Edison Research’s latest Insights report finds that AM/FM radio remains the dominant ad-supported audio platform among Americans ages 13 to 34 when they are listening in the car. The report, based on Edison’s Share of Ear data, found that Americans ages 13 to 34 spend an average of just under an hour a day listening to audio in the car. About 63% of that listening time is devoted to ad-supported audio platforms. AM/FM radio, including both over-the-air broadcasts and radio st

The Interactive Advertising Bureau has become more bullish on the U.S. advertising market, raising its 2026 growth forecast to 12.3% after a stronger-than-expected first half — with podcasts expected to remain one of the faster-growing media channels. The IAB update lifts its full-year ad spending forecast by 2.8 points from the 9.5% growth projected in January. The findings are based on insights from more than 200 brands and ad agency decision-makers in which the organizatio

Podcast audiences came roaring back in August, with nearly every publisher measured by Podtrac posting month-to-month audience growth as iHeartMedia strengthened its hold on the top of the U.S. rankings. Podtrac says 18 of the 19 U.S. ranking participants increased their unique monthly audience in August vs. July. Download growth was less widespread but still positive, with eight participants recording month-to-month increases in U.S. downloads and streams. The iHeart Audienc

In terms of stations ranked first in the 20 non-embedded PPM markets reporting on Days 1 and 2 in Nielsen’s August survey (covering July 23-August 19), adult contemporary and news/talk lead in eight of these markets, with four number-ones apiece, while urban AC stations claim the top spot in three markets. For AC, that total is actually its lowest since January and February of this year, when the format also topped four markets. More recently, AC stations ruled in six markets

Radio historian and videographer Art Vuolo is encouraging radio stations nationwide to air his documentary marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The roughly 20-minute presentation, which Vuolo describes as a tribute from an audio perspective, is constructed entirely from actual radio broadcasts recorded on 9/11. There are no recreations, with the documentary using the voices and sounds heard on radio as the attacks unfolded. Vuolo says the pres

Westwood One says a national AM/FM radio campaign for a major retailer’s Valentine’s Day promotion generated a 34% increase in foot traffic, with the strongest gains occurring in markets where the campaign received the greatest advertising weight. The findings come from a new analysis by location analytics firm Placer.ai, commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group, that examined the relationship between radio advertising and visits to retail locations

iHeartMedia is urging advertisers to take a culture-first approach to reaching Hispanic and Latino consumers, arguing that audio’s strong role in the daily lives of those audiences can help brands build trust, relevance and measurable business results. The nation’s Latino population represents a significant opportunity for marketers because of its size, purchasing power and relatively young demographic profile. Jasmine Mejia, VP of Multicultural Brand Partnerships and My Cult

Day 1 of Nielsen August 2026 PPMs (covering July 23-August 19) sees shuffling at the top of four of these eight non-embedded markets, with all-news and news/talk stations involved in three. In New York, where it’s been years since two stations tied for first, both Audacy news WINS-AM/FM (1010/92.3) and iHeartMedia adult contemporary “106.7 Lite FM” WLTW claim the top spot, while in Chicago, Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS (780/105.9) ousts Hubbard hot AC “101.9 The Mix” WTMX f

The mid-summer advertising market remained in growth mode, even as higher gas prices and inflation continue to weigh on the U.S. economy as marketers increased their investment in advertising. Newly released data from Guideline shows total U.S. ad spending increased 11.9% in July compared to a year earlier. That was smaller than the 20.5% growth rate posted in June when World Cup ad spending skewed the totals. While smaller, it marks seven consecutive months of year-over-year

Podcast advertising bounced higher in August as most of the medium’s biggest advertisers increased their investment, while a new No. 1 emerged and ChatGPT made a splashy debut among the top spenders. New data from Podscribe shows the top 10 podcast advertisers spent a combined $34 million in August, up 15.3% from $29.5 million in July. Eight of the 10 advertisers increased their spending month-to-month, making August a considerably stronger month after spending softened in Ju