SCBA, NYMRAD Report Revenue Gains In February

The Southern California Broadcasters Association (SCBA) announced Wednesday strong, across-the-board ad revenue market gains for February. According to the Miller Kaplan Arase February 2014 Market Summary Report for all reporting LA Radio stations, total market revenue grew by 3.7% for the month. On a YTD basis through February, the LA total market revenue growth is 3.1%.

“This substantial market growth reflects the dynamic power of Southern California Radio and our member Radio stations’ determination to begin 2014 on very strong footing, “said SCBA President Thom Callahan.

The Miller Kaplan Arase report also cites continued growth in digital revenue for the reporting stations in February at 16.8% and a YTD growth rate of 14.7%. The subsequent X-Ray report YTD also reveals substantial new business growth with 336 new advertisers spending $12.7 million. Key category drivers include: Insurance – Up 141.7%, Cellular/Communications – Up 45.8%, Concerts/Theatre/Movies – Up 34.7%, Casinos/Lottery – Up 32.5%, and Education – Up 32.3%.

“The Auto category reflects a growth rate of 6.4% YTD and convincingly reverses the trend from Q4 of 2013,” said Callahan. “Radio and its digital platforms remain a key strategic partner for Southern California car dealers and associations that are driving market share, brand awareness, and sales using Radio,” said Callahan.

“Now, with two strong revenue reporting months in a row, Southern California Radio is well on its way to a solid first quarter with real momentum and a full pipeline of new business to come,” said Callahan. “February was a decisive revenue growth month with the perfect trifecta of Local, National, and Digital all coming together for a very positive month for our region.

Meanwhile radio billings were up 2.3% compared to a year earlier reports New York Market Radio Broadcasters Association (NYMRAD).   That brings the market’s year-to-date growth rate to 3.26%.  “The New York market is up, despite the series of storms,” NYMRAD executive director Deborah Beagan says.

Ongoing cell phone wars are one reason why — the category was up 20% in February with sizable gains by Verizon (+69%), AT&T (+67%) and Metro PCS (+95%). NYMRAD says even with snowed-in auto dealerships, that category also posted gains last month. Revenue figures are based on Miller Kaplan Arase data.