DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. It is a digital radio service which is broadcast from a UK-wide network of transmitters. It uses digital technology which enables broadcasters to package together several radio stations; this is called multiplexing. Multiplexed radio stations are then broadcast on single frequency networks. This is an efficient way to provide lots more radio stations using fewer radio frequencies. Digital listening has surged past 60% to now account for 65.8% – or almost two-thirds – of all radio listening.

According to the new data, listening via DAB is now the most popular means of all radio listening accounting for 43% of all listening (and 65% of digital listening), exceeding listening via AM/FM which accounts for 34.2% of listening. Listening via online and apps accounts for 18.1% of all listening (and 27.5% of digital listening) and listening via DTV accounts for 4.7% of all listening (and 7.2% of digital listening).

The new data shows that 41 million adults, or 74% of the population aged 15+, now tune into digital radio every week, and 69% claim to own or have access to a DAB radio. The official data demonstrates that the popularity and power of commercial radio is stronger than it has ever been. As listening habits shift and evolve commercial radio is offering more of what people want. The mix of entertainment, information, trust, comfort and fun means that in a world of infinite listening choices people keep choosing radio.