Writers strike a likely boon for Canadian radio ads by Grant Robertson

Canada's radio industry expects a boost in advertising if the Hollywood writers strike persists, forcing the major TV networks to air reruns of prime time shows. Canadian Broadcast Sales, seller of commercial time for 60 per cent of the country's radio stations, including Corus Entertainment Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc., said yesterday the jump should be visible in the first six months of 2008. National ad sales for the organization climbed 9.5 per cent in the last quarter, with the prairies growing fastest. Alberta ad sales, which have paced the country in the past two years, were up 9 per cent compared to last year. However, Saskatchewan grew 45 per cent and Manitoba rose 36 per cent, the highest growth rates in the country.

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