Capital Radio Sees 2% Revenue Decline, Tarrant Stays

Like for like airtime revenues at Capital Radio are expected to rise by 2% during the six months to 30 September, the group announced in a trading statement this morning.

Revenues were down 7% in the six months ended 31 March and, accordingly, the group expects revenues to be down by 2% for the year to September. This is in line will forecasts from Merrill Lynch. Capital’s outlook remains cautious on the advertising prospects for the remainder of this year.

Tarrant to stay Capital also announced this morning that Chris Tarrant, host of the station’s key breakfast show, will be staying with the group and launching a new breakfast programme in January 2003. The announcement follows much speculation that Tarrant was all set to leave the station after his 14 year tenure.

More details on the new Tarrant show are to be announced shortly. The news that he is remaining with Capital will be a relief to advertisers as well as the company, as his programme accounts for up to 15% of Capital’s profits, according to analysts.

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