Linear radio remains in strong shape, according to peak industry body Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), which has reported total radio revenue of $262.1 million for the first quarter of 2025.

Up 1.2% year-on-year, CRA says this result is powered by surging digital audio adoption and anchored by the enduring strength of linear radio.

Across the quarter, total revenues held firm while digital revenues rose 32.7% from $17.2m in Q1 2024 to $22.9m in Q1 2025.

For the quarter, metro broadcast radio remained stable overall with a flat year-on-year result of $147 million.

CRA says a 3% dip in regional broadcast radio revenue was driven by a one-off event in Cyclone Alfred.

“The cyclone caused short-term disruption to local businesses and trading activity across parts of Queensland and New South Wales in March, leading to a temporary drop in direct advertising in the affected regions.”

CRA says that despite this and other macro-economic conditions, the remainder of H1 is tracking to maintain the industry’s overall position of growth.

“Our audiences have never been higher, and with advertisers recognising our ability to deliver unrivalled reach, results and relevance we are seeing strong demand across our total addressable market of metro and regional radio, digital streaming and podcasting,” said Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA.

CRA revenue results were compiled by media analytics firm Milton Data. Broadcast revenue includes metro and regional advertising, while digital audio encompasses streaming and podcasting.