Top Radio Formats of 2013 by Nielsen

Story by All Access and Nielsen Research

NIELSEN AUDIO has released its list of the "Top 10 Audio Formats of 2013," and "News Talk Information" is the leader with a 9.3% share of Persons 6+, followed by "Pop Contemporary Hit Radio" at 8.2%, Country at 7.6%, AC at 7.7%, Hot AC at 5.5%, Classic Hits at 5.3%, Urban AC at 5%, Sports at 4.3%, Classic Rock at 4.3%, and Regional Mexican at 3.9%.

For persons 18-34, it's a different story: Top 40 moves into the lead with 12.4%, followed by Country at 9.1%, Top 40/Rhythmic at 7.3%, AC at 6.3%, Hot AC at 6.1%, Regional Mexican at 5.6%, Urban at 5.3%, Alternative at 5%, News-Talk at 3.7%, and Classic Rock at 3.6%.

The persons 25-54 category is also led by Top 40 at 8.7%, with AC moving up to a tie for second with Country at 7.5%. News-Talk is fourth at 6.8%, and Hot AC is behind it at 6.1%. Urban AC ties for sixth with Sports at 4.9%, Regional Mexican and Classic Rock tie for eighth at 4.7%, and Classic Hits makes the top 10 at 4.6%.

NIELSEN notes that under the PPM, Country has risen to all-time highs, and shows growth among younger listeners, while Top 40 has increased its 25-54 numbers and Urban AC and Hot AC had "banner years -- among their best ever."

TOP 10 AUDIO FORMATS OF 2013 (PERSONS 6+)

Rank

Format P6+ SHARE
1. News Talk Information 9.3%
2. Pop Contemporary Hit Radio 8.2%
3. Country 7.8%
4. Adult Contemporary 7.7%
5. Hot Adult Contemporary 5.5%
6. Classic Hits 5.3%
7. Urban Adult Contemporary 5.0%
8. All Sports 4.3%
9. Classic Rock 4.3%
10. Mexican Regional 3.9%