Study shows growing significance of mobile for German webcasters

Berlin-based Goldmedia Group says its study shows the use of online radio on mobile devices in Germany is seeing particularly strong growth, and that one of every six "hits" to online radio services comes from smartphones or tablets.

The Bavarian Regulatory Authority for Commercial Broadcasting (BLM) and strategy consultant Goldmedia have published Web Radio Monitor 2012, based upon data collected via a survey of all online radio providers in Germany from May to June of 2012.

Goldmedia says, "Three quarters of the respondents regard mobile online radio as their central method of broadcasting... Mobile hits, via apps or mobile browsers, now make up 17% of all hits, compared to 14% in 2011. By 2014, mobile devices are expected to make up a quarter (24%) of all online radio hits. In addition, providers have high expectations for online radio streaming in cars. According to 87% of providers, usage in the car is expected to increase dramatically."

The study indicates that in April, listeners launched an average of 13,800 streams per station every day, a 36% increase compared to April 2011 (there are apparently about 3,000 online stations in Germany, with about 82% of them being "online only"). The services of the FM brands (simulcast streams and online sub-brands) reported an increase of 58%.

RAIN will visit Berlin for RAIN Summit Europe, October 5th. We've assembled a roster of fantastic industry leaders to speak (like our keynoter, GM/Europe & VP/Ad Sales for Spotify Jonathan Forster, not to mention experts from Germany representing firms like BMW, NRJ International, pilot, cjlea.com, RMS.de, and RTL Radio), and we can't wait to learn more from our European colleagues (and perhaps forge some new business relationships!). And just look at that gorgeous nhow "Berlin" - The Music & Lifestyle Hotel Berlin, where we'll meet. Please see all the details for RAIN Summit Europe (including registration) here. Read more from Goldmedia here.