The latest Media Technology Monitor (MTM) study finds that AM/FM radio remains a popular source of audio content in Canada. 

The “Tuning In – Radio in Canada” report showed that English-speaking Canadians’ radio consumption declined in fall 2020, when people began working from home. But as they have returned to the offices–and cars–MTM said radio has been regaining popularity.

According to its study, four in five (80%) listened to AM/FM radio content on any platform this year and spent an average of nine hours a week on this activity. Prior to the pandemic, radio consumption was 86% and 88% in spring and fall 2019, respectively. These findings mirror Numeris’s recent full-year diary release, showing radio reaches 82% of Canadian adults. 

The report found that anglophones ages 50 to 64 were the most likely to listen to radio this year, with three in 10 also listening to streaming AM/FM radio. Younger people (ages 18 to 34) spend less time consuming traditional radio and more time listening to podcasts on streaming platforms and music on YouTube.

Online radio is becoming increasingly popular among Canadians, according to the study. A quarter (25%) complement their traditional radio consumption with online AM/FM listening, but only 2% listen to AM/FM exclusively online.

Alberta has the highest rate of radio listening (84%), followed by the Atlantic region (83%), Ontario, Manitoba (81%) and British Columbia (77%). On the streaming front, Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents (27%) are the most likely to listen to radio via online platforms.They are closely followed by Ontario and Quebec locals (26%).

MTM conducted telephone interviews and surveys with 7,007 Canadians in fall 2022 and spring this year for this report.

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