A TGI survey seeking to evaluate the market penetration of chareidi radio stations in Israel polled listeners regarding Kol Chai Radio and Kol Berama Radio. The results are somewhat surprising.

According to the survey, Kol Chai has lost 25% of its listening audience after operating for 16 years. Kol Berama on the other hand, a Shas-affiliated station, is maintaining stability more or less, reporting a loss of 4%, relatively minor as compared to Kol Chai. Based on stats, it appears Kol Chai’s good days are in the past, for in 2010, it was in the lead with 5.7% of the listening audience but today, at the end of 2011, this has dropped to 4.3%. Kol Berama on the other hand reported 4.4% in 2010 and 4.2% at the end of 2011.

Interestingly, Kol Chai rated 5.9% in the second half of 2010, dropping to 4.2% in the first half of 2011, now standing at 4.0%.

Galei Yisrael has earned a place on the map in the second half of 2010 with 0.8% of the listening audience, reaching 1.2% in the first half of 2011. This station is affiliated with residents of Yehuda and Shomron.

Kikar Shabbat provides responses to the numbers, seeking to understand the changing trend.

Avi Mimron of Kol Berama reports his station will continue proving to the listeners that it represents the true voice of chareidi Jewry, a voice that does not include compromising Halacha in any way. He exhibits confidence that the future will be one accompanied by stability or growth.

Ido Leibowitz, the manager of Kol Chai states the latest TGI survey proves that Kol Chai is the “home of the chareidi tzibur and it has been during the past 16 years”. He promised continued quality programming and content in the future.

The survey involved adults 18-years or older, checking listening habits during the months of July 2011 through December 2011 among approximately 2,500 people.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)