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Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $164.67 million in the first quarter of this financial year, a drop of 0.52% compared to the same timeframe last year, according to the 2008 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue as sourced by Deloitte, and released today by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said this was a steady performance from the radio industry given the economic uncertainty and tough times facing many businesses.


“The metropolitan radio ad revenue continues to be resilient in what are tougher economic times and a period of uncertainty,” Ms Warner said.

“Some markets like Perth have continued to perform strongly in the first three months of the financial year and some like Sydney continue to be a challenge.”

The figures show that for the three months of July, August and September of this year, Sydney generated $54.08 million (down 5.5%); Melbourne was $47.3 million (up 0.66%); Brisbane was $26.3 million (up 0.99%); Adelaide was $14.9 million (down 2.69%) and Perth generated $21.9 million (up 10.9%) compared to the same timeframe last year.

Ms Warner said the monthly growth was also patchy with July about even; August down by about five per cent and September up by about two per cent – highlighting the volatile nature of the economic climate and also the short-term nature of some city markets.

“Radio is a very resilient advertising medium and has performed well in times of tough economic circumstances so the industry is positive about the coming months,” Ms Warner said.

“However, the radio industry must continue to be innovative and lead the way in developing new opportunities for attracting advertising revenue. The link between radio and online continues to present significant opportunities for commercial radio stations this year as does the launch of digital radio early next year,” Ms Warner said.