A SUNNY FORECAST
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, January 25, 2008
In keeping with the DRDB's (Digital Radio Development Bureau) forecast figure of two million set sales in 2007, recent figures from GfK indicate that cumulative sales of DAB sets at the end of 2007 had reached 6.45-million, compared to 4.4-million in 2006.
Based on over 14,000 DAB owners, the DRDB's own research shows that 27 per cent of owners have more than one DAB radio at home, and not only do 63 per cent of owners listen to more radio than prior to their investment in DAB radio, according to Rajar, they’re tuning in for longer whilst overall satisfaction has risen from 85 per cent to 88 per cent.
Last month saw more than 550,000 DAB radios being purchased, up 22 per cent compared to sales figures from December 2006, whilst at one point, John Lewis reported selling six DAB digital radios a minute - compared to five iPods a minute. DAB clock radios represented the best seller, with DAB Hi-Fi systems, portable kitchen radios and MP3/DAB personals also providing healthy sales.
DRDB acting chief executive, Paul Brown comments: “Sales of DAB sets over Christmas are very encouraging. As the radio industry goes through a period of re-evaluation of its digital strategy, it is important that we not lose sight of the consumer. Both GfK and Rajar figures tell us that DAB is quickly becoming a valued medium among listeners.”
Looking to the year ahead, the DRDB forecasts sales of 2.6-million, raising the cumulative total to 9.1-million sets, and with a number of new product launches, such as Boston Acoustics' Solo XT DAB Radio (pictured above) sure to tempt consumers, household penetration is predicted to rise to 30 per cent. With the DCMS’s Digital Radio Working Group preparing to meet for the first time next week in order to discuss the future of DAB, the positive figures are sure to impact upon the debate.
For further information contact: +44 (0)20 7306 2636
Last month saw more than 550,000 DAB radios being purchased, up 22 per cent compared to sales figures from December 2006, whilst at one point, John Lewis reported selling six DAB digital radios a minute - compared to five iPods a minute. DAB clock radios represented the best seller, with DAB Hi-Fi systems, portable kitchen radios and MP3/DAB personals also providing healthy sales.
DRDB acting chief executive, Paul Brown comments: “Sales of DAB sets over Christmas are very encouraging. As the radio industry goes through a period of re-evaluation of its digital strategy, it is important that we not lose sight of the consumer. Both GfK and Rajar figures tell us that DAB is quickly becoming a valued medium among listeners.”
Looking to the year ahead, the DRDB forecasts sales of 2.6-million, raising the cumulative total to 9.1-million sets, and with a number of new product launches, such as Boston Acoustics' Solo XT DAB Radio (pictured above) sure to tempt consumers, household penetration is predicted to rise to 30 per cent. With the DCMS’s Digital Radio Working Group preparing to meet for the first time next week in order to discuss the future of DAB, the positive figures are sure to impact upon the debate.
For further information contact: +44 (0)20 7306 2636
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