Radio Revenues Inch Up 1% Y-O-Y in Q3

November 27, 2013

This article is included in these additional categories:

Automotive | Radio | Spending & Spenders | Telecom | Top Brands

RAB-Radio-Revenue-Trends-in-Q3-Nov2013Radio ad revenues grew marginally in Q3, up 1% year-over-year to reach $4.6 billion, according to the latest quarterly revenue report [pdf] from the Radio Advertising Bureau. That still managed to be the best result so far this year, following flat revenues in both Q1 and Q2. Digital continued to be the fastest-gaining radio sector, up by 19% year-over-year, but remains the smallest revenue-driver. Spot, the largest, saw a 1% increase in revenues year-over-year, but is flat for the year-to-date. The study finds wireless carriers continuing to invest more heavily in the medium.

In Q3, the communications/cellular category increased its spending by 24% year-over-year, led by AT&T and T-Mobile, which hiked their expenditures by 56% and 62%, respectively.

Edging that category as the biggest spender in Q3 (by a small margin) was automotive, which was led by Ford Dealer Association (+14%) and Toyota Dealer Association (-11%). The most rapid spending increases within the category came courtesy of Honda Dealer Association (+65%), Ford Motor Corp. (+54%) and Nissan Motor Corp. (+45%).

Meanwhile, among the top 10 advertisers, 7 increased their spending relative to the year-earlier period. Comcast Xfinity Cable Service was the top spender for the period, hiking its outlays by 7% from Q3 2012. AT&T and T-Mobile took the next 2 spots, followed by McDonald’s (-7%) and GEICO (+11%).

About the Data: 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 and HD Radio including HD2 and HD3 stations. Network Revenue includes seven major Radio network companies. Revenue data has been randomly verified since 2002.

The lineup of markets/stations may vary from year to year. Percent change is calculated on revenue adjusted to current year reporting.

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