On the Record: Radio Holds 62% of Ad-Supported Audio in Q1

Nielsen/Edison: Radio Holds 62% of Ad-Supported Audio in Q1

Nearly four hours. That’s how much time the average American spent with audio every day in Q1 2026, new data from Nielsen Audio show. It’s an achievement that comes as Americans have access to an ever-expanding menu of listening options. The latest edition of The Record from Nielsen and Edison Research finds both over-the-air and digital streaming radio claimed 62% of daily ad-supported audio time among persons 18+, with podcasts adding another …

On the Record: Radio Holds 62% of Ad-Supported Audio in Q1

Nearly four hours. That's how much time the average American spent with audio every day in Q1 2026, according to Nielsen, and despite an ever-expanding menu of listening options, the vast majority of that time went exactly where it has for decades: radio.

Latest Nielsen/Edison Research Data Reveals Radio Uptick

If you are reading this while listening to music, you’re not alone: The average American spends nearly four hours a day with audio. The latest release of the quarterly “The Record” from Nielsen and Edison Research also says that radio is showing resilience, and the news/talk format continues to lead the way. Portions of the results are derived from Edison’s “Share of Ear,” while others, such as format rankings, originate from Nielsen PPM cross-m…