Last month Sydney recorded an increase in radio ad revenue – the first monthly rise since April 2006, according to figures released today by Commercial Radio Australia.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures for the five main capital cities show the Sydney market recorded growth of 4.7% to a total of $15.07m for January compared to the same timeframe last year. All other metropolitan markets recorded growth but Perth was particularly strong – up 11.55% to $5.16m compared to January 2006.
The other figures recorded for the month of January for metropolitan radio markets were Brisbane (up 1.5% to $6.4m); Adelaide (up 5.4% to $4m); and Melbourne (up 3% to $11.29m).
Overall the commercial radio industry increased its revenue for the month of January by 4.6% to $41.9m and also recorded growth of over one per cent for the seven months year to date (ending January 2007) to $360.5m – compared to the same timeframe last year.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said that this was a pleasing start to the calendar year.
“Although it is way too early to tell if the Sydney market is improving longer-term – this news is certainly welcome and demonstrates the resilience of the radio industry,” Warner said.
Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $599.6m in the calendar year 2006 – a 1.4% increase compared with the $591.4m generated in the 2005 calendar year.
“Commercial radio audiences remain strong and the industry continues to increase revenue streams through innovative online and podcasting activities,” Warner said.
“The industry is also hopeful of securing a significant share of political advertising in 2007 with a state election slated for NSW, and a Federal Election likely before the end of the year.”
