The way we listen to radio is changing fast, but the medium isn’t going anywhere. Instead, it’s evolving alongside how we work, travel, and relax.
Smart speakers, streaming platforms, and connected cars have helped shape radio into something more accessible and personalised. You can now ask your phone or home device to play a specific show or station, and it’ll start right where you left off.
Connected dashboards in cars are also becoming standard, and that’s keeping radio prominent during the daily commute. New industry initiatives like Radio Ready in Europe and Australia are helping to make sure radio stays easy to access as car tech advances.
Workplaces are also shifting. With more people working from home or on flexible schedules, stations are adapting their schedules, formats and even launching daily podcasts to fit new routines.
At the same time, listeners are exploring audio beyond traditional broadcasts. Many fans of entertainment content are also seeking Slingo sister sites to find other ways to unwind and be entertained between shows or on breaks.
Ofcom’s most recent report showed younger listeners are choosing a mix of radio, podcasts and music apps. That means broadcasters are putting more into digital content and multi-platform formats to reach all age groups.
The BBC’s latest investment into local radio and the rise in community-driven digital stations are signs that live and local still matter. Stations are finding ways to serve loyal audiences while building new habits among digital-first listeners.
More insight into radio’s connected future is available from WorldDAB and Ofcom.