What is "adult contemporary"

n. A category of music including soft rock, ballads, easy listening, soul, and rhythm and blues.

The Adult Contemporary chart is published weekly by Billboard magazine and lists the most popular songs on adult contemporary radio stations in the United States. The chart is compiled based on airplay data submitted to Billboard by stations that are members of the Adult Contemporary radio panel. The chart debuted in Billboard magazine on July 17, 1961. Over the years, the chart has gone under a series of name changes, being called Easy Listening (1961–1962; 1965–1979), Middle-Road Singles (1962–1964), Pop-Standard Singles (1964–1965), Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (1979–1982) and Adult Contemporary (1983–present).

Adult Contemporary (also known as AC) is a 24-hour music format produced by Dial Global. It targets a general radio audience between the ages of 35-49 with soft rock music from the 1970s to right now. Artists featured on this network are Phil Collins, Maroon 5, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Kelly Clarkson, and many more artists.

Jones Radio Networks was recently purchased by Triton Media Group. Although "AC" wasn't affected by it, the satellite feed was relocated into Dial Global's portfolio.

Adult contemporary may refer to:

• Adult Contemporary (chart), a Billboard chart used in the United States
• Adult contemporary music, a music genre