Metropolitan commercial radio stations experienced a stronger advertising market in February, with ad revenue up by seven percent compared with the same month in 2006.  PriceWaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures released today show radio stations in the five capital city markets earned $44.2 million in advertising revenue in February 2007, compared with $41.3 million a year ago.

“Radio stations in all five markets experienced growth in the month of February, with Adelaide and Perth leading the growth,” said Commercial Radio Australia chief executive Joan Warner.

The Sydney market grew by 4.8 percent in February, for its second consecutive month of increase.  However, ad revenue for Sydney is still down 3.1 percent for the eight months of the financial year to date, compared with the same period previously.

Ad revenue for all markets across the eight months year to date was $404.7 million, up by 1.8 percent compared with the same period a year ago.

“Some cautious optimism is returning to the market after a tough few months, and news that the Australian economy is still healthy and the New South Wales economy has avoided a recession should provide a boost to consumer confidence,” Ms Warner said.

“Online is grabbing a lot of attention at the moment, but advertisers are realising just how cluttered the Internet is and how valuable a mass media like radio can be in directing audiences through the billions of pages on the world wide web.”Â