Commercial radio advertising revenue for Australia’s metropolitan radio stations jumped by 72.6% in the month of May to reach AUD$59.605 million from $34.534 million a year ago, according to data compiled by Deloitte and released by industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
The rise reflects a strong rebound for radio from the depths of the COVID-19 slump, as advertisers returned to the market.
“It’s enormously encouraging to see advertisers returning to radio in full force after a challenging 12 months,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of CRA. “The industry is seeing robust activity from national advertisers and we anticipate the recovery in the SME market will continue to build in the coming months and into the busy Christmas season.
“Most major advertiser categories have recovered well and it is expected that with the new fiscal year, a fresh investment cycle is highly likely.”
The results follow a 51.9% year on year increase in ad revenue in the month of April to $51.636 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.
In the month of May, Victoria, the largest radio market, was up by 74.5% to $20.028 million compared to the same period a year ago, while NSW stations enjoyed a 71.2% increase to $17.685 million. Queensland stations rose 77.6% to $8.965 million, WA was up 73.2% to $7.470 million and South Australia climbed 62.1% to $5.457 million.