RadioCentre, the industry body representing commercial radio, has hailed increased sponsorship and promotional revenues as evidence of a continued recovery in the sector.

The organisation said today that revenue as a whole rose 5.4% year-on-year to £148.98m in the third quarter. Revenues for sales and promotions rose 8% to £28m; national station revenue increased 7.7%, while local station revenue dipped slightly by 0.7%.

RadioCentre chief executive Andrew Harrison said: "These revenue figures are another set of impressive results. 2007 really has been a turning point for the commercial radio industry - not only have we seen a record number of people tuning in but advertisers are really recognising the power of radio advertising."