Commercial radio ad revenue for the five major Australian capital cities increased by 0.7% to $48.916 million in the month of July compared to $48.571 million a year ago, according to figures released today by Commercial Radio Australia.

Sydney stations recorded a 5.9% year on year increase in ad revenue to $14.690 million in the month. Perth stations grew 3.0% to $6.488 million and Adelaide stations were up 2.0% to $4.424 million. Brisbane reported a 6.7% decrease to $7.138 million and Melbourne was down 1.4% to $16.177 million

CRA chief executive officer Ford Ennals says that although ad revenue had yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, good progress had been made in the calendar year to date, with revenue up 5% on 2021 and 27% for the same time period on 2020.

He says, “Metro commercial radio revenue growth has slowed in the first month of the new financial year to nearly +1% growth but overall revenue remains +5% up year on year versus 2021.

“In these uncertain economic times our clients and agencies recognise that radio advertising is more effective than ever, offering a highly flexible and affordable way to reach a large audience.”

Last week CRA announced the launch of an Audio Planning Tool, powered by Nielsen’s Consumer and Media View audience data, one of the first in a suite of research initiatives to be introduced by the industry body over the coming months.