In the Spring 2025 Nielsen radio ratings period, the measurement company reports “signifanct increases in listening across demographics and time periods. versus Fall 2024. he report represents the May-June-July period.
The sudden apparent jump in listening is catalyzed by a change in the Portable People Meters, which now register three-minute listening periods qualifies as the defining standard for listening to a station:
“The PPM audience growth is due to Nielsen’s three-minute qualifier modernization, which provides a significantly more comprehensive and realistic definition of AM/FM radio’s audience and their listening behavior.”
The company found that 23% of PPM listening stints were three or four minutes, according to Westwood One’s reporting. The previous minimum listening session definition was five minutes.
We observe that age bracket does not swing the listening numbers very much, as shown below:
When it comes to radio formats, Adult Contemporary rules the field, followed by more than a dozen other types:
Four key findings are itemized by Westwood One:
- Among persons 25-54, AM/FM radio PPM AQH have soared by +19%. Weekends and nights have the greatest growth compared to Fall 2024.
- Spring 2025 PPM audience growth is consistently strong (+17% to +19%) across all demographics versus Fall 2024.
- Spring 2025 PPM format shares are remarkably stable. The rising PPM tide raises all format boats.
- Nielsen Nationwide projection: Total U.S. AM/FM radio listening is up +7%.
Much more at the source HERE, thanks to Westwood One.