• by Erik Sass , August 16, 2010

There is more good news from radio broadcasters, with Citadel Broadcasting Corp.'s report that total revenues increased 3.2% in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year -- from $188.1 million to $194.4 million.  

Following similar results from a number of other big broadcast radio groups, the Citadel figures suggest radio has exited one of the longest declines in the medium's history and is embarking on a tentative recovery.

The increase in Citadel's overall revenues was due mostly to a 5.3% increase in revenues for its radio station group, from $156.2 million to $164.5 million.

Citadel said its stations in larger markets fared better than midsized and smaller markets, on the whole, but there was still a great deal of variability.

Stations in Los Angeles, Detroit, Little Rock, and Birmingham enjoyed big gains, while stations in New York City, Dallas, Salt Lake City, and Knoxville saw revenues decline compared to last year.

Citadel also saw revenues decline at its radio network division (which handles national ad sales), slipping 5.5% from $33 million to $31.2 million.

Previously, Clear Channel Communications reported that total revenues at Clear Channel Radio, the nation's largest broadcast radio group, increased 4% to $748.7 million in the second quarter. CBS Corp. said its radio division saw total revenues increase 6.1% to $340.9 million. Cumulus said broadcast revenues increased 5.6% to $68.7 million in the second quarter, while Beasley reported total revenues increased 5.6% to $24.9 million in the second quarter. Entercom said total revenues increased 4% to $105.8 million.