Figures released today by Commercial Radio Australia show that first quarter ad revenue for 2009 for the metropolitan radio market has fallen compared to the same quarter last year, with variable results for individual markets.

According to the 2009 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue as sourced by Deloitte, the five metropolitan markets generated advertising revenue of $140.3 million in the first three months of 2009, a fall of 2.8% compared to the $144.45 million generated in the first quarter of 2008.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the global financial crisis had impacted on ad revenue across the board for radio but the Sydney market continued to be the biggest challenge.

“Sydney continues to be testing and as the largest market, is affecting the national figures,” Ms Warner said.

“Perth also recorded falls for the quarter but Melbourne and Adelaide have both recorded growth – so results have varied across the country.”

The figures show that for the first quarter of 2009, the Sydney market generated revenue of about $42.7 million - down 8.7% compared to the same quarter in 2008; Melbourne generated $42.02 million - up 2.3%; Brisbane generated $23.01 million - down 1%; Adelaide generated $13.8 million - up 0.1% and Perth $18.78 million - down 3.9%.