GWR Q4 Revenues Up 12%

GWR will also tell investors that both the Advertising Association and Zenith are forecasting continued strong revenue growth for radio throughout 2001. Commercial radio is forecast by the Advertising Association to remain the fastest growing of the traditional media sectors over the next decade. However, a number of analysts and brokers are also predicting a tough period for the radio industry following a dotcom fallout (see Capital Stock Falls Following AGM Statement).

The uptake of digital radio is also gaining momentum. “With seven new national digital stations, commercial radio is positioned to gain significant audience share from the BBC over the next ten years,” says the statement. GWR will tell investors that through its 63% controlling interest in Digital One – the owner of the only national commercial digital multiplex – and through its interest in 3 of the 10 national digital stations, it is uniquely positioned to benefit from digital developments.

GWR says progress is also being made in its overseas businesses. In Vienna, Antenne Wien made its first EBITDA profit in December 2000, while Danubius in Hungary continues to perform ahead of budget. In Australia, DMG Radio, in which GWR has a 25% interest, has been successful in developing its major cities strategy by acquiring a Melbourne FM licence in December of last year. Revenues in the regional business in the period October to December 2000 were below budget. In Poland, GWR is selling its 33% interest in Inforadio and expects to make an exceptional loss on this disposal.

At 1:00pm today GWR stock was up 2½p at 635p.