New Arcom report underlines the enduring strength of broadcast radio in France

15.04.2026 by Jean-Marc Dubreuil, Country Manager - France, WorldDAB

According to the latest ARCOM report "Tendances audio-vidéo 2026", while 99% of the population has access to a device enabling them to listen to audio, radio remains the leading audio media in France, reaching 73% of the population. Radio is described as a service with a very strong attachment (especially for those 35+), with 68% of people saying they would miss it if it were gone.

Crucially, live listening remains dominant, with the majority of audiences still tuning in via broadcast networks such as FM and DAB+. This is a significant point. At a time when digital platforms and streaming services continue to grow—particularly among younger audiences—the data confirms that broadcast live radio remains the backbone of audio consumption. It continues to deliver scale, reliability and simplicity in a way that no single platform can replicate. Among dedicated radio supports (car radios, Hi-Fi systems, portable radios, etc.), 24.5% are also now DAB+ compatible.

The report also highlights the importance of the car as a listening environment, with the car radio being the most widely used dedicated device for audio consumption (at 59%). This reinforces the importance of ensuring that broadcast radio, including DAB+, remains easily accessible and prominent in connected vehicles.

At the same time, the broader shift towards digital usage is evident. Smartphones are now the most used device for audio, and around half of French listeners consume content via online platforms. Yet this growth is complementary rather than substitutive: broadcast and digital coexist, forming an increasingly hybrid listening environment. There is no visible negative impact on the consumption of radio stations in their linear (live FM/DAB+) format or on their own digital platforms when listeners also view filmed radio clips on YouTube.

For DAB+, this presents a clear opportunity. As France continues its digital radio rollout, DAB+ combines the strengths of broadcast—free-to-air access, robustness and universality—with the expectations of modern audiences, including improved sound quality, increased choice and enhanced data services.

The Arcom findings also serve as a reminder of radio’s unique public value. In an environment where concerns around misinformation, algorithmic bias and fragmented discovery are growing, broadcast radio continues to offer trusted, curated content that is universally available. While the ways in which audiences access audio are evolving, the fundamentals remain unchanged.

Radio is a primary source for both music (37% of listeners) and information (44% of listeners). Broadcast radio—and increasingly DAB+ — continues to provide the foundation for a resilient and future-proof audio ecosystem.

Read the full report "ARCOM - Tendances audio-vidéo 2026".