SCA’s Grant Blackley predicts when digital revenue will catch linear, doubles down on Sky News deal
Following the release of SCA’s 2021 financial results, Mumbrella’s Zanda Wilson speaks with CEO Grant Blackley about the future of digital audio, how the current lockdowns may impact revenues, and whether he’s concerned about Sky News’ YouTube ban following SCA’s recent TV deal with the broadcaster.
Southern Cross Austereo’s (SCA) FY21 results saw a 40% increase in digital revenue, reaching $15.4 million, while SCA’s investment in digital was $7 million during the financial year.
CEO Grant Blackley says he’s “delighted” by the results for digital. “We categorise ourselves as an early investor, with an early investment in streaming apps some years back, through to creating Podcast One, and starting to validate that marketplace of podcasts, listening data and insights.
“Then we’ve had the investment in LiSTNR, which is only six months old. We’re very happy with that result, but we are forecasting that we will deliver a further 75% to 100% percent growth across the course of the year.”
