Up To Date

Younger readers are joining the ranks listening to audiobooks

By Steve Kraske,

Zach Wilson, Reginald David

Published April 4, 2022 at 5:56 PM CDT

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Robin Whitten is the editor and founder of AudioFile Magazine

A 2020 survey of parents with children under age 18 had 49% saying their kids listen to audiobooks.

Book lovers are moving away from picking up a book and instead listening to audiobooks, a growing trend among readers.

When it comes to making reading choices, audiobooks are gaining in appeal, especially in the 18 to 29 age group.

According to the Association of American Publishers, audiobooks are growing faster than any other format, including print and e-books.

Robin Whitten, editor and founder of AudioFile Magazine based in Maine credits apps like Audible for making it easier and more accessible for listeners to enjoy audiobooks.

"You have your player with you at all times, you have your phone, but also you know you can listen through smart speakers and you know that just makes it so much easier, which is sort of the way the author intended you to listen to their book."

Robin Whitten, editor and founder of AudioFile Magazine

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

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