Radio still ranks among the most popular media in Germany: According to ag.ma research institute, some 79.3 per cent of those questioned listen to radio on an average day (ma 2011 Radio I survey). Average listening time is 199 minutes, i.e. more than 3 hours.

The range of commercial radio services on air offers great diversity. A survey conducted by the state media authorities in 2009 counted more than 244 commercial radio channels.

Commercial radio - as is the case for public-service radio - predominantly targets local and regional areas. In 2009, some 158 local or regional channels were on air while 19 national and 55 state-wide commercial radio stations as well as 12 DAB radio channels serviced their audiences.

Radio is also part of the current process of broadcasting going digital; in 2011, national radio services will for the first time be available via digital terrestrial transmission.

The commercial radio stations on air in the various German states can be checked on the websites of the state media authorities.

• list of commercial radio broadcasters in Germany (in German only)