The Record, Nielsen’s quarterly report on audio listening, activity shows that during Q3 2026, U.S. consumers spent 83% of daily ad-supported audio time with radio and podcasts, vs. just 15% with streaming music services. The report, which includes data from both Nielsen and Edison Research, also shows daily audio consumption in the U.S. during 2026’s third quarter averaged nearly four hours (3 hours and 55 minutes) of daily listening. Radio’s monthly reach of adults stood at

Radio ranks second only to social media in advertising return on investment, according to Nielsen research, despite marketers placing the medium last among 10 channels when asked about perceived effectiveness. The findings highlight a striking disconnect between how advertisers view radio and how the medium actually performs, suggesting its advertising value may be underestimated. iHeartMedia highlights the findings, citing Nielsen’s Global Compass benchmarks and its study, “

The final weeks of the 119th Congress are set to begin as lawmakers return to Washington after a monumental week in politics. It will be the most congressional lame ducks since the Watergate era, with Republicans racing to get as much as they can accomplished while they are still in control. For radio, the biggest goal remains passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R.979/S. 315). The bill was overwhelmingly approved in the House before the election, and the odds of

United Airlines passengers can now pick up any podcast where they left off at home, even at 35,000 feet. Spotify is rolling out the ability for travelers to log into their personal accounts directly on United’s seatback entertainment screens, giving them access to their favorite podcasts, including video episodes, along with personalized recommendations, music and audiobooks. The upgrade marks the next phase of a partnership announced last year, when United became the first a

Small businesses are spending more money to attract customers, but their confidence in their ability to turn those investments into sales is sinking. New research from Borrell Associates finds that advertisers are increasingly frustrated with their lead-generation efforts, even as they expand their marketing budgets and use more advertising channels. One beneficiary of that broader approach is radio, which is gaining ground among small businesses looking to acquire new custom

Cumulus Media will have to weigh in on Nielsen’s bid for Supreme Court review after all. The justices have requested a response from the broadcaster in its ongoing ratings antitrust battle, reversing the practical effect of Cumulus’ earlier decision to sit out the appeal. The Supreme Court is giving Cumulus until Dec. 7 to explain why Nielsen’s challenge to a ruling blocking its national and local ratings sales policy should not be heard. The development comes just weeks afte

Small businesses are spending more money to attract customers, but their confidence in their ability to turn those investments into sales is sinking. New research from Borrell Associates finds that advertisers are increasingly frustrated with their lead-generation efforts, even as they expand their marketing budgets and use more advertising channels. One beneficiary of that broader approach is radio, which is gaining ground among small businesses looking to acquire new custom

Advertisers planning digital audio campaigns may be overlooking affluent consumers who increasingly pay to avoid advertisements on streaming music services, according to a new report from Audacy. The report, which examines the relationship between digital audio listening habits, household income and advertising accessibility, argues that marketers should look beyond streaming music platforms to reach consumers with greater spending power. It draws on Edison Research’s Share o

Podcasts have emerged as the second-largest source of advertising-supported audio listening in the car, accounting for 9% of listening time among adults 18 and older. While AM/FM radio continues to dominate the dashboard, podcasts are attracting a larger share of in-car listening than individual ad-supported streaming services, according to new dataincluded in a Westwood One Audio Active Group analysis. The findings come as Americans have largely returned to commuting, restor

Jacobs Media has opened registration for Techsurvey 2027, inviting commercial radio stations in the U.S. and Canada to participate in the annual study of radio listeners’ media habits, technology usage and evolving entertainment preferences. The research, conducted in partnership with Inside Radio, will field in January and February, with participating stations receiving format-specific data and comparisons with national audience trends. The 2026 Techsurvey attracted more tha