The radio market - Italy (2024)

The global radio station market has shown consistent growth with its value rising from $83.74 billion in 2022 to an anticipated $87.31 billion in 2023, achieving a 4.3% CAGR, and is expected to reach $100.64 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 3.6%. Italy's radio sector reflects this positive trajectory, as advertising investments in December 2022 increased by 2.0% from the previous year, amounting to approximately €36 million and totaling around €370 million for the year, a 1.7% increase from 2021. However, the broadcasting sector experienced a 4.5% dip in total investment in 2022, amounting to €3.9 billion compared to €4.1 billion in 2021. COVID-19 pandemic altered listening locations, with home listening jumping from 47.9% pre-pandemic to 70.9%, and device usage for radio increased. The market trends also point towards digitalization with web radio and podcasts gaining popularity, providing on-demand content and reaching global audiences beyond traditional local broadcasting limits.

Radio Market Demand Trends in Italy

Radio remains a significant medium in Italy, albeit with changing listener demographics and habits. The market for radio broadcasting has observed a shift as younger audiences gravitate towards streaming services and podcasts. Despite this, radio sustains its popularity mainly among older demographics. The Italian territory showcases a strong concentration of radio broadcasters in the southern regions, with Lazio having the highest presence. The demand for radio content leans heavily towards contemporary pop, adult music, rock, alternative, and indie music genres. A critical trend in the radio market is the decline in listenership among the younger population, specifically those aged between 14 and 25. On the flip side, the market has seen a surge in podcast consumption. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of podcast listeners in Italy grew by approximately 7%, reaching between 15 and 20 million. The preferred location for radio listening has traditionally been the car, with nearly 74% of listeners tuning in from their vehicles. However, post-pandemic, there has been significant growth in at-home listening. This shift is accompanied by a change in the devices used for listening, with home devices seeing increased usage.

In terms of socio-demographic data, the number of male and female listeners exhibits only a slight difference, with the most substantial number of listeners falling in the age category of between 45 and 54 years old. Among professional categories, managers and executives top the chart with between 5 and 7 million listeners. RTL 102.5 leads the race for the most listened-to radio station, with over six million daily listeners, followed closely by Radio Dimensione Suono with nearly 5.5 million daily listeners. Listeners' motivations for tuning into the radio are diverse; nearly half consider it an avenue for relaxation, while similar proportions listen to their favorite music or improve their mood. The radio also serves as a medium for reliable information, providing updates on local and current issues and contributing to the feeling of community among listeners. Overall, while digital platforms and on-demand services like podcasts are gaining ground, traditional radio broadcasting maintains its stronghold in the Italian market, adapting and evolving to meet the varying demands of its audience.

Principal Actors in Italy’s Radio Broadcasting Landscape

• Public Broadcasting Giant: RAI - Italian Radio and Television RAI, Italy’s national public broadcasting company, holds a distinguished position in the market by offering a comprehensive public service. It operates several radio brands, including Radio Rai 1, Radio Rai 2, Radio Rai 3, Isoradio, and Gr Parlamento, providing a rich variety of content from news and current affairs to cultural programs and music.
• Leading Light of Commercial Radio: R.T.I S.p.a R.T.I S.p.a, part of the Mediaset Group, commands significant attention in the commercial segment. Its subsidiaries, including Radio 105, Virgin Radio Italy, and R101, offer an exciting mix of popular music, contemporary hits, and entertainment programs that cater to a diverse audience.
• Content Pioneer: Elemedia S.p.a Elemedia S.p.a is well-known for its stations such as Radio Deejay, Radio Capital, and M2O. These stations have established a loyal following by delivering on-trend music, engaging talk shows, and other innovative content that resonates with various listener demographics.
• Music Aficionado’s Hub: Radio Dimensione Suono (RDS) Radio Dimensione Suono has earned its place in the hearts of music lovers with its charming mix of the latest hits and classic tracks. Known for its strong connection with the community and its ability to keep the audience connected with the world of music, RDS is a staple for those who love to tune in to the universal language of melodies.
• Community Radio Evangelist: Radio Maria Radio Maria represents the community radio sector, operating on a non-profit basis. It's a faith-centered broadcaster that has garnered an extensive reach both nationally and internationally. It offers spiritual content, prayers, and religious discussions that provide solace and community connection to its audience.

Each of these players brings unique value to the Italian radio market, creating a dynamic environment enriched with content that caters to the diverse tastes and preferences of listeners. From the vast coverage and cultural significance of RAI to the targeted auditory experiences of commercial entities like R.T.I and Elemedia, and the valued community service provided by Radio Maria, Italy's radio broadcasting landscape is both vibrant and inclusive, sustaining the timeless appeal of radio in the digital age.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 27/02/2024

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Value of the world radio market
• 2022/2021 % change in advertising investment
• Changes in radio listening habits during the pandemic
• Change in the tools used for radio listening with the advent of the pandemic
• Number of radio listeners in Italy in 2023, by employment status
• Number of radio listeners in Italy in 2023, by age
• Number of women and men listening to radio in Italy from 2006 to 2023
• Top radio stations in Italy by average number of daily listeners
• The spatial distribution of radio stations
• Temporal evolution of the number of radio broadcasts
• Temporal evolution of radio broadcasting revenue
• Motivations that lead to listening to radio broadcasts