From the “Retail Bridge” newsletter this morning
(this does not necessarily represent my opinion!):
Digital Radio Market Set To Explode, Study Finds
Once again, industry watchers are
predicting this to be the year that digital radio finally takes off.
According to a report released Monday by market research firm In-Stat, growth
of the new Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)+ standard in Europe and the
introduction of DAB-compatible mobile devices in Asia is expected to drive a
three-fold increase in digital radio sales by 2011.
"From a regional standpoint, DAB technology is close to mass-market appeal
in the U.K., and is the pervasive digital radio technology throughout
Europe," said In-Stat analyst Stephanie Ethier.
According to In-Stat, the global market for digital radio is set to grow from 9
million in 2006 to almost 32 million in 2011.
In the U.S., where satellite radio still rules, HD Radio is making an impact.
Awareness of digital HD Radio has grown from 57 percent in 2005 to 77 percent
this year.
Still, it's not yet time for Ibiquity and other HD Radio backers to break out
the champagne. Satellite is still the platform of choice for U.S. subscription
radio listeners.
"Satellite radio remains the leading platform for digital radio in the
U.S., despite notable progress in HD Radio awareness," Ethier said.
Why are listeners upgrading to digital formats? Both in the U.S. and overseas
increased programming choice is the "primary driver" of digital radio
ownership, In-Stat said. © 2007 Media Business Corp (MBC).
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