Internet listening maintained high ground in December

TritonDigi200x72Internet listening remained essentially flat in December over November, according to data released by Triton Digital in its Webcast Metrics Top 20 Ranker. Top-line listening growth represents a fractional percent gain from the previous month, barely nudging total listening into new-high territory. In November, Internet listening reached a new high for the second consecutive month.

The key metric is Average Active Sessions, measured in a 6:00am – 12:00am day, Monday through Sunday. The cumulative number of AAS was 2,227,344 for domestic listening.

Within the ranking, the best nominal month-over-month success belonged to market leader Pandora, which led the top-20 field by gaining over 17,000 average active sessions. In percentage terms the monthly top-gainer was Idobi, which grew active sessions by 32 percent. The largest monthly drop-off is attributed to Cumulus, whose November metrics tracked at 84% of November. Cumulus suffered the largest percentage slip in the October-November view also, when it dropped from 4th place to 5th in the Triton Ranker. It held that ranking in December.

The top five terrestrial broadcasters, viewed as a group, lost Internet listenership for the second straight month.

The long-term historical trend of the top five leaders (see chart below) shows Pandora’s dramatic climb over the past four years, and its increasing dominance in December against a two-month terrestrial downtrend.

triton historical chart December 640w

Year-over-year, Triton shows 13% growth in cumulative listening over December, 2013, based on Average Active Sessions. In this longer time frame, Pandora grew its number by 13%, or over 201,000 sessions. The percentage growth leader in this view was NPR, which grew its sessions by 75%. Univision and Townsquare also showed vigorous year-over-year growth of 65% and 59% respectively.

The following chart illustrates cumulative year-over-year listening growth, with the top five market leaders called out.

triton yoy December 2013 640w

 

Brad Hill