Global Music Report: Radio Relevance Endures

The 2025 Global Music Report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), was released this week. Several highlights have clear implications for radio-oriented trends, especially given radio’s enduring relevance in music consumption (e.g., 74% in-car usage per Edison’s Infinite Dial 2025). 

Drawing from the report’s broader findings and contextualizing them for radio, here’s what stands out:

Streaming Dominance Meets Physical Resilience: Global recorded music revenues grew 9.8% in 2024 to $30.4 billion, with paid streaming subscriptions (up 10.5% to $15.8 billion) driving 51% of the total. However, physical formats like vinyl (up 4.2%) and CDs still contributed $4.7 billion. For radio, this dual trend suggests a continued role as a discovery platform—streaming fuels on-demand listening, but radio’s live, curated appeal (think Opry 100’s 5.3 million viewers) keeps it vital for exposing hits that later stream or sell physically.

Performance Rights Growth: The report highlights a 6.1% rise in performance rights revenue to $2.9 billion, reflecting income from broadcasts, including radio airplay. This underscores radio’s ongoing economic importance to artists and labels, especially in markets where AM/FM remains a primary channel (e.g., U.S. and Canada, 41% of global revenue). Radio’s ability to generate royalties keeps it a key player, even as streaming takes the revenue lead.

Genre Fluidity and Nashville’s Rise: Nashville’s growing influence, as noted in the report, ties to artists like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll blending country with pop and hip-hop, dominating streaming charts. Radio, particularly country and Top 40 formats, amplifies this trend—Wallen’s “Heartless” or Post Malone’s Opry appearance signal how stations can bridge traditional airplay with streaming-driven crossover appeal, shaping what IFPI calls a “globally interconnected” industry.

Live Music Synergy: The Opry 100 special’s success (5.3 million viewers on March 19, 2025) aligns with the report’s nod to live music’s resurgence post-COVID. Radio stations often partner with such events—think iHeartRadio broadcasts or local tie-ins—boosting artist visibility and driving listeners to both airwaves and streams. The report’s 9.8% revenue growth partly reflects this interplay, with radio as a promotional linchpin.

2025 Infinite Dial Report from Edison Research

Regional Radio Strength: While streaming led growth globally, regions like Asia (down 2.8% in physical sales) and Latin America (up 17.3%) show varied consumption habits. Radio’s stronghold in car-heavy markets (U.S., Japan) or emerging ones (Brazil, Mexico) complements streaming’s rise, offering free access that the IFPI notes still matters—67% of global revenue is streaming, but radio fills gaps where subscriptions lag.

Though the report focuses heavily on streaming (615 million paid users), radio’s relevance shines through indirectly via performance rights and its cultural tie to events like the Opry’s milestone. X posts around the report’s release praise Nashville’s radio-friendly acts, suggesting stations remain a tastemaker, even if the IFPI emphasizes digital metrics. For radio, the takeaway is adaptability—leveraging its live, local edge to stay essential in a $30.4 billion industry increasingly shaped by on-demand platforms.