LONDON� The expansion of digital radio station choices, the launch of the second UK national DAB commercial network in March, and strong in-car listening growth, have all propelled digital radio listening to a new high of 45.3%, according to Rajar Q2 2016 data released Aug. 4.
The 5.4% annual growth, to 45.3% from 39.9% in Q2 2015, represents the highest-ever percentage point growth in digital listening since records began. �There was growth across all digital platforms, with DAB growing its share of listening to 32.2%, now accounting for over 71% of total digital listening.� Online listening grew its share of listening to 8% and now accounts for 18% of digital listening, while DTV grew to 5.1%, now accounting for 11% of digital listening.
Digital reach increased by 2.3 million listeners year over year, boosted by encouraging first books from stations on Sound Digital, the second commercial DAB network launched in March 2016.� The increased availability of DAB+ receivers in-car and in-home led to encouraging results for the first national DAB+ stations.
In-car digital listening hours grew by 49% year over year to 58M hours from 39M hours in Q2 2015, and now accounts for 24.5% of all listening (from 16.9% in Q2 2015). The percentage of new cars with digital radio as standard equipment increased to over 85% in Q2 2016 [Source: CAP/SMMT].� More than 1M people are now listening to digital radio via their smartphone while in their car.
Digital listening to local stations this quarter exceeded 30% for the first time, growing to 31.4% (from 26.8% in Q2 2015), or 17% year over year.� Digital share of national station listening also continues to grow, increasing to 53.5% (from 47.9% in Q2 2015).
