Radio First Half Revenue Mirrors 2014 Comps

RADIO ONLINE | Saturday, August 29, 2015

For the first half of 2015, radio's grand total of $8.2 billion in revenue held steady with the first half 2014 performance (-1%) reports RAB. While radio revenue remains steady, it continues to make inroads with advertisers. In contrast, other traditional media revenues have been impacted by the rise of online, mobile and social platforms. Off-Air grew an 11% during the period and now represents 11% of total radio volume, up one percent from a year ago, while digital gained 2%.

"Increased volume in Q2 by several of radio's larger advertisers and key categories helped boost results significantly," said RAB President/CEO Erica Farber, "This pacing, coupled with a positive outlook for the general U.S. economy, sets the tone for a stronger second half for radio sales."

"There have been some shifts in ranking among the radio's leading revenue categories that reflect changing consumer attitudes and buying habits, as well as other factors impacting their industries," added Farber.

"The usual list of categories make up radio's "Top 5" for the first half of 2015," said Farber. "And digging deeper, it's interesting to note the number of online services in various categories that are making radio a part of their marketing strategy, tapping into radio's unparalleled ability to reach and connect to consumers in a way no other medium can."

Spot Radio, Digital and Off-Air revenues are based on a pool of more than 100 markets as reported by the accounting firm of Miller Kaplan Arase LLP and extrapolated to the entire U.S. Digital Revenue is comprised from activity generated by websites, Internet/web streaming, video/display ads, etc. Network Revenue includes seven major radio network companies. Revenue data has been randomly verified since 2002.