Broadcast Trends
For years, the general assumption has been that streaming growth comes at the expense of radio. New data from Edison Research suggests otherwise.
According to The Infinite Dial 2026, 30% of weekly radio listeners now stream at least some of their radio listening, up from 19% two years ago. Yet 70% still listen exclusively over-the-air.
Additional data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear® study shows streamed AM/FM listening now accounts for 14% of all daily AM/FM listening time, continuing a steady upward trend.
The takeaway: Radio audiences aren’t leaving, they’re adding another way to listen.
Why It Matters
The growth of streaming should not be viewed as a replacement for broadcast. Instead, it’s an extension.
Today’s listeners move seamlessly between their car radio, website, mobile device, smart speaker, and connected audio platforms. They expect access to your program wherever they happen to be listening.
The challenge now is more than building an audience, it’s making sure your audience can find you across every platform they use.
This is encouraging news for broadcast ministries, since the audience you’ve worked hard to build is still there. But as listening habits change, the quality of the listening experience matters more than ever.
A listener who encounters a broken stream, outdated app, or confusing smart speaker experience may not take the extra step to find you again.
Next Steps
Take inventory of every way someone can access your ministry today.
Ask yourself:
- Is our stream easy to find and well-maintained?
- Can listeners access us through smart speakers and mobile devices?
- Are we measuring streaming engagement alongside over-the-air reach?
- Does our branding remain consistent across every listening platform?
As listening habits continue shifting, the programs that thrive will be the ones making it easy for audiences to stay connected, however they choose to tune in.
If one of your most loyal listeners wanted to find you on a different platform today, how confident are you they could?
Jonathan Andrews
Director of Media | jonathan@eaglecom.ca