Advertising revenue for metropolitan commercial radio stations reached AUD$64.190 million in June, reflecting a year on year rise of 40.9%, according to data compiled by Deloitte and released by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
June quarter revenue totalled $175.431 million, up 53.8% from the corresponding period a year ago.
The buoyant quarter lifted the financial year result to $627.776 million, down 2.4% compared to $643.046 million in 2019/20.
CRA chief executive officer Joan Warner said there would be some impacts from the current lockdowns but conditions were more positive than last year.
“Advertising spend had rebounded strongly before the current lockdowns. Some caution has crept into the market due to uncertainty about how long the restrictions will last, but the longer term economic indicators remain positive. Some businesses are also more prepared this time around to manage through the disruption.
“As we’ve seen through previous lockdowns, radio remains highly relevant when people need news and information.”
Victorian stations experienced a lockdown throughout Greater Melbourne in the first two weeks of June, but generated $20.217 million in ad revenue for the month, up 36% compared to June 2020.
NSW stations achieved a 46% rise to $19.670 million in June. Queensland was the strongest performer, with revenue up 51% in June to $10.244 million, while Western Australia was up by 37% to $8.321 million and South Australia climbed 31% to $5.739 million.
All markets returned strong growth in the June quarter. Queensland led the pace up 61% year on year to $27.210, followed by NSW up 56% to $53.131 million, and Victoria up 52% to $$56.751 million. Western Australian revenues grew by 51% to $22.358 million and South Australia was 44% higher at $15.982 million.
The metropolitan revenue figures compiled by Deloitte report on revenue received by metropolitan commercial radio stations in the five major capital city markets and include agency and direct ad revenue.