Poll: Radio's Best Decade..The 90s, The Worst..Now

It’s fascinating how our perception of different decades in radio programming can vary. According to a recent YouGov survey, conducted from February 29 to March 5, 2024, a majority of Americans believe that the current era of radio is the worst1. Let’s break down the findings:

Best Decades for Radio Programming:

• The 1990s emerged as the most favored decade, with 12% of respondents considering it the best. This preference was notably higher among younger age groups and Hispanics, with 19% of the 18-29 age group and 16% of Hispanics favoring the 1990s.
• The 1980s came in a close second, with 11% considering it the best. This sentiment was particularly strong among those aged 45-64 and Republicans.
• The 2000s received a favorable nod from 10% of respondents, especially among the 18-29 age group and those with higher family incomes.

Worst Decade for Radio Programming: The dubious honor of being the worst decade for radio programming goes to the 2020s. This view was especially pronounced among older age groups and those identifying as Independents and Republicans. The 1930s and 1940s also received some criticism, with 9% and 3% of respondents respectively viewing these decades as the worst.

Other Insights:

• Alongside radio, the 2020s were overwhelmingly viewed as the worst decade for both music and news reporting. However, interestingly, it is considered the best decade for television.
• Fortunately for radio, despite these findings, AM/FM radio remains America’s number one mass reach medium. Nielsen’s Q3 2023 Total Audience Report ranks over-the-air radio as America’s most widespread media among adults 18 and older, surpassing social media, online video, and various TV formats. Among 18-49-year-olds, radio ties with social media for the highest weekly reach.

Results of the Polling were first psoted at RadioInk.