The Radio Advertising Bureau has released its semi-annual revenue report. The results for the first half of 2015 revealed continued declines in spot advertising, while digital and off-air sectors maintained growth. Radio’s first-half ad revenue hit $8.2 billion, down just 1% from the year-ago period.
Spot advertising still accounts for the bulk of that total, with revenue of $6.3 billion, but that figure marked a 3% drop on-year. Digital revenue rose 2% to $457 million, while off-air spike 11% to $943 million. With that increase, off-air holds an 11% share of total radio volume.
“Increased volume in Q2 by several of radio’s larger advertisers and key categories helped boost results significantly,” RAB President and CEO Erica Farber said. “This pacing, coupled with a positive outlook for the general U.S. economy, sets the tone for a stronger second half for radio sales.”