Press release


Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $599.6 million in calendar year 2006, according to figures released today by peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia.  The result was a 1.4 per cent increase compared with the $591.4 million generated in the 2005 calendar year.


“While there was good growth in Perth and Brisbane, the overall result was weighed down by the Sydney market, which continues to be adversely affected by the weaker New South Wales economy,” said chief executive officer Joan Warner.


Perth was the strongest market in 2006, up nearly 7 per cent in the 12 months ending December to $65 million, followed by Brisbane, which grew by 6 per cent to $91.8 million.  Sydney stations attracted revenue of $216.0 million in 2006, a 5 per cent decline over 2005, while Melbourne was up 5 per cent to $170.2 million and Adelaide was up 6 per cent to $56.6 million.  The data is compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the five major capital city markets.


Sydney was the only market to decline in the six months ending December 2006, with Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane showing solid growth.


“Commercial radio audiences remain strong and the industry continues to increase revenue streams through innovative online and podcasting activities,” Ms Warner said.


“The industry is also hopeful of securing a significant share of political advertising in 2007 with a state election slated for NSW, and a Federal Election likely before the end of the year,” she added.


Despite competition from newer entertainment choices, commercial radio continued to attract loyal audiences in 2006, with over 8.6 million Australians tuning in in metropolitan areas, representing an audience reach of 77 percent.  The average time spent listening to commercial radio was 17 hours and 57 minutes each week, or two hours and 33 minutes per day.