Gen Z and younger Millennials are turning to radio for music discovery

MIDiA Research finds that 42% of live radio listeners aged 20 to 34 tune in for music discovery, highlighting demand for human curation

London, UK – Radio offers qualities that more modern consumption methods (streaming services) often struggle to replicate. Streaming borrowed many features from radio but left behind three of its greatest strengths: context, human curation, and dynamism. 

New report From reach to resonance:Radio’s new role in music discovery from MIDiA Research finds as algorithmic playlists reach their limits, younger listeners are looking to other avenues for music discovery. 

“In an entertainment landscape dominated by ubiquity, fragmentation, and algorithms, younger generations and music fans are craving scarcity, shared experiences, and human curation. Ironically, one of the oldest forms of music consumption has the opportunity to lead this future: radio.” - Laura Fisher, Audio and Entertainment Analyst at MIDiA Research

Modern music fans are drawn to radio for its ability to help them discover music, enjoy curated playlists and music selection, and feel part of a shared listening experience. While practical updates such as news, weather, and travel are less central to this group, the appeal of live radio lies increasingly in its role as a free, accessible source of entertainment and discovery. Among average live radio listeners, being free is the format’s biggest strength, cited by 50%, followed by news, weather and travel updates at 36%, and music discovery at 32%.

Radio is shaped by the people listening to it. A call-out, phone-in, or live chat comment can redirect the conversation or prompt a host to respond in the moment. Algorithms refine recommendations but rarely take risks, as their goal is generally to serve users music they are predicted to like. Human DJs can explore, push boundaries, and introduce listeners to something entirely different.

This opportunity comes at a time when radio’s overall position is relatively weaker than it has been historically. Music streaming has narrowly overtaken radio as the main music consumption format, in part by adopting radio-like features. MIDiA’s research finds that 56% of consumers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia use music streaming monthly, compared with 53% who listen to radio, and 29% who listen specifically to music radio.

The radio landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade. Once largely a network of terrestrial and satellite stations now includes streaming platforms and community-focused stations such as NTS, Rinse FM, and Balamii. 

MIDiA’s latest report finds that radio is well placed to re-establish itself as an important source of music discovery. However, the opportunity lies in strengthening what makes radio distinctive, rather www.midiaresearch.comthan trying to become more like streaming.

• Read the full report: https://www.midiaresearch.com/reports/from-reach-to-resonance-radios-new-role-in-music-discovery  
• Read Laura’s blog post: https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/why-musics-next-discovery-engine-might-be-radio 

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