RadioApp increases in-car radio listening

Radio accounts for 80% of in-car listening. The Australian commercial radio sector is ensuring that it stays that way by allowing consumers to stream over 250 radio stations in their cars.

The sector’s free RadioApp has become available via Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto, which are accessed through the car’s infotainment system.

A quick test shows that the stream switching is quick and the information listing is clear, making it an enjoyable experience. 

The app, which has been downloaded 140,000 times since its launch last November, allows listeners to tune in to commercial AM and FM metro and regional, ABC, 80 SBS stations with 70 languages, and DAB+ digital radio stations across the country.

They can create a favourites list and swipe to see what’s playing on other stations. An alarm and sleep timer function allow users to fall asleep and wake up to their preferred station.

The app also provides a list of nearby stations based on their location, for use during road trips.

Joan Warner, CEO of Commercial Radio Australia said, "Consumers today expect freedom and connectivity and we want to make sure they can listen to their favourite local radio stations however they want and wherever they are.”

Aside from 80% of in-car entertainment reserved for radio in Australia, research shows that it is followed by owned music (12%) and music streaming services (3%).

Warner says the majority of in-car listening is through traditional broadcast which doesn’t need an internet connection. 

Overseas data from Edison Research from this time last year found that 9 in 10 commuters listen to traditional AM/FM radio while in their car on the way to work. 

AM/FM radio easily beating out CDs (62%), own digital music files (54%) and streaming internet radio (42%) as the most common form of in-car audio during commute time. 

Of the AM/FM listeners, 23% switch away immediately when the ads come on. 25% say they listen to part of one ad, and 23% listen to at least one.

More than 95% of the population listens to Australian commercial and public radio stations each week in the five metropolitan capitals. GfK figures show Australians spend about six hours on average listening to Australian radio via a mobile phone or tablet each week.