Radio’s recent spike in growth is very interesting, to say the least.
In 2025, radio stations across the country are seeing their highest weekly listener count in over two decades. Now, over 50 million people are tuning in, with on-demand in particular helping to drive this growth.
On-Demand Radio is Surging in Popularity
The traditional model of radio is bound by schedule, as it’s live. Traditional radio channels also tend to follow a very linear process, but this has changed dramatically over the years. Today, listeners aren’t limited to FM and AM frequencies, nor do they even have to have a traditional radio.
Thanks to smart speakers, apps, online streams, Bluetooth connectivity, car dashboards, and more, people are able to listen to what they want, when they want, and how they want. Many radio stations are also adopting on-demand listening opportunities, where people can tune in to certain radio shows long after they aired.
One interesting trend that is driving the popularity of radio is podcasts. Podcasts are also experiencing exponential growth, with Spotify in particular helping to fuel this. Not only has Spotify made podcasts available on demand, but it has also made them more accessible, with a similar format helping to highlight the appeal of radio conversation, as well as the power of diversifying themes and covering more unique topics. Movements like this have made a big difference for audiences who expect modern media to fit in with their lives, rather than being the other way around.
Source: Pexels
Modern Media is Gravitating to On-Demand
Radio’s evolution into becoming more on-demand is part of a much broader entertainment trend. Streaming platforms have replaced more linear TV schedules, with viewers now able to binge-watch entire seasons of a show. Films can also be watched instantly without people having to wait for broadcasting times.
Even live sports are available and accessible, sometimes weeks after the initial live event. We are also seeing this shift in other verticals, like iGaming. Traditional slot machines, at one point, could only be found in physical venues. Today, however, sites can offer their catalogue on mobile devices, meaning content isn’t just available around the clock; it’s also available on the go. This, as well as more accessible mobile casino bonuses, has helped to accelerate the growth of the market.
People can now play the games they want and access discounts and bonuses from within the same interface, all on demand. Variety and convenience like this have helped to put a spotlight on what modern entertainment looks like, and out of all the different entertainment verticals, radio looks to have benefited the most.
At its core, radio offers something very rare in today’s landscape. It offers connection, whether this is through cultural moments, interactions, or even charismatic presenters. Radio has always been about the human side of things, but at the same time, putting content on demand has not only helped to make those connections more accessible, but it’s also helped to give radio a whole new voice, which is paving the way for its biggest resurgence in over two decades.