Metropolitan commercial radio stations have recorded a solid ad revenue increase of 10.0 per cent in the December quarter, according to data compiled by Milton Data and released by CRA today.
Milton recorded a December ad revenue of $185.397 million, up from $168.525 million in December 2020.
“December quarter radio ad revenue results marked a positive finish to 2021,” said CRA, chief executive officer, Joan Warner. “We’ve also seen 16.3% growth in total revenue this calendar year which is very good news.”
“Factors in this period such as more positive consumer sentiment, demand driven by the lifting of lockdown restrictions, opening of borders and the pre-Christmas advertiser rush attributed to the fourth quarter results.”
Melbourne recorded the largest December quarter ad revenue, up 14.0 per cent year-on-year to $58.928 million, followed by Perth which grew 12.3 per cent to $25.084 million.
Brisbane was up 8.8 per cent to $29.899 million, while Sydney was up 8.3 per cent to $55.144 million, followed by Adelaide which grew 1.4 per cent at $16.342 million.
December 2021 saw the five major Australian capital city markets record a 9.2 per cent rise compared to the same month the previous year. Ad revenue totalled just over $56 million compared to $51.3 million in December 2020.
Once again, Melbourne stations performed strongly, generating $18.410 million in ad revenue for the month, up 15.3 per cent compared to a year ago.
Perth stations climbed 10.9 per cent to $7.653 million, Brisbane was up 9.5 per cent to $8.945 million and Sydney’s revenue was up 5.8 per cent generating $16.152 million in revenue.
However, Adelaide recorded a 3.1 per cent decrease compared to last year, with advertising revenue totalling $4.849 million.