It’s a theme we’re getting used to hearing from public radio companies. A banner political year (2016) is hard to match in an off-political year (2017). Net revenue for Urban One’s radio division in Q4 of 2017 was off 7.5%, excluding political revenue was flat for the quarter.
The company saw significant revenue growth in Houston and Richmond, and significant revenue declines in Charlotte, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Raleigh, and St. Louis.
In Q4 2016, Urban One took in $5.7 million in political advertising. In Q4 2017, that number was only $835,000.
Reach Media’s net revenue decreased $1.4 million for the quarter, compared to Q4 2016, due primarily to weaker demand.
Net revenues for the digital segment increased approximately $3.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily from performance from a new digital acquisition.
Overall net revenue, including radio, TV, and digital, decreased to $109.0 million for Q4, from $113.6 million for the same period in 2016, a decrease of 4.0%.
Cable TV advertising revenue was down 18%.
