19/09/2002

UTV buck ITV downward trend as profits increase

Ulster Television has announced a slightly increased profit of £7 million for the period ending June 30 2002, thanks in part to a 0.3% television advertising increase to £19.1 million.

Commenting on the figures, Managing Director John McCann said: "We have had good operational performance and further strategic development in what were very testing markets.

"Our TV revenues continued to outperform the ITV network and our increase compares favourably to an estimated downturn of 5.6% in total ITV advertising."

Despite the relatively healthy bottom line, however, McCann was cautious over the future: "In the third quarter of this year we would expect to increase our advertising revenue by 15%, with growth being achieved in each of our geographic markets.

"While it would be inappropriate to predict a definite return to growth, it would be equally inappropriate to ignore these positive signals. Whether or not these represent the first green shoots of recovery remains to be seen and we remain cautious until a period of sustained growth has been demonstrated."

(GB)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 October 2002
UTV opt out of ITV1 re-branding
UTV, along with SMG-owned Scottish and Grampian Television, have reportedly declined to adopt a new 'unified' branding due to come in across the ITV1 network next week. ITV claim the re-brand is "integral" to the channel’s strategy for attracting mass audiences and believe the re-brand will create a "more modern and coherent channel identity".
28 November 2001
Granada profits fall due to advertising revenue drop
Granada’s profits have dropped sharply due to a slump in advertising revenues. The company’s profits before taxes during the year to September fell by 27 per cent to £236 million, while losses at ITV Digital soared by 26 per cent to £234 million.
14 October 2009
X Factor Boosts ITV Shares
ITV shares have raced ahead after better-than-expected advertising figures gave the broadcaster some relief from its ongoing leadership crisis. It has significantly outperformed Channel 4 and Five year on year in terms of its share of commercial impacts.
10 May 2004
SMG to sell GMTV stake to ITV for £31m
The Scottish Media Group (SMG), owner of the Scottish Television and Grampian Television ITV franchises, has agreed the sale of its 25% share in GMTV to ITV plc for £31 million. The sale is subject to regulatory approval and the rights of the other GMTV shareholder, Disney. As ITV plc has a 16.
02 February 2004
ITV shares begin trading on London Stock Exchange
ITV plc, the company formed on the merger of Carlton and Granada, has launched its shares on the London Stock Exchange. All dealing in Carlton and Granada shares concluded on Friday's close, while ITV plc shares opened at 141 pence, reaching 146.25p by 4pm.