A new study from U.S. based Bridge Ratings and Research shows that audience erosion from traditional AM and FM radio is slowing, and in some cases, has stopped, thanks to radio’s lower commercial loads, and the novelty of MP3 players wearing off.

The release from the Center for Media Research shows…

*Terrestrial audience erosion to alternative audio entertainment continues to occur in young demographics though at a slower rate than seen previously in 2005.

*Erosion rate halted for the time being among the 25+ age group.

*MP3 device useage can consume as much as 80% of a radio user’s audio entertainment during initial ownership weeks and months. This number tends to be generally lower among 30+ women and 35+ men.

*Time spent with MP3 players increased among 12-24 year old males faster than with females as 2005 progressed, as time spent with Internet radio has slowed.

*Listening to traditional radio by Adults 25-49 has risen from 65 quarter hours a week (Q4 2004) to 67.