Commercial radio stops revenue slide with slight rise

LONDON - The commercial radio industry's quarterly revenues have risen for the first time in a year, but by only 0.8% to £149.4m.

Increases in national and local revenues outweighed a substantial drop in sponsorship and promotions revenues, according to new figures released by the RAB. National revenues climbed 3.4% to £85m and local revenues climbed 1.2% to £40.4m

However, sponsorship and promotions revenues fell 8% to £24m.
Overall, the figures reinforce expectations commercial radio is close to a recovery, after a weak couple of years in which advertisers diverted their spend to other media.

Simon Redican, managing director of the Radio Advertising Bureau, said: "The results are extremely encouraging. We have already stated our optimism publicly but it is always good to get confirmation."

Brand Republic 21-Aug-07, 11:05