Commercial ad revenue up

Advertising revenue for metropolitan commercial radio stations rose 0.5% in February to $51.638 million.

That makes twelve consecutive months of gains since the start of the recovery, according to data released by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.

CRA chief executive officer Joan Warner says the slower rate of growth reflects a hangover from the Omicron outbreak in December and January.

“There were some lingering effects from the Omicron wave which impacted business supply chains, but the market has weathered it well and the outlook for the rest of the year remains positive.”

“With state and international borders reopening and a federal election ahead, we hope to see advertising growth get back to a stronger footing in the months ahead,” she says.

Sydney stations reported a 2.7% year on year increase in ad revenue to $15.155 million in the month of February but the Melbourne market was 1.3% lower to $17.433 million. Brisbane rose 0.6% to $7.844 million, Perth dipped 0.3% to $6.585 million and South Australia increased 1.1% to $4.620