Radio reaches more people; podcasting continues to grow
Nielsen – the media trend specialists – has begun to measure the consumption of podcasts as part of its Audio Today reporting. Radio reaches more Americans than any other form of media.
US audience figures for podcasts show that 67 million people are listening to podcasts at least once a month – an increase of 14% in a year and that podcast consumption has doubled in five years.
In the UK Rajar figures show that 90% of the UK population listens to live radio every week, while 9% are downloading at least one podcast per week.
Libraries are also entering into the podcast and radio arena. In an hour-long session (B202) at Internet Librarian International we’ll be finding out how libraries are taking advantage of the surge of interest in podcasting and digital radio to market their library services. Have a look at the full conference programme here.
The BBC is investing in services for children
The BBC has been programming for children for decades. The response to the recent death of presenter Brian Cant (for children of a certain generation the face and voice of their childhood) highlights how the right programmes can resonate for years (here’s a wonderful 20 seconds of Brian Cant – and yes, that IS Jeremy Irons playing the guitar).
Children are less likely to be watching linear TV programmes and are being lured away by new rivals, including YouTube and Netflix.
Last year the BBC launched its own iPlayer for children. Now it has announced it is planning to make its biggest investment in children’s services in a generation. It plans to spend a quarter of its children’s budget on providing online services, and commissioning digital resources but most of the funding will be spent on producing world-class programmes across all genres and ensuring it can be viewed by children in their favoured format, over their preferred device.
Netflix viewing account for 40% of total US 'OTT' broadcasts
Netflix commands more 'over the top' viewing time than Hulu, Amazon Video, and YouTube combined.