant and dynamic market with various programming choices and formats for audiences to engage with, highlighting the importance of radio as a significant medium for news, entertainment, and information dissemination.

The total number of licensed AM radio stations was 4,628 in 2017.

The statistic stating that the total number of licensed AM radio stations was 4,628 in 2017 represents the specific count of radio stations that held licenses for AM broadcasting in the given year. This numerical value is a measure of the overall presence and availability of AM radio stations within the broadcasting industry, reflecting the diversity and reach of this particular form of radio communication. Understanding this statistic is important for analyzing the landscape of radio broadcasting and tracking trends in the usage and popularity of AM radio stations compared to other mediums.

The global radio market is expected to grow from 44,386.1 million dollars in 2020, to 50,387.1 million dollars by 2030.

The statistic presents a projection for the global radio market, indicating an anticipated growth from $44,386.1 million in 2020 to $50,387.1 million by the year 2030. This implies a potential increase in market size over the specified timeframe, reflecting positive trends and potential opportunities within the radio industry on a global scale. Such growth could be influenced by factors such as technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and evolving advertising strategies. This statistical forecast serves as a valuable indicator for stakeholders in the radio market, providing insights for decision-making and strategic planning as they navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.

As of 2020, there were 7,463 commercial radio stations in the United States.

The statistic “As of 2020, there were 7,463 commercial radio stations in the United States” represents the total number of radio stations licensed to broadcast commercial content within the country during that year. This statistic provides insight into the size and diversity of the commercial radio industry in the United States, highlighting the significant presence and variety of radio stations available to listeners. The figure reflects the competitive nature of the radio market, with a wide range of stations offering different genres of music, talk shows, news, and other programming to cater to various audiences across the nation. Additionally, this statistic can be used to analyze trends in the broadcasting industry and track changes in the number of commercial radio stations over time.

In 2019, Brits spent 3.23 hours listening to radio each day.

The statistic “In 2019, Brits spent 3.23 hours listening to radio each day” quantifies the average amount of time that individuals in the United Kingdom dedicated to listening to radio broadcasts each day during that particular year. This data point serves as a measure of media consumption habits and reflects the enduring popularity of radio as a form of entertainment and information dissemination among UK residents. The figure of 3.23 hours sheds light on the significant role that radio plays in British society, highlighting the continued relevance and impact of this traditional medium despite the proliferation of newer forms of digital media.

As of 2019, the FM/AM radio reach among adults in the United States was 89%.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, 89% of adults in the United States tuned in to FM or AM radio at some point. This high percentage suggests that radio remains a popular medium for reaching a broad audience in the United States, despite the rise of digital and streaming platforms. The widespread reach of FM/AM radio implies that advertisers and content creators have a significant opportunity to connect with a large portion of the adult population through this traditional broadcasting format. Additionally, it highlights the enduring relevance and appeal of radio as a communication tool in the contemporary media landscape.

As of February 2021, classical format radio stations account for only 1.2 percent of all radio stations in the United States.

The statistic indicates that classical format radio stations make up a very small portion of the total radio stations in the United States, specifically accounting for only 1.2 percent as of February 2021. This suggests that classical music as a genre has limited representation in the radio industry compared to other formats. It could imply that classical music may not be as popular or as commercially viable as other genres among radio listeners and advertisers. Additionally, it may reflect a preference towards more contemporary genres or formats in the current radio landscape.

In 2019, there were 3.13 billion podcast listeners globally.

The statistic “In 2019, there were 3.13 billion podcast listeners globally” refers to the estimated number of individuals who listened to podcasts at least once during the year 2019 across the world. This statistic highlights the widespread popularity and growth of podcasts as a form of media consumption. With more than 3 billion listeners, podcasts have become a significant platform for sharing information, entertainment, and knowledge on a global scale. This statistic underscores the importance of podcasts as a means of communication and entertainment in contemporary society, demonstrating the impact and reach of this medium among a diverse and international audience.

In 2025, the annual radio advertising expenditure in the U.S. is forecasted to reach 14.26 billion U.S dollars.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2025, it is projected that the total amount spent on radio advertising in the United States will reach 14.26 billion U.S dollars. This forecast provides insight into the anticipated financial investment companies and businesses are expected to make in promoting their products and services through radio channels. The increase in spending suggests a perceived value and effectiveness of radio advertising as a medium for reaching target audiences. Monitoring and analyzing this expenditure can help marketing professionals and media planners make informed decisions regarding advertising strategies and budget allocations in the upcoming year.

As of March 2021, News/Talk format was the leading radio format in the U.S., with a share of 12% of radio listeners.

The statistic “As of March 2021, News/Talk format was the leading radio format in the U.S., with a share of 12% of radio listeners” indicates that among all radio formats available in the United States, News/Talk had the highest percentage of audience share at that time. This suggests that a significant portion of radio listeners in the U.S. were tuning in to News/Talk programs, reflecting the popularity and influence of this particular format. The 12% share implies that approximately one in every eight radio listeners preferred News/Talk content over other radio genres during that period, highlighting the importance and relevance of this format in the media landscape.

As of 2021, the radio industry is projected to reach a value of 22 billion USD by 2025 in India.

The statistic indicates that the radio industry in India is expected to see substantial growth over the next few years, with a projected value of 22 billion USD by 2025. This forecast suggests a positive trend in terms of market expansion and revenue generation within the radio sector in India. Such growth could be driven by various factors, including increased advertising investments, expansion of digital radio platforms, and growing listenership. The projection provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the industry, indicating opportunities for investment and strategic planning to capitalize on the expected growth trajectory in the Indian radio market.

Between 2021 and 2025, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the radio industry in India is projected to be 13%.

The statement means that the radio industry in India is expected to experience a steady growth of 13% per year on average from 2021 to 2025. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is a measure used to represent the year-over-year growth rate of an investment or industry over a specified period of time, effectively capturing the compounding effect of growth. In the context of the radio industry in India, a CAGR of 13% indicates a positive outlook for the industry’s expansion over the next five years, reflecting a consistent increase in revenue or other key metrics. This projection suggests that the radio industry in India is poised for healthy growth and is expected to perform well in the coming years.

More than 90% of adults in the United States were reached by radio in 2019.

The statistic ‘More than 90% of adults in the United States were reached by radio in 2019’ indicates that a significant proportion of the adult population in the US tuned in to radio broadcasts during the specified year. This high coverage suggests that radio remains a popular and widely used medium for reaching the American adult audience, potentially for entertainment, news, advertising, or other purposes. The statistic underscores the enduring relevance and reach of radio as a communication tool, highlighting its ongoing presence in the daily lives of a majority of adults in the country.

In 2019, the number of employees in the U.S. radio broadcasting (NAICS 51511) stood at approximately 27.24k.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, there were approximately 27,240 employees working in the radio broadcasting industry in the United States, as classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 51511. This figure represents the total number of individuals employed in various roles within radio broadcasting companies across the country during that specific year. It provides insight into the size of the workforce within this sector and serves as a valuable metric for understanding the employment trends and dynamics in the U.S. radio broadcasting industry as of 2019.

In 2018, the U.S. radio industry reached around 99 percent of the American population every week.

The statistic suggests that in 2018, the U.S. radio industry had a wide reach, connecting with approximately 99 percent of the American population on a weekly basis. This high percentage indicates the pervasiveness of radio as a medium for reaching the American public. Such widespread access highlights the enduring popularity and influence of radio, showcasing its continued relevance as a form of mass communication. This statistic implies that radio remains a potent platform for disseminating information, entertainment, and advertising to a vast audience across the country, making it a significant player in the media landscape.

In 2019, the total assets of Entercom Communications, the second-largest radio company in the U.S., were worth over $4 billion.

The statistic indicating that in 2019, Entercom Communications, the second-largest radio company in the U.S., had total assets worth over $4 billion reflects the financial strength and scale of the company during that year. Total assets represent the combined value of the company’s resources, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments, which are used to generate revenue and support its operations. A total asset value of over $4 billion highlights Entercom Communications’ significant presence in the radio industry and its ability to leverage these assets to drive growth, invest in technology, and expand its market share. This statistic provides valuable insight into the company’s financial health, competitiveness, and overall standing within the industry.

Conclusion

The statistics presented here highlight the continued relevance and growth of the radio broadcasting industry. Despite the rise of digital streaming and other platforms, radio remains a powerful medium with a wide reach and strong listener engagement. As technology continues to evolve, these statistics provide valuable insights for industry professionals looking to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of radio broadcasting.

References

0. – https://www.www.ibef.org

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.globenewswire.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!