Advertising revenue for metropolitan commercial radio stations increased by 0.5% in February to $51.638 million compared to the same month a year ago, for a twelfth consecutive month of gains since the start of the recovery, according to data released by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
CRA chief executive officer, Joan Warner, said the slower rate of growth reflected 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 said.
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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 Adelaide increased 1.1% to $4.620 million.
The figures are compiled by media data analytics company Milton Data and include agency and direct ad revenue.
Commercial radio ad revenue saw a positive start to the year, with revenue up 4.7% in January compared to January 2021, according to data released by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
Ad revenue for the five major Australian capital city markets totalled $42.698 million in January 2022 compared to $40.796 million a year ago.
In December’s last year quarter, commercial radio advertising was up 10%, totalling $185.4 million, an increase from $168.5 million in the same period the year prior.
Warner appeared on the Mumbrellacast last year, to detail the switch in radio ratings measurement shake-up.