Local radio revenue grows for UTV Media

Revenue is up at The Pulse and Signal 1 owner UTV Media, thanks to its local radio stations.

The group has seen growth of 11% in Radio GB and 4% in local currency in Radio Ireland. Radio makes up 43% of overall revenue at the Irish company.

In interim figures the group said revenue grew by 3% across these stations to £10.7m and operating profits increased by 18% to £6.9m. Total group revenue climbed 4 percent to 61.6 million pounds.

John McCann, Group Chief Executive, UTV Media plc, said: “The Group has posted a resilient performance for the first half of 2012, growing both revenues and pre-tax profits in a choppy market. It has also seen the business undergo some exciting operational developments, including a new Network Affiliate Agreement with ITV; talkSport securing innovative broadcasting agreements with both the Barclays Premier League and the Football Association; and the acquisition of Simply Zesty, Ireland’s leading social media agency.

“The emphasis on adding value right across UTV’s media assets, coupled with disciplined balance sheet improvement, provides a strong platform for future growth.”