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The largest radio station in the U.S. is WTOP, with a 2021 earnings of $70 million.
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As of 2022, the U.S. radio industry has a market size of $20.9 billion.
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There are at least 15,445 commercial radio stations in the U.S.
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The U.S. radio industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 0.71% through 2026.
The landscape of radio broadcasting has transformed dramatically with the rise of digital platforms and streaming services. An industry that once faced minimal competition from physical media has now encountered a significant shift in how audiences access audio content. While traditional radio stations are not facing extinction, their operational models have evolved considerably.
Before we delve into the ten largest radio stations in the United States, let’s explore the current state of the industry and the challenges it faces in 2026.
Top 10 Radio Stations in the United States
While classic radio stations are less common today, several still stand out for their financial success. Notably, many of these stations are not primarily music-focused, reflecting a broader trend in content consumption.
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WTOP
Washington’s Top News
Washington, D.C.
Type of Station: News Channel
Parent Company: Hubbard Broadcasting
2021 Revenue: $70 millionWTOP, known as Washington’s Top News, is accessible across multiple platforms in the D.C. metro area, including Virginia and Maryland, and is available through digital assistants like Alexa, HD Radio, and WTOP.com. Founded in 1926 and adopting its current all-news format in 1969, WTOP has become one of the most recognized news channels in the nation.
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KIIS-FM
Los Angeles, California
Type of Station: Contemporary Hit Radio
Parent Company: iHeartMedia
2021 Revenue: $43 millionKIIS-FM is a powerhouse in the contemporary hit radio scene, known for its association with celebrity DJ Ryan Seacrest. The station has maintained its popularity by sticking to a Top 40 format, showcasing the most popular hits since its inception in 1961.
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WLTW-FM
New York, New York
Type of Station: Lite Adult Contemporary
Parent Company: Owned by iHeartMedia
2021 Revenue: $34.6 millionWLTW, located in New York City, is the most popular radio station in the U.S., broadcasting from a transmitter atop the Empire State Building. Originally launched as WRVR in 1961, it underwent several format changes before solidifying its identity as a Lite Adult Contemporary station.
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WBBM-AM
Chicago, Illinois
Type of Station: News
Parent Company: Entercom
2021 Revenue: $34 millionWBBM is a commercial all-news station broadcasting from Chicago. With a powerful AM signal, it has a broad reach across multiple states. Established in 1924, WBBM became an all-news station in 1968 and has maintained that format ever since.
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WHTZ-FM
New York, New York
Type of Station: Contemporary Hit Radio
Parent Company: iHeartMedia
2021 Revenue: $33 millionLicensed in Newark, WHTZ, also known as Z100, is a flagship station for popular shows including Elvis Duran and the Morning Show. It features a contemporary hit radio format and maintains a significant online presence through streaming platforms.
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KBIG-FM
Los Angeles, California
Type of Station: Hot Adult-Contemporary
Parent Company: iHeartMedia
2021 Revenue: $32.3 millionKBIG, known as 104.3 MYfm, features a hot adult contemporary music format, focusing on popular hits from the 1990s to today. The station has adapted to changes in the industry while retaining a loyal listener base.
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1010 WINS
New York, New York
Type of Station: News
Parent Company: Entercom
2021 Revenue: $31.6 million1010 WINS is the oldest continuously operating all-news station in the U.S., starting its journey in 1924. The station adopted its all-news format in 1965, becoming a pioneer in this programming style.
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WFAN-FM
New York, New York
Type of Station: Sports/Talk
Parent Company: Entercom
2021 Revenue: $31.5 millionKnown as the first 24/7 sports radio station, WFAN has a rich history dating back to 1922. It transitioned to a dedicated sports format in the mid-1980s and has since become a staple for sports enthusiasts.
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WCBS-AM
New York, New York
Type of Station: News
Parent Company: Entercom
2021 Revenue: $30.9 millionWCBS has a long history, dating back to 1924. It transitioned to an all-news format in response to changing audience demands and has established itself as a reliable news source.
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KFI-AM
Los Angeles, California
Type of Station: News/Talk
Parent Company: iHeartMedia
2021 Revenue: N/AKFI is one of the first high-powered clear-channel stations in the U.S., operating since 1922. The station has evolved from music programming to a talk radio format, featuring local hosts and significant national figures.
Radio Station FAQ
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What are the challenges facing radio stations?
Modern radio stations face numerous challenges, particularly with increasing competition from digital platforms. Some of the most pressing issues include:
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Unsatisfactory salaries
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Inadequate equipment
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Low capacity generators
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Insufficient working space
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Unprofessional productions
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High staff turnover
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How is the radio industry doing?
While the radio industry experienced significant challenges in 2020, it has shown signs of gradual recovery. The average radio station revenue was $18.1 million in 2019 but dropped to $13.9 million in 2020. However, the industry is projected to achieve a slight growth rate of 0.71% through 2026 as it adapts to new technologies and audience preferences.
How Radio Stations Have Changed
Once, radio DJs held significant power over the music industry, shaping the careers of countless artists. However, as copyright laws evolved, the industry shifted dramatically. The introduction of payola laws changed how songs were promoted, leading to a decline in the independence of local radio stations.
As major corporations like iHeartMedia acquired numerous stations, the landscape of radio changed. iHeartMedia, for instance, grew from owning 40 stations in 1996 to 850 by the end of 2019, drastically reducing the number of independent radio stations.
The rise of digital platforms and streaming services has further transformed listener habits. iHeartRadio, launched by iHeartMedia, blends radio with streaming, allowing listeners to customize their experience. This has resulted in a decline in traditional radio’s dominance as audiences turn to on-demand content.
Author
Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.
