Classic Hits is fastest-growing radio format in US

Arbitron yesterday released its annual radio industry study, Radio Today 2009 Edition. This is the first annual report that includes Portable People Meter™ (PPM™) data from several major markets as well as Diary data.
The report shows that oldies stations continue to reposition themselves toward a younger image, making Classic Hits the fastest growing music format. Between Spring 2007 and Fall 2008, Classic Hits’ share rank of the national radio audience jumped from No. 11 to sixth, reaching 3.9 percent of the US population - the most since the format has been tracked by Arbitron. Between Spring 2007 and Fall 2008, the number of AM and FM stations programming Classic Hits increased from 288 to 364. There are also now more than 200 HD and streaming Classic Hits stations.
(Source: Arbitron)
By Andy Sennitt.