Overview and Relevance
In the first half of 2025, both AM and non-commercial radio in Mexico City experienced a decline in their listener base. The combined reach of AM and FM radio stations in the capital fell by 2.22%, from 63,828,129 listeners in the first half of 2024 to 62,405,598 in the same period of 2025.
AM Radio Performance
The AM band specifically saw a loss of 1,241,270 listeners, dropping from 10,916,438 to 9,675,168. This resulted in AM radio’s audience share in Mexico City falling to 15.5% from 17.1% a year prior, with the remaining audience share going to FM radio.
Non-Commercial Radio Performance
Non-commercial radio, which includes public, indigenous, and community social radio, experienced an even steeper decline. These stations lost 1,321,517 listeners, representing a 25.25% decrease in their audience compared to their own previous figures.
Possible Factors for Decline
The reasons behind this overall 2.22% decline in radio listenership remain unclear, though potential factors could include a sluggish economy during the first half of 2025 or seasonal influences. INRA measurement records also indicate that general radio listenership among those under 18 years old decreased, while the radio audience among economically active individuals grew.
Segment-wise Performance
The FM band outperformed AM radio, with music and entertainment radio stations showing significant growth. Ten FM stations reached over half a million listeners each month, marking an increase from eight such stations in the previous year. These ten stations collectively reached 33,578,157 listeners, a 20% increase from the first half of 2024.
News and talk radio, however, saw 17,809,851 listeners in the first half of 2025. Grupo Radio Fórmula led this segment, reaching 6,596,128 listeners across its stations. Other notable stations in this segment included W Radio, Imagen Radio, Heraldo Radio, 88.9 Noticias, Stereo Cien, and MVS Noticias.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the overall decline in radio listenership in Mexico City’s first half of 2025? The combined reach of AM and FM radio stations fell by 2.22%, from 63,828,129 listeners in the first half of 2024 to 62,405,598 in the same period of 2025.
- Which radio segments experienced growth? The FM band, particularly music and entertainment radio, showed significant growth. Ten FM stations collectively reached 33,578,157 listeners, a 20% increase from the first half of 2024.
- What are some possible reasons for the decline in radio listenership? Potential factors include a sluggish economy during the first half of 2025 and seasonal influences. Additionally, radio listenership among those under 18 years old decreased, while the audience among economically active individuals grew.
- Which radio segment led in terms of listeners reached? The news and talk radio segment, led by Grupo Radio Fórmula, reached 17,809,851 listeners in the first half of 2025.
