So, you’ve got an Alexa sitting in your kitchen, ready to fulfill your every wish—well, at least when it comes to music and weather reports. But here’s the kicker: Radio is the talk of the town again. Yep, that same old-school FM radio you listen to in the car is making a major comeback at home, and it’s all thanks to your friendly neighborhood voice assistant. Let’s break down why radio is suddenly hotter than your morning coffee—and why it’s also a top choice for businesses to advertise again.
The Radio Resurgence: Back by Popular Demand
Between 2008 and 2016, in-home radios were practically an endangered species, dropping 34% in numbers. But guess what? Smart speakers have sparked a revival! According to a recent report by XAPPmedia, over 38% of smart speaker owners are now tuning in to good ol’ AM/FM radio regularly (36.63 million people). That’s right—radio is back, baby, and it’s showing up in kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, you name it— Alexa, Echo, Siri and all the other top smart speakers are putting radio back in the home, and advertisers should take note.
Smart speakers are also driving a shift in consumer behavior, making radio an attractive medium for businesses once again.
Edison Research in 2023, states that at least 35% of Americans 12 years or older owned a smart speaker (96.39 million)
The estimated population of the U.S. was approximately 334.9 million in 2023
59.5 million are 14 and under = 275.4 million
89% of owners use their smart speaker daily.
73% of smart speaker owners have made a purchase through the device
Alexa, Connect Me to My Community!
You could ask Alexa to play literally anything, but there’s something magical about saying, "Play my favorite FM station," and instantly connecting with your local scene. Want to know what’s happening in town? Tune into the local radio. Missing out on Friday night football? Your FM station has got you covered. In a world overflowing with choices, that local flavor you get from radio is like a refreshing splash of reality in your endless stream of curated content. In a world of endless choices, this local touch is something that people are craving more of and something streaming services simply can’t replicate.
For businesses, this local connection is gold. Advertising on local radio means your message is reaching listeners who are deeply engaged with their community—and more likely to support local businesses. With Alexa making radio more accessible, your ads have the potential to reach listeners in the most personal spaces of their lives: their homes.
No-Fuss, No-Muss: Just Good Times
There’s something comforting about the simplicity of radio that more people are tuning into. Let’s be real—sometimes you just don’t have the energy to scroll through a thousand playlists or decide which podcast will keep you entertained. That’s where radio comes in, riding in like a knight in shining armor, ready to save you from decision fatigue. With a quick, “Alexa, play my favorite station,” you’re back in the game, no swiping required. It’s that perfect mix of nostalgia and ease, bringing back the radio days we didn’t know we missed—only now, it’s available 24/7 at your command.
Discover the Unexpected: Live, Raw, and Unscripted—Just How You Like It
One of the coolest things about radio? You never know what’s coming next. It’s the thrill of discovery—whether it’s a new favorite song, a hilarious talk show, or breaking news, radio brings surprises you didn’t even know you needed. And let’s be honest, there’s something unique about live radio that hits the spot more today than ever. It’s spontaneous, raw, and utterly real. Breaking news? It’s live. A surprise call-in? Live. That DJ playing your favorite tune? All live, all the time.
Podcasts are great, but there’s something unique about live radio that hits the spot more today than ever. Radio is like street food—it’s spontaneous, raw, and utterly real.
Smart speakers like Alexa are your ticket to this unfiltered world, bringing real-time radio right into your home. No wonder live radio accounts for 67% of smart speaker listening time, far outstripping on-demand streaming. It’s proof that people still crave that element of surprise, and radio delivers. For businesses, this means your ads are part of a dynamic and engaging experience that listeners can’t get enough of.
Alexa, Play My Station Everywhere
The beauty of Alexa isn’t just that she listens; it’s that she follows you around like a loyal sidekick. Whether you’re whipping up dinner in the kitchen, lounging on the couch, or chilling in the backyard, your favorite FM station is right there with you. It’s like having a portable, invisible radio that’s always tuned to your favorite station. And let’s not forget the car—oh yes, Alexa is hopping into vehicles too. Ford alone is planning to roll out over 10 million cars with Alexa on board, meaning your radio isn’t just at home—it’s on the road, keeping you company on every drive.
For advertisers, this means your radio spots are reaching listeners no matter where they are—at home, in the car, or on the go. Your message travels with them, creating multiple touchpoints throughout the day.
Radio: The Original Social Network
Before tweets, snaps, and TikToks, there was radio—the OG platform for sharing stories, opinions, and killer tunes with a community. DJs were the original influencers, and radio stations were trendsetters. With Alexa, that social side of radio is back, but now with a major upgrade. Custom skills, like the one for B100, let listeners tune into live streams, podcasts, and on-demand content with just a voice command.
And here’s the kicker: Nielsen’s Q3 2023 Total Audience Report revealed that over-the-air radio remains the most widespread media in America, surpassing social media. In 2023, Nielsen dropped a bombshell—AM/FM radio’s total audience overtook television for the first time in history.
Final Thoughts: Radio Never Went Away, It Just Got Smarter
So, why is radio so hot these days? Because it’s always been hot—it just needed a little tech-savvy boost. Alexa has made it easier than ever to tune in, turning what was once a fading medium into the life of the party. With smart speakers now in over 35 million U.S. homes, the radio revival is in full swing. Next time you’re wondering one of the best places to advertise your business, just say, “Hey Alexa, play my favorite FM station,” and you’ll see why radio is back at the top of the charts.
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