Australian commercial radio's metro ad revenue has seen an increase in Q2 2024, according to figures released by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) in the first figures including both Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio ad revenue.

The total metro ad revenue (broadcast plus digital) in Q2 2024 was up 2.6% to $200.7 million, compared to the same period last year. For the first six months of 2024, total radio ad revenue, including both broadcast and digital, remains steady, up 0.2% on the first half of 2023.

Q2 2024 Metro revenue broadcast only was $178.172 million, up 0.1% on Q2 2023, while digital audio revenue increased by 27.1%.

The quarterly broadcast radio ad revenue figures were compiled by media data analytics company Milton Data for CRA. Previously, CRA only released metro ad revenue figures for Broadcast Radio, not Digital Audio. CRA's digital audio ad revenue figures are included in the Australian Online Advertising Expenditure Report (OAER), compiled by PwC and released by IAB Australia.

"Market conditions are tough right now - but radio is once again showing that it is resilient, reliable, and the best bang-for-buck when advertising budgets are tight," said Jo Dick, CRA chief commercial officer.

"The data also shows us that for the first six months of 2024 total radio ad revenue, including both broadcast and digital, remains steady, up 0.2% on the first half of 2023."