RAB Reports National Radio Ads Grew 5%, Nonspot Up 11% in Q3

The Radio Advertising Bureau's Sales Indexes indicate that national radio advertising climbed 5% in the quarter ending Sept. 30, compared to Q3 2005. Local radio revenue declined 2% in the third quarter compared to Q3 '05. The RAB said the total combined local and national ad sales figures fell 1% in July through September compared to the same three months a year ago.

Nonspot revenue, a term the RAB is now using to cover revenue that was once figured as "nontraditional revenue," increased 11% during the third quarter. The grand total of combined spot and nonspot radio revenue for Q3 remained unchanged compared to the same quarter a year ago.

During September, national ad dollars fell 1% compared to the same month a year ago, RAB reported, while local radio revenue declined 3% that month. Total combined local and national ad sales revenue for September was off by 3% compared to September 2005. Nonspot dollars rose 11% this September over September of last year.