GWR, the owner of Classic FM, yesterday reported a 12% rise in third quarter revenues in a week of strong advertising figures for radio broadcasters.

Turnover at GWR's 31 local stations grew by 13% in the final quarter of 2003. Revenues at Classic FM, which suffered an advertising collapse last year, returned to growth as well, rising 13% year on year.

Advertising income at GWR's national station slipped in 2003 as big brand owners and the financial sector held back spending. The repositioning of Classic FM for a younger audience had improved listening figures, with a "significant improvement" in the 35 to 54 age group. According to audience figures for the final quarter of last year, Classic FM had 6.2 million listeners and a national audience share of 4.3%.

At the local radio stations, which include Essex FM and Trent FM, a revamped sales system helped advertising from local firms grow 14%, with the contribution from national advertisers rising 11%.

Chrysalis Group, whose network of stations includes Heart 106.2FM in London, said earlier this week that revenues for the five months to January had climbed by 19%. Capital Radio, the home of Capital FM, said turnover in the final quarter had risen 5%.

The groups gave contrasting outlooks for the start of 2004, however. GWR reported income growth of 10% for January and Capital's turnover rose 1% last month, while Chrysalis said 90% of revenues in February were already booked.