Digital radio reaches 3 million in Australia

Three million people are now listening each week to DAB+ digital radio in Australia’s five metropolitan capitals, according to figures released by Commercial Radio Australia (CRA). 

DAB+ figures show there are now over 23% of people in the five state capitals where DAB+ is available, listening on a DAB+ digital radio device.     

CRA’s survey shows sales of DAB+ devices have reached more than 1.7 million (1.742,951) and with the addition of the number of vehicles sold with DAB+, it brings the total number of DAB+ devices in the market to 1.9 million (1.868,132).

Twenty vehicle manufacturers in Australia are now including digital radio (up from 16 reported in August) and more than 125,000 (125,181) vehicles with DAB+ have been sold. 

Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer, Ms Joan Warner said:  “Reaching 3 million listeners on DAB+ is an outstanding result and listeners will continue to grow particularly when DAB+ is available throughout other regions in Australia.”

Commercial radio plus ABC and SBS, support digital radio and the industry has suggested the Federal Government establishes a Digital Radio Industry Planning Committee which would work on a timetable for phased rollout of services, possibly starting in 2017.