• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, August 20, 2010

Radio advertising enjoyed a significant recovery in the second quarter of 2010, according to the Radio Advertising Bureau, which said total revenues increased 6% to just over $4.5 billion.

While its tentative recovery depends on external economic factors that are still subject to uncertainty, the medium's growth in the first half of 2010 is a welcome change from several years of straight declines.

The second-quarter growth was led by a 3% increase in local ad revenue to just over $3 billion, and a 16% increase in national ad revenue to $700 million. Digital revenues jumped 25% to $157 million, while off-air revenues increased 2% to $375 million and network radio remained flat at $274 million.

A number of major ad categories saw increased spending, according to the RAB -- including communications and cellular, up 9% to $385 million; automotive, up 28% to $336 million; financial services, up 24% to $251 million; and professional services, up 14% to $84 million.

Reflecting the stagnation in network radio, Westwood One separately released second-quarter results showing that total revenues were basically flat at $83.4 million. The company also disclosed that it received an infusion of fresh capital from the Gores Group, which included a $15 million equity investment and a $5 million loan guarantee.

Looking to the future, Westwood said it is seeing increased bookings in both its Metro Traffic and Network Radio divisions in the second half of the year.