Radio revenue saw an upswing in January and February, with a year-on-year growth of 6.5 percent across the market according to the Radio Broadcasters Association (RBA).
RBA collects revenue figures every month from member networks such as Mediaworks and The Radio Network, as well as several independent stations. The organisation says there was particularly strong growth in Christchurch, where activity surrounding the city’s rebuild is buoying radio ad spend.
Radio revenue growth according to the RBA
Auckland : January 14 percent, February 4 percent
Christchurch: January 12 percent, February 9 percent
Wellington: January 6 percent, Ferbuary 3 percent
RBA chief exec Bill Francis says much of the growth has come from increased ad spend by media agencies, in particular for government departments like the New Zealand Transport Agency, and various telcos. He says early indicators show the growth will continue into the year.
“Overall last year had good periods, but it started off very slowly. Starting this year on such a positive note is very pleasing and something we’re hopeful of sustaining,” he says.
The RBA has a total dollar figure for the market’s revenue, but Francis says he won’t reveal this number.
He says the biggest challenge radio networks face this year is offering add-ons for advertisers to cross promote products on, such as podcasts, web content and other digital platforms.