New Data Reveals Alabama’s Top Radio Genres

Radio still plays a major role in everyday life across Alabama, but what people are actually listening to might not be what you expect.

A new breakdown of FCC data, analyzed by Hard Rock Bet, looked at 380 registered radio stations across the state to see which formats are really dominating the airwaves.

At the top of the list, it is not hip hop or even country.

Christian music leads the way by a wide margin, making up 23.68 percent of all radio stations in Alabama. That is nearly a quarter of the dial.

Country music comes in second at 13.68 percent, followed by Top 40 and hit music at 9.21 percent.

The report also highlights the continued influence of Alabama’s country roots, pointing to the rise of Ella Langley as a sign that the genre still has strong cultural momentum across the state.

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Right behind the top three, religious teaching and talk formats hold 8.16 percent, while both news radio and adult contemporary are tied at 7.11 percent each.

Further down, variety hits, sports radio, and hip hop and urban formats round out the middle of the pack. Hip hop and urban radio accounts for just 5 percent of stations statewide.

Toward the bottom, genres like talk radio, jazz, classical, and classic rock each sit at 1.58 percent. Even lower, alternative and indie rock comes in at 1.32 percent.

The least represented formats in Alabama might surprise you even more. Hard rock and dance or rhythmic pop are tied at just 0.53 percent each, making them the rarest sounds on the dial.

Faith based and country formats continue to lead the way, while some of the more mainstream or national trending genres are not as dominant locally.

For anyone in radio, especially here in Alabama, this is a reminder that knowing your audience is everything.