Merry on the Mic: Stations Embrace the Sound of the Season
There’s something magical about hearing those first few notes of holiday music on the radio — it instantly signals that the season has arrived. From beloved classics to festive new favorites, holiday programming has a way of lifting spirits and bringing people together. Katz Media Group took a closer look at how stations that switched to 24/7 holiday music in 2024 performed — and the results show that the joy of the season truly resonates with listeners nationwide.
HOLIDAY MUSIC TAKES OVER THE AIRWAVES
More than 400 stations across the country unwrapped their holiday playlists in 2024, spreading cheer throughout November and December. To get a clear picture of audience performance, Katz focused on 102 stations in PPM-measured markets, where listening is tracked year-round without blackouts.
LISTENERS TUNE IN FOR THE CHEER
The analysis compared station performance from January through September 2024 with the December - holiday PPM period, and the story was the same across the board: audiences were tuning in — and staying tuned in — for holiday favorites, with consistent average increases in listenership.
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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING
From singalongs in the car to music at family gatherings, radio’s holiday programming continues to create shared moments of joy and connection. These findings reinforce what stations and listeners alike already know — when the holidays arrive, radio is at the heart of the celebration.
