Radio Controls More than Three-Fifths Of Canadian Listening

While broadcast radio controls more than 50% of all audio usage in the United States, the medium is even healthier in Canada. Whether heard over-the-air or via streaming, AM/FM radio stations account for 61% of all Canadian listening, according to Edison Research’s first Canadian “Share of Ear®” study.

By comparison, streaming audio services comprise only 9% of listening, compared to 15% in America.“Share of Ear” has accurately and consistently measured audio listening across platforms in the U.S. since 2014.

“Share of Ear: Canada” was commissioned by Radio Connects, Canada’s radio marketing and advocacy group.

The presentation was unveiled this morning in Toronto as part of an event for the advertising community sponsored by Numeris, Canada’s broadcast ratings cooperative.

“Share of Ear” uses diary methodology to determine both the amount and nature of audio consumed by users in an average week. AM/FM radio is followed by listeners’ owned music collections (16%), streaming audio (9%), TV music channels (6%), SiriusXM Satellite Radio (4%), and podcasts (3%).

The study also found that Canadians average 4 hours and 14 minutes of listening to audio daily, slightly more than their U.S. counterparts.

Canada has a unique audio landscape. Some of the audio brands familiar to Americans are unavailable, particularly Pandora. In addition, 2017 will be remembered as a significant year for Canadian audio with the nationwide launch of both iHeartRadio Canada and Radioplayer Canada.

“Share of Ear” provides a first look at how Canadians use all sources of audio and provide a benchmark for years to come.

“We are pleased to bring our unique methodology for capturing all audio to Canada for the first time,” says Edison Research president Larry Rosin. “Bravo to Radio Connects for giving broadcasters a potent tool to demonstrate the power of the medium in a way that goes beyond empirical evidence, and for providing the entire audio industry with a report card.”

Full details of “Share of Ear: Canada” are available at www.EdisonResearch.com or through Radio Connects.