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Podcasts Overtake Traditional Radio In U.S. Listenership

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 26, 2026

Podcasts Overtake Radio As The Dominant Spoken-Word Medium

Recent findings from Edison Research reveal that podcasts have now eclipsed AM/FM talk radio in terms of listening time in the United States. For the first time, podcasts accounted for 40% of spoken-word audio consumption, edging out radio’s 39% share.

Decade-Long Trend Solidifies New Audio Landscape

Edison Research’s Share of Ear survey, which has tracked listening habits for more than a decade, shows steady growth in podcast consumption alongside a gradual decline in traditional talk radio.

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The trend highlights increasing demand for on-demand and niche content, where podcasts allow listeners to choose topics, formats, and schedules that match personal preferences.

The Rise Of Video Podcasts

The study also points to the expanding role of video podcasts across platforms such as Spotify and YouTube. While video formats are included in overall consumption figures, audio-first listening remains a core part of podcast engagement.

Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Report for 2025 found that 80% of listeners aged 18 and older engage with both audio and video formats. Genres such as music, sports, comedy, and news tend to perform well in video, while science, history, fiction, art, and true crime remain primarily audio-driven.

Strategic Industry Moves And Market Adaptation

One of the more intriguing developments is Netflix’s strategic foray into the podcast arena. By partnering with iHeartMedia and Barstool Sports, the streaming giant aims to reinvent the daytime talk show format. This move aligns with additional insights from YouTube, which reported that living room devices now account for a significant portion of podcast viewership, with monthly watch times rising from 400 million to 700 million hours between 2024 and 2025.

Conclusion: The Enduring Role Of Podcasts

Edison Research data shows that 85% of weekly U.S. podcast listeners aged 13 and older engage with some form of video-integrated content, up 7% from 2023. The U.S. now has an estimated 115 million weekly podcast listeners, with only a small share preferring video without audio.

As listening habits continue to evolve, podcasts are increasingly positioned as a central format within the broader digital audio and media landscape.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Greek Retail Powerhouse Expands Into Six Strategic International Markets

Greek retail titan Jumbo has announced an ambitious expansion strategy that positions the company to extend its international footprint beyond its established strongholds in Cyprus and Southeast Europe. In a strategic agreement with the Balfin Group, the retailer is set to penetrate six new markets, including Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Strategic Global Expansion

The agreement builds on the existing cooperation between Jumbo and Balfin Group, which previously supported the retailer’s expansion into markets including Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Moldova. According to the company, the next phase of expansion will include a greater degree of local operational management across the new markets.

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Enhanced Logistics And Supply Chain Capabilities

To support the expanded international network, Balfin Group is also developing a new central logistics hub in China. The facility is expected to strengthen sourcing, warehousing, transportation and distribution operations across the Caucasus region, Central Asia and Ukraine. Previously, Jumbo relied primarily on logistics infrastructure based in Greece to support franchise operations across Southeast Europe.

Sustainable Growth And Robust Financial Foundation

Alongside its franchise expansion strategy, Jumbo continues focusing on organic growth across existing markets. The retailer currently operates 89 physical stores, including 53 in Greece, six in Cyprus, 10 in Bulgaria and 20 in Romania, in addition to its e-commerce operations. A new store in Baia Mare is expected to open by the end of October.

Jumbo also operates 46 franchise stores across seven countries, including Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Israel. According to the company, its expansion strategy continues to be supported by strong liquidity levels and the absence of bank borrowing.