The Most Popular US Radio Stations
Find out what makes the most popular US radio stations a hit with 90% of adults—and how you can replicate their success.
Americans consume a lot of media, but according to Nielsen’s findings, none more so than radio. More than 90% of adults over the age of 18 in the US are listening to radio each month, which is more than they’re watching TV or using their tablets, smartphones, or computers.
But what are Americans listening to on the radio? While the listenership of radio stations in the US is not tracked publicly, we can infer what the top stations are based on the revenue they generated in 2023. Let’s get into the most popular US radio stations, as tracked by BIA Advisory Services.
Tips to Boost Your Radio Station’s Popularity
If you want your radio station to thrive, it’s all about standing out and connecting with your audience. Whether it’s engaging listeners, growing your presence on social media, or leveraging data to fine-tune your content, small changes can make a big difference. Here are some actionable tips, along with how Radio.co’s tools can make boosting your station’s popularity easier than ever.
Engage Your Audience: Build a sense of community by transforming your radio station into a central hub for listener engagement. With Radio.co’s website builder, you can easily create a code-free platform (and even an app) featuring blog posts, videos, contact forms, and embedded radio players to connect with your audience.
Become a Social Media Guru: If you want to grow, you’ll need to make social media key to your growth strategy. Share your funniest or most insightful moments, boost your visibility with targeted ads, and hop on trends that fit with your brand. You could be the next big viral moment!
Collaborate with Other Content Creators: Want to bring attention to your radio station? Appearing with other content creators exposes your show to their audiences. The good news is, you don’t have to spend hours looking for the right fit. Use a tool like MatchMaker to easily find the perfect guest for you.
Use Analytics to Your Advantage: To boost your show’s popularity, you’ll need to know who your audience is and what they like. This may sound intimidating, but Radio.co’s analytics tools make it simple with real-time statistics and reports. Find out valuable insights including audience demographics, peak listening times, device usage, popular tracks, and more.
The Top 10 Most Popular US Radio Stations
10. WCBS
Revenue: $29,700,000
WCBS, also known as WCBS Newsradio 880, was a New York-based, all-news station owned by Audacy. Despite being a top earner in 2023, the station the station bid farewell in August 2024. For over 50 years, it broadcast on 880 AM, now home to ESPN New York 880 and Mets Radio 880, the New York Mets Radio Network flagship.
Dating back to the 1920s, WCBS played a historic role in the fight against McCarthyism. In the 1950s, host John Henry Faulk, targeted for his anti-blacklisting stance, successfully sued for libel with the support of journalist Edward R. Murrow, cementing the station’s legacy in defending press freedom.
9. WBBM
Revenue: $30,000,000
WBBM, also known as Newsradio 780 WBBM, is the first Chicago-based radio station to make the list of the most popular stations in 2023. The Audacy-owned AM station covers most of the Midwest and is primarily focused on news radio, although it also serves as the Chicago affiliate for Notre Dame football. Popular segments include Noon Business Hour, When Radio Was, and At Issue.
WBBM got its start in 1924, then simply run by a private citizen, Les Atlass, who used certain loopholes to get around restrictions on non-professional radio stations before it joined CBS Radio in 1928. Originally focused on broadcasting music, the station was redesigned to focus on the war effort throughout WWII. In 1968, it adopted its current all-news format. Throughout its tenure, it’s also been the flagship station for the Chicago Bears and played Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Blackhawks games.
8. WFAN
Revenue: $30,350,000
WFAN (The Fan), based in New York and owned by Audacy, airs on 101.9 FM and 66 AM as one of the first 24/7 sports radio stations. It debuted in 1987, pioneering the format and setting the industry standard with sports news updates every 20 minutes. Suzyn Waldman, the Yankees’ first female colour commentator, was the station’s first voice, while Ann Liguori became its first female host with Hey Liguori, What’s the Story?
Iconic shows like Imus in the Morning and Mike and the Mad Dog helped WFAN dominate in the 1990s. Don Imus’ controversial dismissal in 2007 for offensive remarks led to Boomer and Carton, which ran for a decade before Craig Carton’s 2017 fraud arrest. Despite setbacks, WFAN remains a trailblazer in sports radio.
7. KBIG
Revenue: $31,475,000
KBIG (104.3 MYfm), based in Los Angeles and owned by iHeartMedia, broadcasts hot adult contemporary hits from the 1990s to today. Founded in 1952 on Catalina Island, it was named after its DJ, Carl “Mr. Big” Bailey, and initially played light, island-themed music.
Over the decades, the station shifted between soft adult contemporary and hot adult contemporary formats, with notable changes in 1992, 1997, and 2007, when it adopted an adult Top 40 sound. That year also marked the debut of The Valentine Show, now a top-rated morning show in L.A. KBIG has aired major programmes like Casey Kasem’s American Top 20 and Delilah’s self-titled show. Its most infamous moment came in 1994 when Barry Manilow sued over an ad claiming the station never played his music.
6. WHTZ
Revenue: $31,750,000
WHTZ (Z100 New York), broadcasting from Midtown Manhattan, started as WVNJ-FM in 1958, originally playing instrumental easy listening before switching to jazz in 1980. After Malrite Communications took over, it rebranded as WHTZ, embracing a Top 40 format with Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton as its first night host.
The 1990s brought challenges as the station struggled to define Top 40 amidst alt-rock, hip-hop, and country hits. In 1996, it refocused on pop music and launched Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, now the US’s most popular Top 40 morning show. Owned by iHeart Media, Z100 continues to dominate, blending pop, R&B, hip-hop, and dance hits.
5. WBZ
Revenue: $32,775,000
WBZ (98.5 The Sports Hub), owned by Beasley Broadcast Group, is Boston’s go-to sports radio station and the local Fox Sports Radio affiliate. It launched in 1984 as WNAC-FM, evolving through various formats, including Top 40, soft rock, and adult contemporary under the name Mix 98.5, before switching to sports radio in 2009.
Today, WBZ serves as the flagship radio station for the Boston Bruins, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and Boston Celtics radio networks. Legendary play-by-play announcers like Bob Socci, Sean Grande, and Judd Sirott bring fans live game coverage alongside expert colour commentators, cementing the station’s reputation as a sports powerhouse.
4. WLTW
Revenue: $33,300,000
New York-based WLTW (106.7 Lite FM), owned by iHeartMedia, is fourth on our list. Broadcasting from Midtown Manhattan with a transmitter at the Empire State Building, it plays adult contemporary music. The station began in 1961 as WRVR, owned by the progressive Riverside Church, blending religious programming with classical and jazz before shifting to an all-jazz format.
After ownership changes in the 1980s, it rebranded as Kick 106.7 FM, a country station. The move proved so unpopular that New Yorkers actually petitioned the FCC to deny the station’s licensing renewal. The petition failed, but so did Kick 106.7 FM. In 1984, the station became WLTW, or Lite FM. Originally easy listening, it later transitioned into adult contemporary, mixing timeless favourites with modern hits. Despite its evolution, WLTW retains a connection to its roots by airing Riverside Church sermons every Sunday morning.
3. WINS
Revenue: $40,000,000
WINS, broadcasting as 1010 WINS at 92.3 FM, is a Manhattan-based station with a transmitter at the Empire State Building. It ranked third in US radio revenue in 2023. Launched as WMCA-FM in 1948, it shut down within a year but was reborn as WHOM-FM in 1950, playing Spanish easy-listening music by the 1970s. In 1975, it became WKTU, switching to disco in 1978 and later incorporating R&B and dance music.
Renamed WXRK (K-Rock) in 1985, the station gained massive popularity with Howard Stern’s morning show before his 2005 departure. Its move into shock talk brought about a number of controversies, most notably with The Dog House hosts JV and Elvis. After making what the AALDEF called “racist, sexist, and homophobic” remarks towards Asian-Americans, CBS cancelled the show. After brief stints in shock talk and Top 40, it revolved into today’s all-news format.
2. KIIS
Revenue: $41,800,000
102.7 KIIS is based in Los Angeles and airs a Top 40 format, playing today’s hits. Owned by iHeartMedia, this station is the origin of iHeartMedia’s KISS brand and is the flagship station for On Air with Ryan Seacrest. The radio station started in 1961 as KLAC, but it became a contemporary hits station in 1971 when its name changed to KKDL.
In 1975, it became focused on adult contemporary, and its name became KIIS. Unfortunately, the adult contemporary sound wasn’t getting the ratings the station hoped, but it continued to struggle to find its footing. It became a Top 40 station, then a disco station, then back to Top 40, which it still is today.
1. WTOP
Revenue: $66,300,000
WTOP, also known as WTOP News 103.5 or WTOP Radio, is a Washington, D.C.-based radio station. It’s the highest-rated radio station in the area and the only all-news radio station in the region. It brought in over $66 million in 2023. Owned by Hubbard Broadcasting, this radio station got its start as a companion station to an existing AM station in the 1940s, though it was then known as WQQW-FM.
From the 1940s to 2006, it focused on classical music, but in 2006, it switched to an all-news format. Programs on the station includeCBS News on the Hour, the station’s top-of-the-hour newscasts; To Your Health, dedicated to health topics and advisories; and Friday Freebies, which offers info on local sales and deals.
Why the Most Popular US Radio Stations Stand the Test of Time
Radio remains a cornerstone of American media, offering something for everyone—whether it’s breaking news, hit music, or in-depth sports coverage. The most popular US radio stations, like those on this list, continue to lead the industry with their unique formats, rich histories, and dedicated audiences.
As the media landscape evolves, these stations prove that radio is far from outdated—it’s thriving. For more radio inspiration, check out our list of the top radio stations started by musicians.
Thinking about starting your own radio station? Check out our tips for how to manage a successful radio station and why not speak to a radio expert by booking a demo?
