GWR said it had a strong trading performance during the three months to December 31 with revenues for its analogue radio business up by 12%. In January the group's revenues were up by 10%.
Its local radio group, which generates approximately 70% of revenues, saw total revenues up 13% year on year. At its flagship station Classic FM, the uptrend continued with national revenues up 13% year on year as its strategy of moving Classic FM to a younger audience pays off.
GWR said it had observed significant improvement in the 35 to 54 age group year on year, in terms of reach, up 7%, and hours, which were up 21.2%. The group hopes the improvement will make the station more competitive in the advertising market in offering advertisers mass access to the lucrative younger market.
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."
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