Among many findings, the study shows that 94% of those in New Zealand ages 16+ consume audio each week, more than those reached by video (92%) or social media (73%).
The Infinite Dial New Zealand report mirrors The Infinite Dial U.S., which is the longest-running survey of digital media consumer behavior in America. The study covers a wide range of online digital media topics and has been conducted in six countries. This recent study allows for direct comparisons between New Zealand, U.S., and Australia, and this is the third time the study has been completed in New Zealand.
Some of the key findings among New Zealanders ages 16+ include:
68% listen to radio in the last week, more than the U.S.
76% listen to streamed audio content in the last month
55% listened to or watched a podcast in the last month
Other findings include:
AM/FM Radio remains strong in the car, dominating the in-car listening environment: 72% of those 16+ who have driven/ridden in the car last month use the medium in car
Most New Zealanders ages 16-34consume online audio formats: in the last month, 90% listened to streamed audio content and 71% consumed a podcast
Larry Rosin, Edison Research President, says: “We are so pleased to see the third iteration of The Infinite Dial New Zealand. It is clear that audio is a powerhouse when it comes to reaching consumers, and radio remains resilient, fueled by in-car consumption and catch-up radio podcasts.”
Alistair Jamison, CEO of The Radio Bureau New Zealand, says: “It is fantastic to share our third iteration of Infinite Dial with the NZ market. It provides fantastic insight into the NZ audio market and demonstrates the massive opportunity for advertisers who are planning holistically across radio and digital audio.”
How the study was conducted A national survey of 1,007 New Zealanders ages 16+ was conducted by Edison Research in the first quarter of 2025: 712 interviews online and 295 interviews via telephone. The data was weighted to national 16+ population figures. The study was sponsored by The Radio Bureau, Mediaworks, New Zealand Media and Entertainment, and the Radio Broadcasters Association
