Research released yesterday by the CRTC indicates that Canada’s 619 privately owned commercial radio stations are enjoying continued economic growth thanks to increased advertising revenue.

From 2006 to 2007, local ad revenues grew by 4.8%, from $1.037 billion to $1.087 billion. Revenues from national sales increased by 8.3%, from $351.3 million in 2006 to $380.6 million in 2007.

FM radio stations dominated the Canadian marketplace along with English AM stations, while revenues for French AM stations were down by $2.3 million in 2007.