GWR Group Sees 12% Revenue Rise In Q1

Radio revenues at GWR Group rose by 12% year on year during the three months to the end of December 2003, thanks to a strong performance from the Local Radio Group (LRG).

LRG, which accounts for 70% of GWR’s revenues, posted a 13% jump, following the introduction of a new sales system. Local spend was stronger than national at LRG, with a growth of 14% compared to national’s 11%. The group’s flagship national commercial station, Classic FM, saw like for like revenue growth of 13%.

GWR says that the advertising market was more buoyant in the last quarter, reflecting the improving trading outlook. January 2004 saw analogue revenues rise by 10% year on year.

Ralph Bernard, executive chairman, said: “The last quarter of the 2003 calendar year was notably strong for GWR – we grew faster than our peer group in the main revenue streams – national, local and sponsorship. Digital radio continues to gain acceptance. Roberts has already entered the market with a strong range of products and we eagerly await the arrival of the Sony range this year.”

A recent trading update from Chrysalis Group showed its revenues increasing by 19% in the five months since September, whilst Capital Radio posted a rise of just 5% in its first quarter, in line with the broader market.

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