A new study from the Digital Radio Development Bureau (for there is such a thing) reckons that the number of digital radio sets out there will boom in the next four years, with the medium so popular by 2008 that retailers will be selling in excess of 5 million digital radios every year. The report says that as a result digital radio's reach, currently estimated at just 4%, will be up to 28% in four years time.
The research reckons it will be the number of stations available via digital, rather than any improvements in sound quality, that will drive sales. Digital only stations such as BBC Asian Network, BBC7, Gaydar Radio and the Saga station are all likely to play their part in pulling new audiences into the digital radio space.
GWR boss Ralph Bernard, who chairs the Bureau, told reporters the latest study showed digital radio was on the "tipping point" that turned mobile phones and the internet from the playthings of early adopters to mass-market essentials: "This is a very important day for all radio but particularly for digital radio. We know how many digital radios have been sold to date and what needs to be done to reach tipping point. We are not just getting warm we are getting hot."
So what does all that mean for the music world? Well, see you at Music Works on 29 Oct and we'll find out! (http://www.Musicworksuk.com)