Radio news salaries rose for a second straight year, according to the latest RTDNA/Newhouse School survey. However, several newsroom positions saw pay declines despite overall salary growth.
What We Know: The annual survey, conducted by RTDNA and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, examined responses from nearly 600 radio stations. Overall radio news salaries increased 7.64% in 2025, exceeding the 2.9% U.S. inflation rate. Still, the gain fell well short of the 14.5% increase reported in the previous survey.
What The Numbers Show: News reporters, sports anchors, and sports reporters recorded the largest average salary gains. Meanwhile, news producer pay fell by nearly $10,000, dropping into the low-$50,000 range. News director salaries also declined, although median pay for the position increased slightly. Additionally, non-commercial stations in the largest markets paid 30.6% more on average than commercial outlets. Starting salaries fell more than 8% for employees without full-time experience, while minimum starting pay increased nearly 24%.
What Remains Unclear: The survey doesn’t identify every factor behind the differences among positions, markets, and station types. Commercial salaries accounted for much of the gap with non-commercial stations, researchers said, while major markets posted declines for most positions.
What It Means: Radio newsrooms continue to face hiring challenges despite the overall salary increase. More than one-quarter of news directors and general managers with openings said recruiting had become more difficult, rising above one-third at commercial stations. Meanwhile, about 29% said they couldn’t find the right candidates.
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