Observed Signal · Jul 15, 2026 · Measurement Release · Source: Meedia · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Radio (traditional) Market: MA Audio 2026 II: Radio NRW Leads; Regional Stations Grow
The MA Audio 2026 II audience measurement shows that several German radio providers increased reach despite a population decline identified by the microcensus. agma warned the figures must be interpreted carefully because the reported population for Germany fell to 83.47 million, reducing the MA Audio base for German-speaking 14+ listeners from 71.001 million to 70.026 million. Radio NRW remains number one and grew from 1.272 million to 1.300 million average reach (+2.2%). In Bavaria, Antenne Bayern (+5.0%) and Bayern 3 (+13.9%) recorded substantial gains while Bayern 1 lost 10.1% and fell below one million. MEEDIA also says it will adjust its Top‑100 rankings to include combined
New MA Audio audience measurement updates reach figures and rankings used by radio buyers and planners; the results affect local radio reach estimates but do not represent an industry‑shifting change.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The microcensus reported Germany's population at 83.47 million, a decline noted by agma.
- agma set the MA Audio base (German-speaking population aged 14+) at 70.026 million for MA Audio 2026 II, down from 71.001 million in MA Audio 2026 I.
- Radio NRW increased weekday average reach (Mon–Sat 6–18h) from 1.272 million to 1.300 million (+2.2%).
- Antenne Bayern recorded a +5.0% reach increase and Bayern 3 a +13.9% increase in MA Audio 2026 II.
- Bayern 1 lost 10.1% of reach and dropped below the one‑million reach mark.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedAGMA / MMC (AGMA‑MMC)
German industry body for standardised cross-media audience measurement.
“agia (agma) warned the day before publication that the microcensus produced a clear population decline and the figures must be methodologica...”
ANTENNE BAYERN
Regional broadcaster monetising radio and digital audio audiences through advertising.
“In Bavaria Antenne Bayern recorded a +5.0% reach increase against the population decline....”
MEEDIA
Marketplace for licensing creator-owned images and video content.
“MEEDIA states it will adapt its future Top‑100 MA Audio rankings to include certain combined packages and brands so the ranking covers large...”
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