New York - Nov 16, 2012 - Consistent with first quarter and first-half performance, radio posted moderate 1 percent growth through the first three quarters of 2012. Digital spending was up 7 percent for the period, followed by a 2 percent gain in off-air. Spot was flat. Third quarter revenue remained flat but digital continues to represent a bright spot - up 8 percent.

Growth in spending by domestic and import autos, national grocery, clothing and big box retailers helped fuel revenue for the quarter. Radio also received an influx of dollars based on hotly contested political races -- up six-fold over 3Q2011's pre-primary race spending. Decreased third quarter activity by some of radio’s key categories, such as communications/cellular, financial services, insurance companies and restaurants led to flat comps.

Read the full report.