New York - The number of Americans who listen to online radio at least once a week grew to 42 million, up from 33 million in 2008, according to a new study from Arbitron and Edison Research. Nearly half of the U. S. population, or 49%, 125 million people, have at least once listened to online radio.

"The sharp growth in weekly usage of online radio in this year's study provides compelling evidence that radio's digital platforms may be reaching critical mass," said Bill Rose, senior VP of marketing for Arbitron. "The growth of online radio is reinforced with what we are seeing in the portable people meter. We are beginning to see encoded streams of AM/FM broadcasts with significant audience in local markets."

At the same time, the study also shows that consumer behavior is quickly changing in favor of iPod and other MP3 players. A full 32% among the 12-17 and 18-24 age groups say iPod usage has cut into their radio listening time, up from 22% and 17%, respectively, in 2008.

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