Radio sales ended 2004 on a bit of a down note, with December revenue down 1% from the same month a year before. Both local (-1%) and national (-5%) revenue were off for the month, while non-spot dollars were up (12%).
Still, the RAB said, the fourth quarter “showed healthy signs of recovery for the industry.” And overall, 2004 saw radio revenues pass the $20 billion mark; for the year, radio spot and non-spot dollars were up 2%. Local ad sales were up 3%. National ad dollars were flat, network ad figures grew 5% and non-spot revenue was up 11% for the year.
President/CEO Gary Fries said, “In the past year alone, the number of listeners to terrestrial radio has grown by over 3.5 million consumers nationwide. Moreover, terrestrial radio’s audience has grown an astounding 10.7 million listeners in just the past four years.” The numbers are from RADAR.
December Sales Down, But Radio Revenue Was Up 2% for Year
December Sales Down, But Radio Revenue Was Up 2% for Year