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Radio US internet radio booms while digital trails behind

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US internet radio booms while digital trails behind
The latest Bridge Ratings study of the US media market reveals that internet radio shows the most significant audience growth among a group of media which includes satellite, HD, and terrestrial radio as well as podcasting and cell phone audio.

Bridge estimates that by the end of 2007, monthly internet radio listening will reach 33% of the U.S. population jumping to 40% by the end of 2008.

Meanwhile, Bridge says digital radio growth is the most disappointing highlight of this study, continuing a tepid growth story that has not gained traction since the initial marketing blitz conducted by the radio industry. Consumer awareness of HD radio, continues to grow impressively but consumer interest in owning or listening to HD Radio continues to decline.

It has to be said that the transmission system developed for digital radio in the US (known as IBOC) is grossly inferior to that which has been adopted for the Australian launch of digital radio in early 2009. The US system barely allows for any new services, which is the prime driver of take-up for any new media platform, and it’s fraught with technical problems that severely limit service reliability and quality.

UK digital radio driven by specialist programs

In the UK, where digital radio rolled out about 15 years ago, audience growth is phenomenally strong.

Times Online reports: Britain has discovered life beyond the FM dial, with millions of listeners tuning in to digital-only radio stations.

Adaptations of Dickens, Latin jazz and celebrity gossip are thriving in a listening environment where mobile phones and computers are challenging analogue radios.

This entry was posted on Friday

 

Associated Topics: Radio,

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