• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, April 13, 2005

Radio Flat; Prepares for Future Expected Innovative Growth

According to the current RAB report, grand total combined spot and non-spot Radio revenues for February 2005 remained flat compared to February of 2004 (28 days vs. 29 days), as the burgeoning industry positions itself for long-tem growth and expansion in the evolving media marketplace.

Local ad sales stayed even for the month, and national dollars dropped only 1% when compared to February of last year.  The combined total local and national spot revenue for the month also stayed flat when compared to the same month from a year ago.  Non-spot revenue decreased 5% this February over last February. 

On a year-to-date basis, grand total combined spot and non-spot Radio dollars increased, while local ad sales also jumped up 1% over January and February of last year, and national figures climbed 2%. 

Gary Fries, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), said  “Radio revenue is leveling out as the industry adapts and evolves to the new consumer centric marketplace,” explained “Radio is in a growth mode in every aspect as innovative new formats debut, new advertising platforms are developed, and digital Radio technology rolls out.” 

Radio Advertising Bureau Index Of Radio Revenue Pool Numbers

Feb. 2005 Vs. Feb. 2004		Year-To-Date Jan. – Feb. 2005 Vs. Jan. – Feb. 2004
Local Revenue		Local Revenue
All Markets	0%	All Markets	1%
Local Ad Sales Index	143.4	Local Ad Sales Index1	42.7
National Revenue		National Revenue
All Markets	-1%	All Markets	2%
National Ad Sales Index1	32.4	National Ad Sales Index	144.9
Local & Nat'l Revenue		Local & Nat'l Revenue
All Markets	0%	All Markets	1%
Combined Ad Sales Index	141.3	Combined Ad Sales Index	143.1
Non-Spot Revenue		Non-Spot Revenue
All Markets	-5%	All Markets	-2%
Grand Total Revenue		Grand Total Revenue
All Markets	0%	All Markets	1%
Source: Radio Advertising Bureau, April 2005

Local and national revenues are based on a pool of more than 150 markets, as reported by the accounting firm of Miller Kaplan Arase & Co. The RAB Sales Index equates base year 1998 to 100