News

Digital listening has reached a new record share of 50.9% – a landmark achievement for the industry which hopes will trigger action from the Government about the future of DAB. Overall, digital listening hours grew by 7.8% compared to Q1 2017. The greatest amount of digital listening takes place on a DAB radio which now accounts for 36.8% of all listening and 72.2% of digital listening, with hourly growth of 8.9% year on year.

More than 50% of people are now listening to radio digitally for the first time, following the release of the RAJAR Q1 report. This is one of the key targets necessary for the government to begin consulting about the digital switchover, with DAB to become the primary broadcast standard following the switchoff of FM and AM services.

Digital radio listening has exceeded 50% in the UK for the first time, according to new RAJAR research for the first three months of 2018. This may lead to a government review on the future of FM. Digital and Creative Industries Minister Margot James remarked that 50% digital listening was an important milestone, and that the UK government would work alongside industry partners prior to further announcements.

Today's RAJAR figures represented a landmark in the UK radio industry, as digital became the most popular form of listening for the first time. Digital reached a record share of 50.9%, up from 47.2% a year ago. Bauer confirmed that 61% of its listenership is done via digital device, compared to the commercial radio industry average of 52%.

Digital listening in the UK has reached a record share of 50.9%, up from 47.2% a year ago, to account for the majority of listening for the first time, following the release of RAJAR Q1 data today. With the 50% digital listening threshold now met, it is anticipated the Government will undertake a review to assess digital radio progress and determine next steps. Minister of State for Digital and Creative Industries Margot James said reaching 50% was an important milestone, and that the government would make further announcements after consultations with all partners in the radio and broadcasting industries.

Digital, which covers listening via DAB sets in homes and cars, televisions and through services such as Echo, hit a record share of 50.9% of all radio listening in the three months to March. Two-thirds of UK adults have access to a DAB radio at home, and they are in 11m cars – which now accounts for 36.8% of all listening and 72% of digital listening.

More clarity about redistribution of DAB+ networks was proposed at the request of the Second Chamber Committee of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, with a Task Force being set up to carry out research into alternative frequency classifications for DAB+ in the Netherlands.

With just under 12 million DAB+ receivers sold in Europe and Asia, 2017 saw a new record, the world association WorldDAB reports in its latest survey. Almost half of all sales (5.9 million) were accounted for by DAB+ car radios. Sales of DAB+ radios fitted as standard in new cars have risen sharply in this category.

Arqiva, the leading UK communications infrastructure company, has today announced a new agreement which will see the reach of Sound Digital’s commercial DAB multiplex in the UK expand by nearly four million people.

The new Richter RR10 portable DAB+ radio might fit the bill. It’s a dinky little portable radio - 9cm high, 5cm wide - with a rechargeable battery, and access to DAB+ and FM transmissions.