Radio Broadcasting & Programming Industry Overview

Excerpt from Radio Broadcasting & Programming Report

Companies in this industry operate radio broadcast studios and transmit music, talk shows, news, and other entertainment to the public. Major companies include the British Broadcasting Corporation, CBS Radio, Clear Channel Communications, Cumulus Media, Entercom Communications, NRJ Group (France) and Sirius XM Radio.

Competitive Landscape

Business advertising and consumer demographics drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on advertisement volume, programming mix, and efficient operations. Large companies have advantages of market dominance, often owning the only radio stations in a geography. Small companies can compete effectively with special programming or broadcasters who attract large audiences. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 75 percent of revenue.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major industry product lines are broadcasts (air time) and programming, production, and post-production services. Other products include program rights, merchandise sales, equipment rental, and sales of website advertising space. Air time, which includes advertising and network compensation, provides over 90 percent of industry revenue. Local advertising accounts for up to 75 percent of total revenue; national and regional ads, for about 20 percent. Programs garner around 10 percent of revenue.