UTV reveal marginal decline in operating profit to £12.7m
UTV have announced interim results for the six month period to 30 June, 2012, reporting a marginal decline in group operating profit from £12.8m in 2011 to £12.7m in 2012.
This was led by declines in television and new media operating profits to £2.1m and £o.6m respectively. More than off-setting a rise in radio profits to £10m from £8.8m last year.
In the past year group brand talkSPORT has signed exclusive football deals with the Barclays Premier League and the FA Cup.
It has also acquired Ireland’s leading social media agency – Simply Zesty.
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.”