Internet listening spiked up in February, continued breaking new ground

Internet listening gained five percent in February over January, according to data released by Triton Digital in its Webcast Metrics Top 20 Ranker. The five-percent gain from the previous month lifted total stream listening into new-high territory. February is the fifth consecutive month of Internet listening reaching into record levels.

The key metric is Average Active Sessions, measured in a 6:00am – 12:00am day, Monday through Sunday. The cumulative number of AAS was 2,361,528 for domestic listening.

Within the ranking, the best nominal month-over-month success belonged to Pandora, which led the top-20 field by gaining over 106,000 average active sessions. Pandora also led the field in percentage terms, growing active sessions by six percent. Other leading percentage gainers were CumulusCox, and Townsquare. The largest monthly drop-off is attributed to ESPN, whose February metrics tracked at 85% of January.

The top five terrestrial broadcasters, viewed as a group, gained 1% Internet listenership, month over month.

The long-term historical trend of the top five leaders (see chart below) shows a spike for market-leading Pandora, and an uptick for the web streams of top broadcasters.

triton MoM chart February 02 638w

Year-over-year, Triton shows 9% growth in cumulative listening over February, 2013, based on Average Active Sessions. In this longer time frame, Pandora grew its number by 10%, or over 164,000 sessions. The percentage growth leader in this view was NPR, which grew its sessions by 56%. Idobi and Townsquare also showed vigorous year-over-year growth, over 50% each.

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

triton YoY chart february 2014 638w

 

 

Brad Hill