While other media complain of a ‘soft market,’ the commercial radio industry has continued its advertising revenue growth with a 4.12% rise in May, to a total figure of $58.4 million for the five major metropolitan markets, according to figures released by Commercial Radio Australia.

According to the 2011 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue, as sourced by Deloitte, advertising revenue grew in all metropolitan markets for the month of May, compared to the same month in 2010, with the strongest growth recorded in Perth.

Perth grew 9.63% to a total of $7.60 million; Adelaide grew by 7.46% to a total of $5.75 million; Sydney grew by 4.85% a total of $18.5 million; Brisbane grew 3.69% to a total of $9.30 million and Melbourne grew 0.33% to $17.24 million.

The Deloitte figures report total metropolitan radio revenue received for each calendar month and includes direct and all agency revenue.

The May Deloitte figures show growth in revenue of 6.39% for the eleven months year to date financial year (10/11) for the five major metropolitan markets to a total of $621.44 million, compared to the same timeframe a year earlier.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the continuing growth for radio revenue was good news for the industry given a softer market generally. “Radio continues to perform well in a softer business environment, which reflects its cost effectiveness and efficiency at getting the message out quickly.

“It continues to be a resilient medium and is performing well over the long-term,” Ms Warner said.