DAB Digital Radio tops ten million set sales

SensiaThe DRDB (Digital Radio Development Bureau) announced (November 30) that sales of DAB digital radios have passed another milestone, smashing the 10m barrier

The DRDB reports cumulative sales of DAB digital radio sets topped ten million at the end of November.

And this is before the bulk of Christmas sales are recorded.  In December 2008, over 0.5m DAB sets were sold, and if repeated this year, will mean that over 2m DAB sets have been sold in 2009.

It took eight years to reach the first five million sales (2007), but just 30 months to achieve the second five million sales.

DAB sales have also yet again outperformed the overall CE Audio market, despite the recession.

DRDB chief executive Tony Moretta says: “This is a significant moment for everyone in the digital radio industry: broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers. Ten million sales is an incredible achievement for any technology, and it proves that digital radio is here to stay. With even greater promotion by radio stations, wider support from the car industry and the further development of the technology through colour screens, wi-fi etc, we expect the growth of digital radio to continue strongly over the next few years to the point where a nationwide digital upgrade can become a reality.”

At Folder Media, we think this is a great sales result, especially given the economic climate.  DAB is a geat consumer success story, and these DAB sales figures are a resounding positive ‘YES’ for the Government’s proposal to introduce legislation to support the ongoing development of DAB digital radio and the criteria for analogue switch off.