In the age of digital media and streaming entertainment, it can often seem like traditional mediums are falling by the wayside. But even so, there are some that have serious staying power – and radio is one that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

According to U.S. data and analyst experts at Nielsen, radio still has the highest reach of any medium in America. And what’s more, 83% of Americans ages 12 and over reported listening to AM/FM radio in any given week (Pew Research). So even though forms of media such as podcasting and video broadcasts are gaining ground, there’s no indication that anyone should count radio out.

Why Radio is Still as Popular as Ever

Even if you consider yourself a dedicated radio listener, you might have been one of the many people that thought radio was rapidly trending downward. But now, you know that there are still millions of Americans tuning in to their favorite radio stations every day.

And while there are many different reasons that radio remains a staple of the media industry, here are a few of the factors that we think matter most.

1. Radio can be easily accessed, virtually anywhere and at any time.

There is a definite sense of comfort in using the forms of media we’re familiar with, and radio is definitely one of the audio mediums audiences are most well-accustomed to. It’s simple and easy to use, and requires little to no tech-savvy skills. As long as you have a radio that’s tuned to a station you like, listening is as easy as flipping the on-switch.

Adding to the accessibility of radio is its portability. Most cars are equipped with a radio, putting popular broadcasts just a button away. And because so many Americans spend hours every week in their cars, commuting to and from work and school, listening to the radio just makes sense.

Whereas television requires you to listen and watch, radio is an audio-only medium. So, you can enjoy it without needing to set aside a specific block of time – which is why radio pairs perfectly with multi-tasking! You can take the radio with you anywhere, and listen while you drive, work, play, exercise, and do just about anything and everything else you can think of.

2. Radio is (generally) free.

Unless you’re using a subscription-based radio program (such as SiriusXM), radio costs nothing. It’s advertiser-funded, which differs from many of the newest media platforms out there. So, you don’t have to pay monthly subscriber fees.

3. Radio has been adapting amazingly well.

Imagine if radio had stayed exactly as it was when it first debuted – there’s no question that it would have disappeared from our world a long time ago. Luckily, radio has proved to be impressively flexible and adaptable over the decades. As listening habits, consumer trends, and technologies shift, radio keeps pace.

For example, you can now access radio using your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or even a smart speaker. That means that you can listen to radio whenever and however you like, instead of only having one way to access it (a traditional radio).

4. Radio has widespread appeal.

Of all the mediums out there, radio is one of the most inclusive in terms of appeal. Whereas mediums such as podcasts target niche audiences, radio is designed to serve larger, more diverse groups.

Data has consistently shown that radio listeners include people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. And since there are so many different radio stations available, you can switch to one that suits you with virtually no effort.

Data to Know About Radio

Contrary to popular belief, radio is for more than just the older generation. A growing body of data highlights the medium’s enduring popularity and reach.

Here are a few key statistics that show the thriving vitality of radio in today’s digital age:

More Americans listen to the radio than use Facebook each week.

While social media platforms like Facebook enjoy a massive user base, radio still outpaces them in terms of weekly listenership. According to Nielsen’s Audio Today report, 92% of Americans over 18 listen to the radio weekly. That’s more than those who watch television, use a smartphone, or even use Facebook during the same period.

The ubiquity of radio, from the home to the car, contributes to this incredible reach. This factor also answers the frequently asked question, “Do people still listen to the radio in the car?” With a resounding yes, they do.

55% of Gen Z in the U.S. listen to AM/FM radio every day.

Contrary to the myth that radio is for an older demographic, the youngest adult generation, Gen Z, is tuning in daily. A study by Edison Research showed that 55% of Americans aged 13-24 listen to AM/FM radio daily, demonstrating how radio has maintained its relevance amongst the digital-native generation.

Adults listen to 104 Minutes of radio per day, 12.2 hours per week.

Data from Statista shows that adults in the U.S. listen to an average of 104 minutes of radio per day. That’s more than 12 hours per week, proving that radio continues to be a significant part of many people’s daily routines and is alive.

Why Radio Is Still a Good Career Choice

The appeal of radio extends beyond its reach to its capacity to influence listeners and generate trust. Let’s look at a couple of reasons why radio broadcasting remains an attractive career choice in light of these data points.

77% of listeners would try a brand or product endorsed by their favorite radio personality.

A survey conducted by MarketingSherpa showed that 77% of listeners would be willing to try a brand or product endorsed by their favorite radio personality. This statistic underscores the powerful influence radio personalities have on their listeners and the potential impact they can have on consumer behavior.

Radio holds the highest share of trust across all advertising channels.

According to a study by Adobe, 49% of consumers trust radio to deliver trustworthy advertisements, making it the most trusted medium over television, social media, and digital ads. This trust is an essential factor for those contemplating a radio career. Not only does it demonstrate the medium’s credibility, but it also highlights the opportunity for meaningful audience engagement.

Working in Radio is Still a Bright Future

Despite the digital age’s rise, the power and relevance of radio cannot be underestimated. Its wide reach, easy accessibility, trusted content, and influence make it an enduring and evolving platform. Whether you’re an aspiring radio host, advertising professional, or an enthusiastic listener asking, “Is radio still alive?”, the answer is a resounding yes.

As plenty of studies show, radio’s pulse beats stronger than ever, making it an exciting and dynamic career path for those passionate about the medium.

Stake Your Claim in Radio with an Education in Modern Media

If you have dreams of working as a radio broadcaster, there are plenty of career opportunities waiting for you. In fact, as radio evolves to keep pace with new media formats, new doors are opening all the time.

At the BeonAir Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, our students spend their time gaining hands-on experiences that they’ll be able to apply directly to their future careers. And since we offer a diverse range of program options, including Radio & TV Broadcasting, Sports Broadcasting, Audio Production, and more, you can choose the path that leads to your dream job. We even have a Digital Production Program that bridges the gap between traditional and new mediums, giving you a comprehensive perspective on the industry.

You’re passionate about the radio broadcast world, and we’re dedicated to supporting students in the pursuit of knowledge, skills, and valuable learning experiences. So, if you want to take your first steps towards a job in radio, our media schools could be the perfect place to start.

Don’t wait any longer to begin working towards an exciting and fulfilling future; apply to become a student at one of our campuses today!