Radio Finds New Life in Mobile

Mobile music applications are among the fastest growing mobile services, according to a global survey conducted by TNS Global Technology.

In 2007, the use of mp3 players on mobile phones grew 78%; listening to the radio grew by 140%.

In Latin America and Asia, 45% of users listed an AM/FM radio as a top reason for purchasing a mobile phone. This ranked above SMS, Internet access and even a camera.

Overall, 43% of mobile users worldwide listen to mobile music. As expected, mobile music is popular among 16 to 21 year olds, with 66% listening in; but 20% of 51 to 60 year olds are also listeners.

"The radio is a hugely underrated media tool," said Matthew Froggatt, Managing Director at TNS. "This new outlet through mobile phones may help to sustain its life well into this millennium.

"In some markets, like India, launching a mobile phone without radio-listening capabilities is a major barrier to winning consumer sales.”

source : emarketer.com