Today is National Radio Day!
From NationalRadioDay.com:
“National Radio Day is a time to honor one of the most longstanding electronic media and its role in our everyday lives. Radio delivers information, news, entertainment, and company to millions of Americans every hour of every day. We invite listeners, broadcasters, producers, and stations to celebrate on August 20.”
Even with stiff competition from podcasts and streaming platforms, local radio remains as vibrant and essential as ever. Here is a look at how Americans are tuning in and why radio continues to dominate the airwaves:
By the Numbers: How We Listen
- Massive Weekly Reach: Over 82% of Americans aged 12 and older tune into terrestrial AM/FM radio every single week. (Nielsen Audio’s The Record & Audio Today Reports)
- The Ultimate Road Companion: AM/FM radio continues to rule the dashboard, making up more than 70% of all in-car audio listening—beating out streaming apps, satellite, and podcasts combined. (Edison Research’s Share of Ear Report)
- Gen Z Holds the Dial: Despite stereotypes, radio isn’t just for older generations—nearly 8 out of 10 Gen Zers report listening to broadcast radio regularly. (Nielsen Audio and Edison Research)
- Digital Expansion: Over 81% of Americans now stream online audio monthly, with millions using mobile apps and smart speakers to listen to their favorite local radio stations anywhere they go. (National Public Media & Edison Research – The Infinite Dial).
Did You Know? Quick Radio Trivia
- Speed of Sound vs. Light: Radio waves travel at roughly 186,000 miles per second! That means a remote listener tuning in through a radio set 1,000 miles away actually hears a broadcast a microsecond before someone sitting in the back of the live studio!
- The Eiffel Tower’s Lifeline: The Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair and was slated to be torn down after 20 years. City officials spared it after realizing its massive height made it the ultimate antenna for radio transmitters.
- The First Radio Jingle: The world’s first commercial singing jingle aired on Christmas Eve in 1926 for Wheaties cereal. It proved so successful that it was credited with saving the brand from cancellation.
We’ve grown a little fond of radio over the years, so we’re going to celebrate accordingly!
Thank you for tuning in, riding along on your morning commutes, and keeping us a part of your daily routine.
Happy National Radio Day!
