Strong growth in radio and audio usage via the Internet
As part of Swiss Radio Day, the initial findings from the 2021 Swiss Web Media Monitor were presented. Nearly 60 percent of radio and audio consumption in Switzerland now takes place online. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly boosted usage figures for the approximately 600 online audio services, but has slowed revenue growth.
According to the Web Media Monitor, the range of offerings in the Swiss market is extremely diverse in terms of content and language, with a total of 575 online audio offerings from 193 providers. The proportion of online-only web radio stations has increased: they account for 39 percent of the offerings and are almost as numerous as the online sub-brands of the FM/DAB+ stations with 40 percent. This means that the offerings have grown by 30 percent compared to 2019.
Corona effect: while sales suffer, usage increases
Around half of online audio providers reported revenue losses due to the pandemic. Only 3 percent generated profits in 2021. By contrast, usage figures have risen significantly. 60 percent of providers reported higher call-up figures for 2020.
This trend is also confirmed by the usage survey: 48 percent listen to online audio more often because of the pandemic. The share of online use in the total use of radio and audio offerings has risen accordingly. While the online share was still 54 percent in 2019, it is now 59 percent.
Usage trends: more music streaming and more often in the car
Simulcast services from the traditional radio brands are used most frequently. However, music streaming services and online sub-brands of radio stations have seen the greatest increase in reach. The number of podcast users, on the other hand, has remained the same.
Audio and radio on the Internet are mainly consumed at home, as 87 percent of respondents stated. Use in the car has increased significantly, from 38 percent in 2019 to 52 percent today.
The "Web Media Monitor 2021" was produced by Goldmedia on behalf of the Federal Office of Communications. The study on the Swiss online audio and online video market is based on a survey of web media providers and users between May and July 2021.
