Jacobs Media conducts the annual survey with the Public Radio Program Directors association. Over 29,000 public radio listeners from 69 stations participate in the survey that focuses on how media and technology are changing the listening environment.
PRTS8 data was gathered online from May 11-June 15, 2016. Most respondents are members of the Public Radio stations in the survey. NuVoodoo Media Services handled the backend responsibilities of the study. Here are some of the highlights:
– The car’s the thing – Two-thirds of respondents can now connect a phone to their cars. And a rising number owns a “connected car,” most of whom say they “love” or “like” their in-dash media system.
– The digital shift – More listeners are finding their favorite public radio content in the digital space. Nearly one-fourth of public radio consumption now occurs on digital platforms (streaming, podcasts, etc.), an increase from last year.
– Social media matters – Nearly eight in ten of the PRTS8 public radio sample has a social media profile. Of this large group, nine in ten are on Facebook. And a majority log on at least daily.
– Podcasting is robust – Overall, four in ten listen to podcasts/on-demand audio monthly or more often, particularly younger listeners and those who are News/Talk partisans. And listening to podcasts has momentum, especially among Gen Y respondents.
– NPR One is showing growth – Among smartphone and tablet owners who download radio/music-centric apps, one in ten has accessed NPR One, especially Millennials. More than a third of those with the NPR One app use it weekly or more often. More than eight in ten score the app “excellent” or “good.”
See the slides from the survey HERE
