Sydney and Perth were the only markets to register increases in radio ad revenue in a lean July, according to figures released today by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia (CRA).

Overall the country’s five metropolitan markets declined by 1.16% year on year in July with a total of $52.35 million in ad revenue taken during the month.

After a troubled start to the year, Sydney’s small increase of 0.79% to $16.78 million represented the third consecutive month of growth for the market. Perth was the only other market to record growth, up 2.18% to $6.960 million.

Chief executive officer of CRA, Joan Warner comments, “Sydney and Perth recording positive growth for the month is a good start to the new financial year and the third consecutive month of growth for Sydney. Other markets are still experiencing tough economic conditions.”

Melbourne declined 2.54% to $15.67 million, Brisbane dropped 1.82% to $8.24 million and Adelaide fell 6.64% to $4.70 million, pulling the market’s overall fortunes down.

“The radio industry continues with initiatives like the website Radio Connects illustrating the effectiveness of radio ads and featuring real case studies, making it easier for advertisers to see how radio can work for them,” Warner adds.

The figures report actual revenue received by metropolitan commercial radio stations for the calendar month and include all metropolitan agency and direct revenue.