Chrysalis seems to be faring better than its peers

Despite a 4% drop in sales for the six months to 28 February, like-for-like sales are expected to rise 10% for the March and April period, it reported.

Sales in the industry as a whole were down 8% over the six month period as weak advertising revenues hit firms.

As well as Heart, Chrysalis' radio stations also include LBC and Galaxy.

Last month, audience figures showed that Heart had held onto its position as the most listened to radio station in London.

The broadcasting group also owns record label Chrysalis Music, which it said had a strong first six months of the financial year.

Chrysalis said it was looking forward to new releases from Gnarls Barkley and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in the second half, as well as greatest hits albums from Feeder and Moloko.

"Encouragingly, March and April have seen much improved trading for Chrysalis Radio with like-for-like revenues expected to be up 10% over the two months," the company said.