Southern Cross Media Group Limited (ASX: SXL), also known as SCA, has reported a 4.8% increase in audio revenue for Q1 FY25, totalling $100.4 million. This growth was driven by a significant 48.2% increase in Digital and a modest 1.1% increase in Broadcast Radio. Both metro radio and digital audio have delivered three consecutive quarters of share growth. The total revenue for Q1 FY25 was $122.3 million, a 1.5% increase compared to Q1 FY24.

SCA continues to maintain its leading share of the core buying demographics for men and women aged 25-54 for the 26th survey in a row. LiSTNR, SCA's digital audio platform, continues to perform strongly with over two million signed-in and addressable users. The LiSTNR AdTech Hub is now included in over 33% of digital audio campaigns.

John Kelly, CEO of SCA, commented on the company's performance, stating, “The positive operating momentum from the second half of FY24 has continued into the first quarter of FY25, and our strategy of building and monetising audiences that matter has delivered our third consecutive quarter of growth in our share of metro radio revenue, along with ongoing growth in digital audio revenue."

Kelly further highlighted the role of the LiSTNR AdTech Hub in driving revenue growth. “Our key differentiator in digital audio is our LiSTNR AdTech Hub, which enhances our advertisers’ ability to connect with relevant and targeted audiences on LiSTNR and other digital audio distribution platforms. By driving increasing inquiry and premium commercial returns for our advertisers, the LiSTNR AdTech Hub is a key reason for our 48.2% growth in Digital Audio revenues in the September quarter."

SCA's dominance in the core buying demographic is also a key factor in its success. Kelly noted, “SCA remains the home of the audience that matters in the core buying demographic for men and women aged 25-54. Over 70% 1 of agency briefs target these segments. SCA had a market-leading 35.3% share of this segment in the most recent metro radio survey published on 1 October 2024. Our in-depth understanding of this segment has seen our Triple M and Hit Networks record the largest metro radio audiences in this segment for the last three years (26 consecutive surveys)."

Looking forward, Kelly remains optimistic about SCA's performance in the coming quarters. “Whilst advertising markets remain short, SCA is maintaining positive operating momentum into the second quarter of FY25.”

SCA says it is actively progressing with the sale of its regional television assets, intending to apply the proceeds towards reducing net debt. The company maintains FY25 guidance for Non-Revenue-Related costs to be below FY24 ($308.4 million) on a current state basis. FY25 capex remains on track to be below $10 million.