All-News Radio Sees Growth As Listeners Seek Trusted Information.

All-news radio audiences are rising across the U.S. as listeners look for fact-based, local coverage amid declining trust in social media and television news, according to Audacy.

In a new article, Ray Borelli, Audacy’s Senior Vice President for Research and Insights, said the format is “cutting through the clutter” and earning greater trust from listeners.

“With the steady decline of network and cable TV news, accessing credible and trusted local news is harder today than ever before,” Borelli said. He noted that distrust in social media is likely contributing to a 16% year-over-year decline in the percentage of Americans who say they get their news “often” from apps such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.

“In this rapidly changing landscape, consumers are increasingly turning to All News Radio for local news, trusted voices, and fact-based reporting,” Borelli wrote. “Audacy’s All News stations are up +11% versus last year. That’s no small feat considering that 2024 was a Presidential election year!”

Audacy’s “10-10 WINS” WINS-AM/FM (1010/92.3) in New York reported a 22% increase in weekly reach last month, surpassing 2 million listeners — its largest September audience since before the COVID-19 pandemic. San Francisco’s KCBS-AM (740) also posted a 17% year-over-year increase as audiences followed local coverage on issues such as housing, climate and transit. Both stations are among the top all-news stations in the U.S.

According to Audacy’s internal research, radio ranks as the most trusted news source, with all-news radio listeners rating it as the most credible, most trusted and least biased form of local news. The company said nine in 10 listeners rely on local radio for breaking news, and 77% find advertising on news radio trustworthy.

“All News Radio offers something increasingly rare: a safe, unbiased space where brands can reach audiences without wading into controversy,” Borelli wrote. “Its growth isn’t just good news for stations — it opens the door to an affluent, educated audience who wants to hear from supporting brands.”

Audacy said its news listeners represent a desirable demographic for advertisers. More than half report annual incomes of at least $250,000, a quarter have a net worth of $1 million or more, and they’re more likely than average to be college graduates or employed in management or business and financial operations.

“All-News Radio provides a terrific opportunity for brands,” Borelli wrote. “A growing audience of affluent and educated listeners, in a brand-safe news environment. Where your message is heard, believed, and acted on. In a media world crowded with noise and uncertainty, All-News Radio offers something completely different. If it’s not part of your media mix yet, now is the time to take a second look.”