Absolute Radio publishes online listening hours
Absolute Radio is the first commercial broadcaster to publish regular figures on online listening hours.
The broadcaster has also teamed up with the BBC to create a joint measurement system for online listening.
Published on its One Golden Square blog, the figures are taken from Absolute’s audio streams and are based on information derived directly from its streaming logs.
Clive Dickens, Absolute’s chief operating officer, said: “This will ultimately allow us to demonstrate a relationship with our community [of listeners] based on measurement not panel-based research,”
“There is demand from clients and agencies for more accurate information on audiences rather than just sample estimates. Barb, ComScore, NetRatings and Rajar are all high-quality research currencies but are entirely based on samples.”
According to the first set of figures, Absolute streamed 6.3 million hours of radio in September, up from 4.9 million hours in August.
Earlier this week, Absolute announced the launch of comparemyradio.co.uk, an unbranded website allowing listeners to compare radio stations.
The site displays UK radio stations “now playing” information and lets users search for music via a specific station, artist or track.