STUDY PROJECTS INTERNET RADIO, WIRELESS WILL OUTPACE SATELLITE Radio & Records New Bridge Ratings research suggests that by 2010, XM and Sirius could have a combined user base of 35 million (with XM maintaining a 2-to-1 advantage over Sirius). But Internet radio is projected to grow from its current 50 million users to more than 187 million consumers, and wireless Internet penetration — currently a few million — could reach 160 million people in the same time frame.
It is said that 96% of the U.S. population listens to terrestrial radio, which would mean current listening stands at 283 million people, projecting to 295 million in 2010 if listening levels remain the same. Bridge President Dave Van Dyke says, "The key here is this: With Internet radio already the preferred medium over satellite radio, traditional radio should continue to perfect its product and keep an eye on the alternatives but not get distracted." |