Recession and competition hit local radio revenue
DevonAir, the Exeter based independent local radio station, suffered a £150,000 loss in the year ended September 30.
Sir Ian Amory, chairman, told the company’s annual meeting in Exeter but the outlook for this year was optimistic, and the advertising turnover was on target. The annual report showed that turnover had dropped from £746,000 in 1982 to £632,970.
Sir Ian said of the year had been disappointing, with income 15 per cent lower as the recession hit appetizers in the Exeter and Torbay areas. At the same time, the company has spent more to combat this competition presented by TV AM and the new BBC radio service.
“the success of our campaign can be measured by the increasing the number of listeners we now have compared with the autumn of 1982.” He said. Sir Ian recalled that a number of staff who have played a big part in building up the station’s so successfully, had left to join other radio companies early in the year. The extra spending was incurred to maintain standards while the new team settle down. “The combined effort of lower income and higher expenditure produced a loss for the first time since the station opened, of almost £150,000,” he said.
Sir Ian, speaking of the continuing high standards of output, referred in particular to the broadcasts covering two royal events in Exeter Cathedral: the royal Maundy service and the St John Ambulance Concert, which was highlights of the year.
Sir Ian praise to the generosity of the DevonAir listeners in supporting the Devon Care appeal which raised more than £15,000 for charity.
Advertising was still difficult to obtain, but income was no on target.
He praised the efforts of Mr. David Cousins, the new programme director, has said that exciting initiatives were being taken and, although spending will still need to be contained, the board look forward to making progress during the year.
As already reported, Devon’s other independent local radio station, Plymouth Sound, has suffered a loss last year of £15,000.
