On May 24, 3:28*pm, "pocket-radio" wrote:
Radio Revenue Is Off 5% Year to Date
5.23.2008
RAB used the words “growth” and “steady” in its announcement headline; but
overall revenue continues to be down for U.S. commercial radio in the first
quarter.
Radio revenue was off 5% in the quarter compared to the same period last
year, it reported, dragged down by a drop of 11% in national business and a
6% drop in local. Network business was up 7%, though, and off-air ntr
continues to be the star for radio, increasing 15%.
Overall revenue in the quarter was estimated at just under $4.5 billion; if
that pace were to hold, the year would end at around $18 billion total.
But RAB says several industries increased their investment in radio in the
quarter, “becoming the new growth leaders for the medium. The influx of
these dollars, combined with the steady escalation of advertiser spending in
the network and off-air sectors, helped radio curtail the effects of today’s
unstable economy.”
Its announcement captures RAB’s view of the numbers: “Network, Off-Air,
Political Help Steady Radio in 1st Quarter 2008; Insurance, Specialty
Retail, Professional Services, and Beverages Emerge as Growth Category
Leaders.”
President/CEO Jeff Haley said he is “encouraged that first quarter has
brought new and returning advertisers to radio.”

Actually, radio stocks are down at least 50%, and some are down 90%.
This goes to show that with iPods, cell phones, etc the long-term
outlook for radio is grim.