Since the pandemic took hold in the United States, NPR’s radio ratings have taken a nosedive. Half of AM/FM listening in the United States takes place in a car, but between reduced or eliminated commutes and social distancing, there’s been a steep decline in the drivers that make up public radio’s traditional broadcast audience.
Even as its legacy platform’s audience has declined, though, NPR says it is reaching more people than ever. The 22% dip in radio listenership has coincided with a record number of people turning to NPR on virtually every other platform.
