Edison Unveils 'Share of Ear' Study

Edison Research today released what it is calling the first ever "Share of Ear" study of audio consumption of all kinds. Edison says the study is the "first consistent measurement of all audio consumption, including AM/FM radio stations, online radio stations, podcasts and even listeners’ own music collections."

The takeaway, according to Edison, is:

"Despite a constantly changing audio landscape, broadcast radio controls more than half of the more than four hours a day that Americans spend with all sources of audio. But the audio space is vibrant and changing – and newer sources of audio, from Internet-only services like Pandora and Spotify, to Satellite Radio, and even TV music channels like Music Choice now account for nearly a quarter of all listening."

And

"The study reveals that Americans spend an average of 4 hours and 5 minutes each day consuming audio, and more than 52% of that time goes to broadcast radio on all its various platforms. But other sources of pre-programmed audio now control 26% of listening time, while listening to one’s own music collection receives more than 20% “share of ear.”

Results are from what Edison said is a nationally representative sample of 2,096 Americans ages 13+ who completed a 24-hour audio listening diary during May.