On April 15, 2025, the latest radio audience figures from Médiamétrie revealed that France Inter continues to dominate the airwaves as the leading radio station in France, boasting an impressive 7.25 million listeners daily. This marks an increase of 76,000 listeners compared to the previous year, solidifying its status as the go-to source for news and entertainment.
The report, covering the period from January to March 2025, showed that France Inter's morning show, hosted by Nicolas Demorand, Léa Salamé, and Sonia Devillers, attracted 4.88 million listeners each morning, an increase of 166,000 listeners year-on-year. France Inter's audience share remains robust at 14.5%, showcasing its ability to engage a diverse listener base.
RTL, which had recently fallen behind France Info, has reclaimed the second spot with an average of 5.05 million listeners, despite losing 325,000 listeners compared to the previous year. According to Médiamétrie, RTL's audience share is now at 10.9%, demonstrating a slight decline in its listener engagement.
France Info, while still close behind with 4.88 million listeners, experienced a mixed outcome; it gained 126,000 listeners year-on-year but lost 321,000 listeners compared to the previous survey. This fluctuation indicates a competitive landscape among the top stations.
Meanwhile, Europe 1 has shown signs of recovery, gaining 269,000 listeners over the past year to reach 2.65 million. The station has been revitalized by new programming and hosts, which appear to resonate well with audiences.
In contrast, Ici, formerly known as France Bleu, has struggled significantly since its rebranding, losing 422,000 listeners to settle at 2.35 million. This decline highlights the challenges of audience retention during such transitions.
Other notable mentions include NRJ, which has 4.22 million listeners, albeit down by 203,000 from last year, while Nostalgie reported a decrease from 3.6 million to 3.34 million listeners. Skyrock managed to maintain a steady audience above 3 million but still lost 100,000 listeners over the year.
FIP, a music station, gained 71,000 listeners, reaching a total of 828,000, while Europe 2 faced a significant downturn, hitting its lowest historical level with just 800,000 listeners.
Despite these fluctuations, the overall listenership across all radio stations in France decreased by 264,000 listeners, bringing the total daily average to 38.46 million. This decline raises questions about the future of radio in an increasingly digital world filled with competing media formats like podcasts and streaming services.
Adèle Van Reeth, the director of France Inter, expressed pride in the station's performance, noting, "The last three audience waves are the three best recorded since Médiamétrie's measurement was established in 2002." She emphasized the importance of maintaining a reliable and engaging public radio service that resonates with listeners.
France Inter's success is attributed to its diverse programming, which includes serious news reporting, engaging debates, and entertaining shows that appeal to a wide audience. The station has managed to cultivate a loyal listener base that returns consistently for its content.
Despite the overall decline in radio listenership, France Inter's ability to adapt and innovate has kept it at the forefront of the industry. The station has embraced digital platforms, boasting 2.32 million daily listeners online and achieving 43.5 million podcast downloads in March alone.
As the radio landscape evolves, it faces the challenge of competing with the fast-paced world of digital media. With the advent of new technologies and changing listener habits, radio must find ways to remain relevant and engaging.
Reflecting on the historical significance of radio, it is noteworthy that the medium has been a part of our lives for over 128 years since Guglielmo Marconi's first successful communication in Morse code in 1897. Radio has weathered numerous changes in technology and culture, adapting to the needs of its audience.
In this ever-changing media environment, the future of radio will depend on its ability to innovate while preserving the core elements that have made it a beloved companion for generations. The ongoing competition among stations like France Inter, RTL, and Europe 1 will undoubtedly shape the future of radio in France.
As listeners continue to seek out familiar voices and engaging stories, the radio remains a steadfast presence in daily life, providing a unique blend of information and entertainment that is difficult to replicate through other media.
