Revenue of commercial radio stations in Perth jumped 21 per cent in March, higher than the national surge of 15.6 per cent, amid an improving economy, new figures show.
The five metropolitan markets reported advertising revenue of $59.2 million in March, up 15.6 per cent on the prior corresponding period, according to figures from industry group Commercial Radio Australia, published today.
Commercial Radio Australia chief executive Joan Warner said the result showed radio was a performing well in a competitive market.
"The strong start to 2010 is great news for the industry and reflects improved economic conditions and also the resilience of radio in attracting advertising dollars when marketing budgets are tight," Ms Warner said in a statement.
"This augurs well for the year ahead."
Sydney recorded the largest increase in March, with ad revenue up 21 per cent to $18.95 million, followed by Perth (up 20.97 per cent to $7.87 million) and Adelaide (up 16.07 per cent to $5.58 million).
Advertising revenue in the nation's second biggest market, Melbourne, rose 12.5 per cent to $17.3 million, while Brisbane posted the smallest increase at 6.9 per cent to $9.4 million.
Ms Warner said the growing use of digital radio would provide stations with new opportunities for increased advertising.
In the March quarter, commercial radio advertising revenue rose by 7.71 per cent to $151.1 million compared with the prior corresponding period.
Sydney again was the best performing market, recording double-digit increases. Perth also managed an increase of greater than 10 per cent.
Commercial Radio Australia said the figures were sourced from Deloitte.
