Advertising revenue for metropolitan commercial radio stations increased 10.0% in the December quarter, totalling $185.397 million.

This is up 10.0% from the $168.525 million recorded in the same period a year ago, according to data compiled by Milton Data and released by Commercial Radio Australia.

CRA chief executive officer Joan Warner says: “December quarter radio ad revenue results marked a positive finish to 2021. We’ve also seen 16.3% growth in total revenue this calendar year which is very good news.”

 “Factors in this period such as more positive consumer sentiment, demand driven by the lifting of lockdown restrictions, opening of borders and the pre-Christmas advertiser rush attributed to the fourth quarter results.”

Melbourne’s revenue was up 14.0% year on year to $58.928 million in the December quarter, Perth revenues grew by 12.3% to $25.084 million, Brisbane was up 8.8% to $29.899 million, Sydney was up 8.3% to $55.144 million, and Adelaide was 1.4% higher at $16.342 million.

In the month of December, the five major Australian capital city markets recorded a 9.2% rise compared to the same month the previous year. Ad revenue totalled just over $56 million compared to $51.3 million in December 2020.

Melbourne stations performed strongly, generating $18.410 million in ad revenue for the month, up 15.3% compared to a year ago, Perth climbed 10.9% to $7.653 million, Brisbane was up 9.5% to $8.945 million, and Sydney’s revenue was up 5.8% generating $16.152 million in revenue. Adelaide recorded a 3.1% decrease compared to last year, with advertising revenue totalling $4.849 million.