Radio Maintains Dominance in Car Audio Despite Removal Threat

New Edison data shows AM/FM still commands 55% of in-car listening time as automakers consider eliminating built-in radios.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:27am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sweeping, abstract streaks of vibrant color and chaotic motion, conveying the dynamic energy and rapid pace of modern automotive technology.The rapid pace of automotive innovation collides with radio's enduring presence in the car, as automakers weigh the future of built-in entertainment systems.NYC Today

A new report from Edison Research shows that AM/FM radio continues to lead in-car audio listening, accounting for 55% of total time spent among US listeners aged 13 and older. While the share is lower among younger adults aged 13-34 at 46%, radio still outpaces streaming music services and other audio options in the car. This data comes as some automakers, like Dodge and Chrysler, have raised the possibility of building entry-level vehicles without built-in radios altogether.

Why it matters

Radio's continued dominance in the car is significant as automakers weigh whether to remove radios from their vehicles entirely. Consumer research has shown strong resistance to this idea, with a majority of car buyers indicating they would not consider purchasing a vehicle without AM/FM reception. The potential loss of radio access in cars could impact both listeners and the radio industry, which relies heavily on in-car audiences.

The details

The Edison data shows radio's lead narrows but holds among younger listeners: adults 13–34 gave AM/FM 46% of their in-car audio time, compared to 30% for streaming music services and 24% for other audio. This comes after automakers like Tesla have already removed radios from some of their entry-level models, and startup EV brand Slate Auto plans to ship its debut vehicle without a radio. Industry groups like the NAB have launched campaigns urging listeners to contact Congress and support legislation that would mandate AM radio access in all new US passenger vehicles.

  • The Edison data was released on April 9, 2026.
  • Dodge and Chrysler CEO Matt McAlear raised the prospect of building entry-level vehicles without radios at the 2026 New York International Auto Show.

The players

Edison Research

A media research company that conducts the quarterly Share of Ear study tracking audio consumption trends.

Matt McAlear

The CEO of Dodge and Chrysler, who spoke at the 2026 New York International Auto Show about the possibility of building entry-level vehicles without radios.

Tesla

An automaker that has already removed radios from some of its entry-level models, like the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard.

Slate Auto

A startup electric vehicle brand that plans to ship its debut model without a radio.

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The industry group that has launched a campaign urging listeners to contact Congress in support of legislation to mandate AM radio access in all new US passenger vehicles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would mandate AM band access as standard safety equipment in all new US passenger vehicles, has cleared 375 co-sponsors across both chambers but remains stalled, awaiting floor scheduling from House and Senate leadership.

The takeaway

While automakers continue to explore the possibility of removing radios from their vehicles, this data shows radio remains a dominant force in in-car audio consumption, especially among younger listeners. The potential loss of radio access in cars could have significant implications for both listeners and the radio industry, underscoring the importance of legislative efforts to preserve AM/FM radio in new vehicles.