Radio Broadcasting in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Radio Broadcasting in France industry analysis

The Radio Broadcasting industry in France is grappling with a significant transformation as traditional radio listenership continues its long-term decline. With weekly radio listeners dipping from 43.3 million in 2012 to 38.7 million projected in 2024, according to Lettre Pro, it's clear that consumer preferences are shifting towards digital platforms like streaming services and podcasts. The level of digitalisation, size of the over 65-year-old population and demand from advertisers are also key influences on the performance of the French radio broadcasting industry. Revenue is anticipated to fall at a compound annual rate of 5.6% to £814.5 million over the five years through 2025, reflecting a challenging period marked by heightened competition from digital platforms, evolving listener habits and reduced demand from advertisers. In an increasingly digital age, major French broadcasters like Radio France and NRJ Group have had to continuously innovate their offering, like incorporating digital audio broadcasting (DAB), to stay relevant.

Trends and Insights

• Public broadcasters hold a significant share of audiences. They maintain this dominance by targeting varied audiences and being funded through licensing fees or taxes, rather than relying on advertising revenue.
• Music is the main draw for radio listeners. Despite competition from streaming platforms, 73% of radio users tune in primarily for music, leading stations to evolve into music discovery platforms with additional content.
• Public broadcasters dominate domestic markets. Across the continent, the market is fragmented by national borders, but domestically, public broadcasters often dominate.