• by John Gaffney , January 16, 2003

It may seem about a month behind the beat right now, but the Radio Advertising Bureau is nostalgic about November 2002.

Radio revenue rose another 10% in total combined local and national dollars in November. That makes three months in a row that radio ad sales showed double-digit growth over the same month a year ago. November is also the ninth straight month of revenue increases for the medium. National revenue continues to lead the recovery with a 23% increase. Local revenue increased 7%.

On a year-to-date basis, the Radio industry was up 6% in total combined local and national dollars. The RAB’s Sales Index, which equates base year 1998 to 100, increased slightly. For the month of November, the total combined sales index was 127.8; local was 128.3 and national was 125.8.

From a year-to-date perspective, the total combined sales index was 135.1; local was 135.4 and national was 135.0.

"Radio has been able to deliver quick turnaround results for its clients in this uncertain and tight economic climate," noted Gary Fries, President and Chief Executive Officer of RAB. "We expect equally strong numbers for December, regardless of what some forecasters have predicted, and thus a strong ending for 2002. Looking forward into first quarter, all indications are that this positive growth cycle is continuing."