Listen up: Radio sales soar in last four months, almost 2m sold since 2010 launch.
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Sales of digital DAB+ devices from the likes of Pure, Bush hit almost 200K (193,00) in last four months, a new report shows.
This marks an increase of 14% for sales of digital radios which includes portables, clock radios, MP3 and the figure now counts car radio sold, for the first time.
The highest ever sales of DAB+ radios were over the 2012/13 Christmas and New Year bringing the total number sold to nearly 1.2 million (1,195,940), according to 2013 Digital Radio Industry Report. However, the DAB+ sales figures may be even higher as they exclude generic brands sold online-only, CN has been told.
Average selling price of digital radio is now $86 – a drop of $15 in 12 months, and the report predicts prices will fall further as DAB+ become more mainstream.
Almost 1.5 million Aussies, or 1 in 10 radio listeners, are tuning in the likes of Fitzy & Whipper, Kyle and Jackie O, and ABC Radio weekly via digital devices.
60% of the population now has access to digital radio services.
It now estimate that the DAB+ household penetration is now well ahead of forecast, reaching 15.2% – a figure PWC didn’t expect to arrive at until next year.
“The latest figures are proof positive that Australians have embraced digital radio. Even without the impetus of a switch off date, DAB+ digital radio uptake continues to increase,” Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer, Joan Warner said.
The report includes, for the first time, the number of vehicles sold in Australia with DAB+ as standard, or taken up as an option, by car buyers.
Nearly 14,000 new vehicles have been sold with DAB+.
Last year the radio industry made significant inroads with vehicle manufacturers and eight major manufacturers now include DAB+ as either standard or an option for the Australian market.
