GITNUXREPORT 2026

Radio Industry Statistics

Despite its digital growth, traditional radio remains a dominant global advertising and listening force.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Radio ad ROI 5:1 vs TV 2:1 in US studies.

Statistic 2

US radio ad spend $3.8 billion spot market 2023.

Statistic 3

93% of US adults reached by radio ads yearly.

Statistic 4

Direct response radio ads generate $10 ROI per $1.

Statistic 5

UK radio ad revenue £700 million commercial 2023.

Statistic 6

12% of US ad budgets allocated to radio.

Statistic 7

Automotive sector 15% of radio ad dollars US.

Statistic 8

India radio ad growth 18% YoY to INR 20 billion.

Statistic 9

Programmatic radio ad buying 20% of digital spend.

Statistic 10

Australia retail ads 22% radio share 2023.

Statistic 11

80% of radio listeners act on ads heard.

Statistic 12

Brazil FMCG brands 25% radio ad spend.

Statistic 13

Canada political ads $100 million radio 2023.

Statistic 14

Network radio ad rates up 4% average US.

Statistic 15

South Africa finance sector 18% radio ads.

Statistic 16

Digital audio ads grew 30% to $2 billion US.

Statistic 17

70% of US P1 stations sell digital extensions.

Statistic 18

China radio ads focus 60% on metro markets.

Statistic 19

Mexico telecoms 20% of radio ad revenue.

Statistic 20

France pharma ads regulated to 10% radio time.

Statistic 21

Germany auto ads peak during sports radio.

Statistic 22

Japan retail chains 30% radio sponsorships.

Statistic 23

Nigeria mobile ads 40% radio share 2023.

Statistic 24

Radio CPM $8-12 vs digital $15-20 US.

Statistic 25

25% of US Super Bowl buzz from radio ads.

Statistic 26

UK Christmas ad campaigns 35% radio boost.

Statistic 27

Program length-buy ads 15% of US revenue.

Statistic 28

Sponsored content radio ads up 22% YoY.

Statistic 29

85% brand recall from radio vs 65% TV.

Statistic 30

Australia finance ads 19% during drive time.

Statistic 31

45% of US small biz use radio advertising.

Statistic 32

HD2 channels generate 10% additional ad revenue.

Statistic 33

60% HD Radio receivers in new cars by 2025.

Statistic 34

DAB+ coverage 70% of Europe population 2023.

Statistic 35

US radio apps downloads 150 million cumulative.

Statistic 36

35% of radio listening via streaming apps US.

Statistic 37

iHeartRadio 130 million registered users 2023.

Statistic 38

Smart speaker radio requests up 40% YoY.

Statistic 39

50 million US homes with connected radio 2023.

Statistic 40

Australia DAB+ stations 400+ in 2023.

Statistic 41

Podcast downloads 3 billion monthly global.

Statistic 42

Radio.com rebrand to Audacy app 20 million MAUs.

Statistic 43

28% UK radio via online platforms weekly.

Statistic 44

India FM radio apps 50 million downloads.

Statistic 45

Brazil online radio streams 100 million monthly.

Statistic 46

AI voice tech in 15% of radio automation.

Statistic 47

4G/5G boosts mobile radio listening 25%.

Statistic 48

US radio streaming hours 15 billion annually.

Statistic 49

France Saooti app 5 million users radio.

Statistic 50

Germany radio apps integration Alexa 80%.

Statistic 51

Japan digital radio trials cover Tokyo metro.

Statistic 52

Nigeria FM apps growth 50% in urban areas.

Statistic 53

Connected car radio penetration 40% US 2023.

Statistic 54

Blockchain for radio royalties piloted in 5 markets.

Statistic 55

VR radio experiences tested by BBC 2023.

Statistic 56

Cloud-based radio playout 60% US stations.

Statistic 57

Mexico radio streaming up 30% post-COVID.

Statistic 58

Personalized radio algorithms 70% listener retention.

Statistic 59

DAB radio sales 2 million units Europe 2023.

Statistic 60

US stations with podcasts 85% of top 100.

Statistic 61

Global OTT radio services 200 million subs.

Statistic 62

5G multicast trials for radio in Asia 2023.

Statistic 63

82% of US adults aged 18+ listened to AM/FM radio weekly in Q1 2023.

Statistic 64

Average US radio listening time 1.3 hours per day in 2023.

Statistic 65

70% of Americans listen to radio in cars weekly.

Statistic 66

UK weekly radio reach 88% of population in 2023.

Statistic 67

India radio listenership 500 million weekly in 2023.

Statistic 68

91% of US adults 25-54 listen monthly to radio.

Statistic 69

Global radio listeners total 4.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 70

Australia radio reach 82% weekly adults 2023.

Statistic 71

65% of Gen Z listen to radio weekly in US.

Statistic 72

France radio audience 40 million daily in 2023.

Statistic 73

Brazil radio reaches 90% of population weekly.

Statistic 74

Canada radio listenership 80% weekly adults 2023.

Statistic 75

South Africa 70% daily radio listeners in 2023.

Statistic 76

China radio audience 900 million monthly 2023.

Statistic 77

75% of US Hispanics listen to radio weekly.

Statistic 78

Germany radio reach 68% daily adults 2023.

Statistic 79

Japan radio listeners 50 million weekly 2023.

Statistic 80

Nigeria radio penetration 85% of adults 2023.

Statistic 81

Mexico 95% weekly radio reach 2023.

Statistic 82

UK podcast listeners 14 million weekly, overlapping radio.

Statistic 83

US women 18-34 radio share time 12% weekly.

Statistic 84

Rural US radio listenership 90% vs urban 75%.

Statistic 85

55% of US 12+ listen to news/talk radio weekly.

Statistic 86

Australia 18-24 radio listening up 5% YoY 2023.

Statistic 87

Global car radio usage 60% of listening occasions.

Statistic 88

India urban radio listeners 120 million 2023.

Statistic 89

40% of US listening now via smart speakers.

Statistic 90

UK over-65s 95% radio reach weekly.

Statistic 91

Radio share of audio time 37% in US 2023.

Statistic 92

Brazil morning drive time peaks at 25% share.

Statistic 93

US Pandora radio monthly actives 55 million.

Statistic 94

68% of US adults listen alone to radio.

Statistic 95

France prime time radio audience up 3% 2023.

Statistic 96

In 2023, the global radio advertising market was valued at $28.5 billion.

Statistic 97

US commercial radio stations generated $13.8 billion in revenue in 2022.

Statistic 98

Radio industry revenue in Europe reached €5.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 99

India's radio market size grew to INR 25 billion in FY2023.

Statistic 100

Australian radio industry revenue hit AUD 1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 101

UK radio sector revenue was £1.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 102

Brazil's radio ad market valued at BRL 4.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 103

Canadian radio revenue declined to CAD 1.7 billion in 2022.

Statistic 104

South Africa's radio industry revenue at ZAR 3.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 105

China's radio market estimated at CNY 15 billion in 2023.

Statistic 106

Mexico radio revenue reached MXN 12 billion in 2022.

Statistic 107

France radio ad spend was €1.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 108

Germany's radio market size €2.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 109

Japan's radio revenue at JPY 250 billion in 2023.

Statistic 110

Nigeria's radio sector valued at NGN 150 billion in 2023.

Statistic 111

Projected global radio revenue growth of 2.5% CAGR to 2028.

Statistic 112

US public radio revenue topped $2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 113

Digital radio revenue share increased to 15% in 2023.

Statistic 114

Latin America radio market at $4.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 115

Middle East radio revenue $1.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 116

Southeast Asia radio market $2.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 117

Russia radio ad revenue RUB 45 billion in 2023.

Statistic 118

US radio revenue per station averaged $1.2 million in 2022.

Statistic 119

Streaming radio revenue grew 25% YoY to $1.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 120

Traditional AM/FM revenue share 75% of total in 2023.

Statistic 121

Radio M&A deals totaled $500 million in US 2023.

Statistic 122

Syndication revenue in US radio $800 million in 2022.

Statistic 123

Event sponsorships contributed 8% to radio revenue in 2023.

Statistic 124

HD radio revenue niche at $100 million globally 2023.

Statistic 125

Podcast crossover revenue for radio stations $300 million 2023.

Statistic 126

US radio industry employs 200,000 full-time workers.

Statistic 127

Average radio station salary $65,000 US 2023.

Statistic 128

15,000 commercial radio stations in US 2023.

Statistic 129

Diversity: 20% women in radio management US.

Statistic 130

UK radio workforce 50,000 including freelancers.

Statistic 131

India 400+ private FM stations employ 10,000+.

Statistic 132

Automation reduces on-air staff 30% in decade.

Statistic 133

Australia radio jobs stable at 6,000 full-time.

Statistic 134

40% US radio talent under 35 years old 2023.

Statistic 135

Brazil 10,000 radio stations nationwide.

Statistic 136

Canada radio employment down 5% to 12,000.

Statistic 137

Remote work adopted by 50% radio staff post-COVID.

Statistic 138

South Africa radio journalists 5,000 active.

Statistic 139

China state radio employs 100,000 staff.

Statistic 140

Mexico unionized radio workers 20,000.

Statistic 141

France radio sector 25,000 jobs 2023.

Statistic 142

Germany public broadcasters 40,000 radio roles.

Statistic 143

Japan NHK radio staff 10,000 dedicated.

Statistic 144

Nigeria community radio 1,000 stations, 5,000 jobs.

Statistic 145

US voiceover freelancers up 25% for radio.

Statistic 146

Training programs cover 10% annual workforce.

Statistic 147

Turnover rate 18% in US radio sales roles.

Statistic 148

Women DJs increased to 15% US commercial.

Statistic 149

Australia indigenous radio employs 500.

Statistic 150

Podcast production shifts 20% radio jobs.

Statistic 151

UK apprenticeships 1,000 new radio entrants yearly.

Statistic 152

Global radio consolidation reduced stations 10%.

Statistic 153

India rural radio jobs 8,000 community-based.

1/153

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

Though often overshadowed by digital newcomers, the global radio industry remains a formidable giant, amassing a staggering $28.5 billion in ad revenue in 2023 and connecting with over 4.5 billion listeners worldwide.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the global radio advertising market was valued at $28.5 billion.
US commercial radio stations generated $13.8 billion in revenue in 2022.
Radio industry revenue in Europe reached €5.2 billion in 2022.
82% of US adults aged 18+ listened to AM/FM radio weekly in Q1 2023.
Average US radio listening time 1.3 hours per day in 2023.
70% of Americans listen to radio in cars weekly.
Radio ad ROI 5:1 vs TV 2:1 in US studies.
US radio ad spend $3.8 billion spot market 2023.
93% of US adults reached by radio ads yearly.
60% HD Radio receivers in new cars by 2025.
DAB+ coverage 70% of Europe population 2023.
US radio apps downloads 150 million cumulative.
US radio industry employs 200,000 full-time workers.
Average radio station salary $65,000 US 2023.
15,000 commercial radio stations in US 2023.

Despite its digital growth, traditional radio remains a dominant global advertising and listening force.

Advertising

Radio ad ROI 5:1 vs TV 2:1 in US studies.
US radio ad spend $3.8 billion spot market 2023.
93% of US adults reached by radio ads yearly.
Direct response radio ads generate $10 ROI per $1.
UK radio ad revenue £700 million commercial 2023.
12% of US ad budgets allocated to radio.
Automotive sector 15% of radio ad dollars US.
India radio ad growth 18% YoY to INR 20 billion.
Programmatic radio ad buying 20% of digital spend.
Australia retail ads 22% radio share 2023.
80% of radio listeners act on ads heard.
Brazil FMCG brands 25% radio ad spend.
Canada political ads $100 million radio 2023.
Network radio ad rates up 4% average US.
South Africa finance sector 18% radio ads.
Digital audio ads grew 30% to $2 billion US.
70% of US P1 stations sell digital extensions.
China radio ads focus 60% on metro markets.
Mexico telecoms 20% of radio ad revenue.
France pharma ads regulated to 10% radio time.
Germany auto ads peak during sports radio.
Japan retail chains 30% radio sponsorships.
Nigeria mobile ads 40% radio share 2023.
Radio CPM $8-12 vs digital $15-20 US.
25% of US Super Bowl buzz from radio ads.
UK Christmas ad campaigns 35% radio boost.
Program length-buy ads 15% of US revenue.
Sponsored content radio ads up 22% YoY.
85% brand recall from radio vs 65% TV.
Australia finance ads 19% during drive time.
45% of US small biz use radio advertising.
HD2 channels generate 10% additional ad revenue.

Advertising Interpretation

Despite often being seen as the quiet cousin to flashier media, radio is quietly thrashing expectations with superior ROI, stubbornly broad reach, and an almost rude level of effectiveness from drive time to digital.

Digital Transformation

60% HD Radio receivers in new cars by 2025.
DAB+ coverage 70% of Europe population 2023.
US radio apps downloads 150 million cumulative.
35% of radio listening via streaming apps US.
iHeartRadio 130 million registered users 2023.
Smart speaker radio requests up 40% YoY.
50 million US homes with connected radio 2023.
Australia DAB+ stations 400+ in 2023.
Podcast downloads 3 billion monthly global.
Radio.com rebrand to Audacy app 20 million MAUs.
28% UK radio via online platforms weekly.
India FM radio apps 50 million downloads.
Brazil online radio streams 100 million monthly.
AI voice tech in 15% of radio automation.
4G/5G boosts mobile radio listening 25%.
US radio streaming hours 15 billion annually.
France Saooti app 5 million users radio.
Germany radio apps integration Alexa 80%.
Japan digital radio trials cover Tokyo metro.
Nigeria FM apps growth 50% in urban areas.
Connected car radio penetration 40% US 2023.
Blockchain for radio royalties piloted in 5 markets.
VR radio experiences tested by BBC 2023.
Cloud-based radio playout 60% US stations.
Mexico radio streaming up 30% post-COVID.
Personalized radio algorithms 70% listener retention.
DAB radio sales 2 million units Europe 2023.
US stations with podcasts 85% of top 100.
Global OTT radio services 200 million subs.
5G multicast trials for radio in Asia 2023.

Digital Transformation Interpretation

While the dashboard of numbers paints a picture of a traditional industry on life support, these statistics reveal a cunning technological chameleon aggressively shedding its terrestrial skin and thriving across streams, apps, and smart speakers as it evolves into a personalized, omnipresent audio companion.

Listenership

82% of US adults aged 18+ listened to AM/FM radio weekly in Q1 2023.
Average US radio listening time 1.3 hours per day in 2023.
70% of Americans listen to radio in cars weekly.
UK weekly radio reach 88% of population in 2023.
India radio listenership 500 million weekly in 2023.
91% of US adults 25-54 listen monthly to radio.
Global radio listeners total 4.5 billion in 2023.
Australia radio reach 82% weekly adults 2023.
65% of Gen Z listen to radio weekly in US.
France radio audience 40 million daily in 2023.
Brazil radio reaches 90% of population weekly.
Canada radio listenership 80% weekly adults 2023.
South Africa 70% daily radio listeners in 2023.
China radio audience 900 million monthly 2023.
75% of US Hispanics listen to radio weekly.
Germany radio reach 68% daily adults 2023.
Japan radio listeners 50 million weekly 2023.
Nigeria radio penetration 85% of adults 2023.
Mexico 95% weekly radio reach 2023.
UK podcast listeners 14 million weekly, overlapping radio.
US women 18-34 radio share time 12% weekly.
Rural US radio listenership 90% vs urban 75%.
55% of US 12+ listen to news/talk radio weekly.
Australia 18-24 radio listening up 5% YoY 2023.
Global car radio usage 60% of listening occasions.
India urban radio listeners 120 million 2023.
40% of US listening now via smart speakers.
UK over-65s 95% radio reach weekly.
Radio share of audio time 37% in US 2023.
Brazil morning drive time peaks at 25% share.
US Pandora radio monthly actives 55 million.
68% of US adults listen alone to radio.
France prime time radio audience up 3% 2023.

Listenership Interpretation

Even as new platforms emerge, radio remains an unshakable daily ritual for billions worldwide, proving that a century-old medium still holds the commanding share of our ears, especially in the car where it reigns supreme.

Market Revenue

In 2023, the global radio advertising market was valued at $28.5 billion.
US commercial radio stations generated $13.8 billion in revenue in 2022.
Radio industry revenue in Europe reached €5.2 billion in 2022.
India's radio market size grew to INR 25 billion in FY2023.
Australian radio industry revenue hit AUD 1.2 billion in 2023.
UK radio sector revenue was £1.1 billion in 2022.
Brazil's radio ad market valued at BRL 4.5 billion in 2023.
Canadian radio revenue declined to CAD 1.7 billion in 2022.
South Africa's radio industry revenue at ZAR 3.2 billion in 2023.
China's radio market estimated at CNY 15 billion in 2023.
Mexico radio revenue reached MXN 12 billion in 2022.
France radio ad spend was €1.4 billion in 2023.
Germany's radio market size €2.8 billion in 2022.
Japan's radio revenue at JPY 250 billion in 2023.
Nigeria's radio sector valued at NGN 150 billion in 2023.
Projected global radio revenue growth of 2.5% CAGR to 2028.
US public radio revenue topped $2 billion in 2022.
Digital radio revenue share increased to 15% in 2023.
Latin America radio market at $4.1 billion in 2023.
Middle East radio revenue $1.2 billion in 2022.
Southeast Asia radio market $2.8 billion in 2023.
Russia radio ad revenue RUB 45 billion in 2023.
US radio revenue per station averaged $1.2 million in 2022.
Streaming radio revenue grew 25% YoY to $1.5 billion in 2023.
Traditional AM/FM revenue share 75% of total in 2023.
Radio M&A deals totaled $500 million in US 2023.
Syndication revenue in US radio $800 million in 2022.
Event sponsorships contributed 8% to radio revenue in 2023.
HD radio revenue niche at $100 million globally 2023.
Podcast crossover revenue for radio stations $300 million 2023.

Market Revenue Interpretation

Even as streaming and podcasts try to steal the spotlight, the resilient old friend on your dashboard still pulls in tens of billions worldwide, proving that terrestrial radio remains the stubborn backbone of the audio economy.

Workforce and Trends

US radio industry employs 200,000 full-time workers.
Average radio station salary $65,000 US 2023.
15,000 commercial radio stations in US 2023.
Diversity: 20% women in radio management US.
UK radio workforce 50,000 including freelancers.
India 400+ private FM stations employ 10,000+.
Automation reduces on-air staff 30% in decade.
Australia radio jobs stable at 6,000 full-time.
40% US radio talent under 35 years old 2023.
Brazil 10,000 radio stations nationwide.
Canada radio employment down 5% to 12,000.
Remote work adopted by 50% radio staff post-COVID.
South Africa radio journalists 5,000 active.
China state radio employs 100,000 staff.
Mexico unionized radio workers 20,000.
France radio sector 25,000 jobs 2023.
Germany public broadcasters 40,000 radio roles.
Japan NHK radio staff 10,000 dedicated.
Nigeria community radio 1,000 stations, 5,000 jobs.
US voiceover freelancers up 25% for radio.
Training programs cover 10% annual workforce.
Turnover rate 18% in US radio sales roles.
Women DJs increased to 15% US commercial.
Australia indigenous radio employs 500.
Podcast production shifts 20% radio jobs.
UK apprenticeships 1,000 new radio entrants yearly.
Global radio consolidation reduced stations 10%.
India rural radio jobs 8,000 community-based.

Workforce and Trends Interpretation

In a world where automation slices 30% of on-air roles and women hold a mere fifth of management positions, radio stubbornly survives as a patchwork quilt of human voices—from the 100,000 state-employed in China to the 5,000 community storytellers in Nigeria—proving that while technology consolidates stations, it can't yet replicate the local, gritty, and increasingly remote hustle that keeps the airwaves alive.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev