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Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: Podcasts Surpass Talk Radio in U.S. Listening Time, Study Finds

February, 26, 2026-02:30

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Podcasts Surpass Talk Radio in U.S. Listening Time, Study Finds:

Podcasts have officially overtaken AM/FM talk radio as Americans’ preferred format for spoken-word audio, according to new data from Edison Research.

Findings from the firm’s long-running Share of Ear survey show that podcasts now account for 40% of spoken-word listening time in the United States, narrowly surpassing talk radio at 39%. Over the past decade, podcast consumption has steadily increased, while time spent listening to traditional spoken radio broadcasts has gradually declined.

While the shift may seem inevitable given the rapid rise of on-demand audio, it also highlights the enduring presence of traditional radio. (The data focuses specifically on spoken-word content and does not include music radio listening.)

Edison confirmed that the podcast figures include video podcasts — an increasingly significant segment of the market. Platforms such as Spotify and YouTube have played a major role in expanding the reach of video-based podcast formats, reflecting a broader evolution in how audiences consume spoken content.

The growing momentum around video podcasts has also caught the attention of major streaming players. Netflix has begun partnering with iHeartMedia and Barstool Sports to bring podcast-style programming to its platform, positioning it as a modern take on traditional talk shows.

Meanwhile, YouTube reports that viewers watched 700 million hours of podcasts per month on TV devices in 2025, up from 400 million the previous year — a sign that podcasts are increasingly becoming living-room entertainment.

Despite the rise of video formats, audio-first podcast listening remains strong, suggesting that the medium’s growth is expanding the overall audience rather than replacing traditional listening habits.

Author: Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi