Why couldn’t weeuse RDS to track FM radio listenership?

radioguru02

Would it not be possible, at least in cars, to work out the number of people listening to FM radio stations on Fm or DAB? Basically everyone who listens to radio in their cars is picking up RDS - could we not use this instead of JNLR? This way we could work out realtime traditional radio listenership and get a real sense of the shape of radio here.

Losty Dublin

IMO it wouldn't provide accurate figures to survey in such a manner.

• The JNLR measures radio listenership over 15 hours of the day, namely 7AM until 10PM. Most people aren't likely to be in their cars over most of these times for a survey to ascertain an accurate picture of peoples listening habits over the course of a day. Indeed, it could skew an accurate picture of listening habits by concentrating energies on one medium or audience type over others.
• Also, it could unfairly cut out a large proportion of listeners. Many people don't listen to radio in their car, some don't commute in their car while a few may not even own a car. Finding out how people consume radio is important too.
• JNLR also takes on board a certain amount basic demographic information which isn't forthcoming, e.g. age. This wouldn't be available to them using RDS.
• Lastly, car may enter or leave a stations licensed coverage area which would skew figures somewhat, especially in Dublin.

L1011

What return path are you imagining exists here?

radioguru02

L1011 wrote: »

What return path are you imagining exists here?

I don’t understand the question

byte

Your radio does not transmit anything back for anyone to know what channel it's tuned in to.

It receives signal and RDS, but doesn't transmit back the way.

L1011

pirateradiohed wrote: »

I don’t understand the question

RDS is one way - tower to radio. Just like FM.

To use RDS data to determine audience would require the radios to transmit back

If you don't understand this concept, your entire idea is useless.

vinnielo

Someone tell me this post is a joke.

radioguru02

Fair point Losty, and very informative byte and L1011. I just thought, as it uses software, that there might be a way.
Ah well