Internet radio audience growth

DEFINITION OF “RADIO” EXPANDS: Speaking of which, the Internet radio audience is now up to 60 million listeners a week in the U.S., according to the latest from Bridge Ratings, with 77 million projected by 2015. Pure-play internet stations reach 38 million (or 62%), while terrestrial simulcasts draw 82%. The biggest growth curve belongs to the smartphone, notes Digital Music News. Smartphone-based streaming audio is experiencing double-digit growth across every demographic, with 18-24s clocking the most with five hours weekly, though the 55-plus category is growing the fastest. Listening hours among the older set has expanded nearly 28% (to 2.3 hours weekly) since 2007. (4/7a)