One in three people listen to radio via the Internet
New research from Sony suggests that one in three people now listen to the radio via the Internet.
15% of people listen to radio programmes on stations outside their traditional broadcast area, while 18% have downloaded shows after they were broadcast by visiting the station’s web site.
40% of the 24-34 age group and 41% of 35-44s listen to radio in this way.
42% of people listen via digital TV, with 36% using a DAB radio. 21% use a digital music player, while 82% use a good old fashioned analogue radio set.
Interestingly, where some believe the Internet is pioneering quantity and choice of material over quality, many young people would pay more for specialist equipment that would allow them to enjoy high definition radio. 31% of 18 to 24-year-olds said that they would pay more if the service were available, compared with a figure of 16 per cent for the population as a whole.
Steve Dowdle, MD, Sony UK, says: “This research shows just how different the radio listening habits of young people are, and also suggests where the future of radio is likely to be. We can see that young people are keen on new technology, though internet radio seems to appeal to them less than some other age groups.”
