Katz Media: National Spot Sales Up

Total projected radio sales at Katz Media Group are up 21% in January, 2% in February and 7% in March, according to a memo to staff from KMG boss Stu Olds. That spells an overall rise of 19% in the first quarter. Olds struck a distinctly optimistic note, remarking that "this resurgence appears to have real legs."

While things can change in the future, the rising tide appears to be lifting all boats. First-quarter sales in the top 10 markets are pacing up 21.9%, markets 11-25 are up 19.1%, markets 26-50 are up 9.5%, markets 51-75 are up 26.3% and markets 76-100 are up 15.2%.

Leading the way in dollar terms are auto (up 27%), finance (7.1%), telecom (19.7%), consumer products (161.7%) and professional services categories (36.9%). By contrast, drops were seen at retail (down 7.2%), fast-food (-3.5%) and Internet (-69.4%).

Advertising clients driving the growth include Safeway, Pfizer, Blockbuster, American Express, Chase, Comcast, H&R Block, Target, Honda, State Farm, CVS and Clear Wireless.

Separately, Clear Channel Radio, which owns Katz Media Group, said it has sold out both Web and mobile ad inventory for its IHeartRadio digital music emporium in January. Fox and the CW were among the biggest advertisers with the service, which has been expanding its distribution to new channels, including smartphone apps over the last year.

The company also reported strong demand for the IHeartRadio app for Android.

advertisement

advertisement

Next story loading loading..