RAB: Radio Crippled in 2009

Radio may have just come out of its worst year in history. Total 2009 revenue, including on-air, off-air and digital, plummeted 18 percent to just over $16 billion, according to figures released Friday (Feb. 19) by the Radio Advertising Bureau.

The medium’s bread and butter—local and national on-air advertising—was down a whopping 20 percent to $13.2 billion. Network radio held up relatively well, declining 9 percent to just over $1 billion.

The only good news was the continued growth of digital, which increased 13 percent to $480 million.

In releasing the final revenue tally for radio, the Radio Advertising Bureau looked forward, pointing to the medium’s sequential improvement throughout the year.

“The

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in