CRA responds to audio revenue growth

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has responded to positive outcomes for audio revenue revealed in the IAB Australia Internet Advertising Revenue Report (IARR) for Q1 2026.

Digital audio revenue grew 9.9% to $25.2 million for the quarter. The broader digital audio market grew 8.3% to $83.6 million. CRA members hold 30% of that digital audio market, according to the report.

Total radio revenue for Q1 2026 was $257.0 million, down 1.9% YOY. Metro broadcast revenue was $141.8 million (-3.5% YOY) and regional was $90.0 million (-2.4% YOY). Both reflect the soft market conditions from geopolitical instability and weakened consumer confidence.

Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer at CRA said:

“Our entire industry is focused on making audio easy to plan and buy, ensuring we invest in the tools that deliver the precision, transparency and scale advertisers expect of digital media. CRA Audio ID is live and trading – enabling brands to optimise reach and frequency through access to premium inventory across ARN, Nova Entertainment, Southern Cross Austereo and Tapt Media.

We know when budgets are under pressure audio consistently delivers. For every dollar invested in radio, brands see two dollars back. Allocating just 11% of media spend to audio can double campaign effectiveness. Outside of the capital cities, campaigns with regional audio can unlock 33% more effectiveness than those without it. When times are uncertain, people turn to what they trust. For millions of Australians, that’s audio – and it’s a medium advertisers can count on too.”