https://barrettmedia.com/2026/04/23/jacobs-media-techsurvey-2026-am-fm-radio-hits-all-time-low-as-digital-surges-to-44/
AI GENERATED
The Jacobs Media Techsurvey 2026 results signal a massive shift in how people consume media. We are witnessing the closing of a 71-point gap that has been narrowing for over a decade.
Key Findings of Techsurvey 2026
For the first time, broadcast radio dominance is under serious threat, as digital consumption has surged to nearly half of all listening time.
1. The Shrinking Gap: Broadcast radio now accounts for 54 percent of listening, while digital has climbed to 44 percent. In 2013, the split was 85 percent broadcast to 14 percent digital.
2. The Demographic Crossover: Gen Z has officially crossed the threshold, with digital listening at 49 percent now surpassing broadcast at 48 percent.
3. Digital Composition: The 44 percent digital share is made up of computer streaming (12 percent), mobile apps (9 percent), smart speakers (4 percent), podcasts (2 percent), and smart TVs (2 percent).
4. The Car Stronghold: Despite the digital surge, the car remains the largest single platform for traditional radio at 37 percent.
Format Performance: Digital vs. Broadcast
The impact of digital varies depending on the type of content being consumed:
Sports Radio: 42 percent Broadcast / 56 percent Digital. This is the only format where digital has lapped broadcast.
CHR Top 40: 54 percent Broadcast / 43 percent Digital. High digital engagement due to younger demographics.
News/Talk: 59 percent Broadcast / 37 percent Digital. The format most anchored to traditional broadcast.
Country and Classic Rock: 59 to 63 percent Broadcast / approximately 35 percent Digital. Maintaining a steady lead in traditional over the air.
Why is this happening
Listeners are expressing frustration with several factors:
1. Ad Load: Listeners complain of 22 to 25 minutes of ads per hour on FM.
2. Repetitive Playlists: Stations playing the same few songs every day.
3. Hardware Accessibility: Fewer modern devices come with built in AM/FM receivers compared to the past.
Modern-Day Example
Just as the season of the handwritten letter gave way to the telephone, and the telephone to the digital message, we are seeing the season of the airwaves transition into the season of the stream. The message—the music, the news, the sports—remains the same, but the vessel used to carry it must adapt to the technology of the day or risk being left in the past.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
