CRTC Communications Monitoring Report Shows Radio Listening Up Slightly In 2011

Radio's Popular North Of The Border

The annual Communications Monitoring Report from the CRTC shows that in 2011, even with the growth of digital choices, Canadians spent more time watching television and listening to the radio.  Weekly figures showed average users watching an average of 28.5 hours of television, up .5 hours from 2010, and listening to an average of 17.7 hours of radio, up .1 hours from 2010. 

In addition, the average user watched 2.8 hours of Internet television per week, up .4 hours from the previous year, and 4% said they only watched television programming online, with 4% saying they watched on a smartphone and 3% on a tablet. Also, 22% of anglophones and 17% of francophones streamed AM or FM radio signals over the Internet.  In 2011, the study said, the average Canadian family spent more than $180 per month on communications services.

“This report is used to gauge whether the communications industry is meeting the needs of Canadians as consumers, citizens and creators,” said CRTC Chairman JEAN-PIERRE BLAIS. “The information it contains will help them make more informed decisions in the marketplace and enhance their participation in our public proceedings.... Canadians are enthusiastic consumers of creative content, whether it is offered on television, radio or through digital platforms. The fact that they are spending more time watching or listening to programming is good news for Canadian creators."

Overall communications revenues rose 3.3% to $59.3 billion, accounting for 4.6% of CANADA’s gross domestic product.  Broadcasting revenues increased 5.5% to $16.6 billion.

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