New global survey data shows local radio news remains a meaningful part of Americans’ weekly news habits, even as the way audiences find and consume information continues to change.
The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism’s Digital News Report 2026 found local radio news reaching 10% of Americans weekly among the individual U.S. news brands tracked—roughly in line with regional newspapers and ahead of many national newspaper brands.
Other recent research shows radio’s continued strength. A separate YouGov survey found radio news reaching 28% of Americans monthly, ahead of podcasts, newsletters, print and AI chatbots. Pew Research Center has also described radio as the most resilient traditional source of local news.
But the challenge is clear: younger generations are not necessarily developing the same radio listening habits as those before them.
That does not mean the need for trusted local news is disappearing. It means the way people find it is changing.
That is exactly why FranklinCountyNow.com has become such an important part of our local news operation.
For decades, our radio stations have connected Franklin County and the surrounding region with local news, weather, community information, sports and the stories that matter here at home. Today, that commitment extends beyond the AM/FM dial.
Someone may hear breaking news on the radio, read the full story later on FranklinCountyNow.com, see an update on social media and return to the radio for additional information. These platforms are not competing with one another. Together, they create a stronger local news ecosystem.
National research may show audiences fragmenting across radio, television, websites, social media and emerging technology, but the need for credible local information has not changed.
People still want to know what happened in their town. Why is the road closed? What did local government decide? How did the high school team do? What business is opening? What is happening in their community?
That is where local media matters most.
The radio provides immediate reach, personality and companionship. FranklinCountyNow.com provides a 24-hour local news destination where stories can live, develop and reach audiences wherever they are.
The future of local radio is not about choosing between broadcasting and digital.
It is about using both.
The dial remains powerful. FranklinCountyNow.com expands the reach. And the mission remains the same: local people, local stories and local information — wherever the audience chooses to find it.
