Laura Carollo
Research expert covering cinema and film
Radio in France - statistics & facts
Radio is one of the oldest, most frequently used and trusted media formats in France. However, the consumption of audio content has changed drastically through the emergence of new technology and consumption methods – generally online or via devices such as mobile phones or laptops. How is the French radio market faring and adapting to the ever-changing media landscape?
Major players
In France, the broadcasting of radio content is distributed between public audiovisual broadcasting media groups, such as Radio France or France Télévisions, and private radio stations, generally thematic or regional. The Radio France group is the most prominent player in the public radio industry in France and manages several of the most listened-to French radio stations, such as the national station France Inter. Live radio remained the most listened-to audio content, followed by music streaming.Going online
Similar to the increasing consumption of video content with video-on-demand platforms, like Netflix, or music content with Spotify or Deezer, a new à la carte radio consumption is in high demand in France. While technology evolves and high-speed internet access becomes much more commonplace, a growing number of listeners have discovered the benefits of online radio and can now listen to their favorite stations directly on their smartphones or laptops. Offering greater mobility to consumers, the rise in popularity of online radio has also led to an unprecedented interest in mobile radio applications, France Info being the most visited among them. As radio content is now available via mobile devices such as smartphones, the content and its availability are also adapting to the expectations of a new type of consumer.Radio – a versatile medium that’s here to stay
Despite being a traditional medium, radio has grown alongside its audience by offering new formats and types of content. While apps allow users to catch up on already aired radio programs and download for offline consumption, the growth of the podcast format in France does not seem to be slowing down and keeps offering diversified content tailored to the listener. Thanks to the medium’s adaptability and capacity for innovation, radio is likely to remain a constant part of many French consumers.
