The roles are changing in how Republicans and Democrats view, listen, and participate in media outlets.
Podcasts
For some time, the podcast makeup of the normal listener has been mostly left-leaning voters, but now that has changed. The latest media data by Edison Research shows Republicans, not Democrats, are making up a larger share of podcast listeners.
During the Trump and Biden Administrations, there has been a steady growth of conservative podcasts that are attracting a bigger audience. In 2019, 23% of podcast listeners identified as Republicans. Today that number has jumped to just over 30%. Democrats’ listeners numbers are dropping, and around 26% of listeners are independents.
The top conservative talk podcasts are The Ben Shapiro Show, The Megyn Kelly Show and the Daily Wire’s The Matt Walsh Show.
Sports Radio
Radio ratings have shown a chunk of sports radio listeners are predominantly Republican. But after losing the 2024 election, more democrats are turning to sports radio and podcast to win back voters.
ESPN sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has been talking more politics on his daily podcast. More Democrats like Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic Vice President nominee Tim Walz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and others are doing more interviews on sports podcasts.
PA Gov. Josh Shapiro recently did play-by play during a University of Pittsburgh Panthers game.
Radio analysts point out President Trump did well with young men who follow sports radio and podcast. The New York Times reported that Democrats hoping to win back voters will do more outreach on media outlets they have ingoted in the past.
Radio Talk Show Host and Outkick.com founder Clay Travis said if Democrats have any chance of winning back the presidency in 2028, they need to choose a candidate, male or female, who can connect with men by sitting down and having a beer and talk football.
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