Broadcast and streaming audio deliver unmatched reach and frequency. In a world of fragmented media, radio is the one platform that reaches almost everyone, everywhere: over the air, online and in our station apps. It connects your brand with real people while they’re deciding what to buy.
Radio Reaches of U.S. Adults Every Month
That’s more than 242 million consumers, a larger share than connected devices, smartphones, PCs or tablets. Radio reaches nearly everyone, nearly everywhere they go, on every device.
| Platform | Monthly reach |
|---|---|
| Radio | 92% |
| Connected devices | 90% |
| Smartphone | 87% |
| PC | 72% |
| Streaming video† | 49% |
| Tablet | 48% |
Source: Nielsen Comparable Metrics, 1H 2026 (Nielsen NPower, Nielsen Media Impact). “Connected devices” is Nielsen’s TV-connected devices category.
† Streaming video is streaming’s share of total TV viewing time, persons 2+ (Nielsen, The Gauge™, July 2026), not monthly reach.
- 49.0% Streaming
- 38.2% Broadcast + cable
- 12.8% Other
Broadcast (19.5%) and cable (18.7%) together now hold fewer than 4 in 10 minutes of TV viewing, while radio still reaches 92% of adults every month.
Source: Nielsen, The Gauge™, July 2026, total day, persons 2+. Radio’s 92% monthly reach: Nielsen Comparable Metrics, 1H 2026, adults 18+.
Radio reaches 87% of adults 18–34 each month, the group most often written off as “digital only.”
Radio reaches 92% of Black adults and 93% of Hispanic adults every month.
In the car, more than 80% of all ad-supported audio time goes to AM/FM radio.
Americans spend nearly four hours a day with audio, from the car to the job, the store and the gym.
Radio and podcasts account for 82% of the ad-supported audio time advertisers can buy. Streaming music services: 16%.
More than 7 in 10 car buyers say AM/FM should come standard, and about half would refuse to buy a vehicle without it.
Source: Nielsen, “Everyone. Everywhere.” (October 2026), citing Nielsen Comparable Metrics 1H 2026; Nielsen The Record Q1 2026 and Edison Research Share of Ear® Q1 and Q2 2026; Nielsen In-Car Radio Study with iHeartMedia, May 2026. Read the Nielsen report ↗
Commercials Voiced By
Your brand’s message reaches thousands of listeners through our on-air influencers.
What Are Host-Voiced Ads?
- Our personalities endorse your brand on broadcast and streaming audio across every SummitMedia channel.
- Reach your target audience through a trusted local voice.
- Spots are pre-produced but sound live, and they can run at any length.
Why Use Them?
- Build brand awareness through the relationship between our hosts and your customers.
- Boost sales with personal testimonials, sampling or a promotional offer with a call to action.
- Stay top of mind with a positive, trusted influencer.
Radio + Digital Are Strongest
Radio · Broadcast + streaming audio · Trusted reach
Digital · Targeted reach and frequencyTogether, radio and digital outperform either one alone.
To drive profit
To build trust
To reduce price sensitivity
To acquire customers
Study of 1,262 campaigns from the Effie × System1 global databank © 2026. Source: The Secret to Profit and Trust: Audio, presented by Mark Ritson at Cannes Lions 2026.
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