U.S. Drivers Prefer AM-FM Radio to Alternatives

Some 85% of Americans choose to listen to their AM-FM radios in the car instead of CDs or streaming music, according to a survey by the U.S. office of Paris-based research firm Ipsos MediaCT.

Researchers say the chief appeal of traditional radio is that it's free.

Only one-third of survey respondents who listen to streaming music, such as satellite radio, actually pay for the service. Of those who listen for free, 80% say they would drop such services if they had to pay for them.

Two-thirds of respondents say they use their CD players and keep about 10 CDs in their cars. Most (70%) say they have not purchased a new CD in the last year, with half citing cost or a lack of desire to add to their collection.

Two-thirds of those polled turn on the radio upon getting into their vehicles, and 60% listen to it at least once daily. Nearly all of those surveyed say they would not purchase a car without a traditional radio.