Nielsen has unveiled a new research report that details the states that rely upon AM Radio the most.
The report comes after Nielsen revealed that nearly 83 million Americans listen to AM Radio on a monthly basis as the industry continues to fight for its inclusion in new vehicles. Several automakers have shared their intention to remove AM Radio from new electric vehicle models.
However, Ford, one of the previous manufacturers that planned to remove the band, has now reversed course and will keep AM Radio in their future models. Other companies, like BMW and Volvo, have completely removed the medium from their cars.
57% of the AM Radio audience claims to listen to news/talk stations, and 141 local markets see more than 20% of their audience listen to AM.
In the data provided by Nielsen, it revealed that one state sees more than 50% of its residents consume radio on the AM band. 13 states see more than 30% of their audience listening to AM Radio on a regular basis.
According to Nielsen, the top 10 states for AM Radio are:
| State | Monthly AM/FM radio reach | Monthly AM reach | % of radio reach from AM radio stations licensed to the state |
| North Dakota | 741,700 | 391,200 | 52.7% |
| Montana | 941,900 | 358,800 | 38.1% |
| Illinois | 13,448,300 | 5,066,900 | 37.7% |
| Washington | 7,243,300 | 2,540,600 | 35.1% |
| Wisconsin | 5,872,800 | 2,025,600 | 34.5% |
| Nebraska | 1,936,700 | 664,700 | 34.3% |
| Alaska | 455,800 | 153,200 | 33.6% |
| Utah | 2,948,100 | 970,100 | 32.9% |
| California | 32,757,700 | 10,581,600 | 32.3% |
| Ohio | 10,805,600 | 3,383,400 | 31.3% |
