The 2025 RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey reports that 70.5% of radio stations now broadcast local news, up 6.3% from last year, marking two consecutive years of growth.
AM stations slightly outpace FM stations in running local news, but FM stations are increasing their local news output faster, with a nearly 3% higher growth rate.
Commercial radio stations saw a significant rise in local news broadcasting, reaching 75.3% (up 10.3%), while non-commercial stations dipped slightly from 60.7% to 60%, following a 10% drop last year. The leveling off of this decline suggests digital sub-channels may still influence these trends, though their impact appears more stable this year.
Locally owned radio stations continue to lead in news production, with 71.4% airing local news compared to 66.7% of non-locally owned stations, reinforcing a trend that emerged last year and suggesting a potential shift in the industry.