Latest figures from the Rupert Murdoch-controlled media firm show that its global television business, including BSkyB in Europe, Fox in the US and Star in Asia, showed a 29% increase in operating income, up $65m to $286m.
Fox was particularly successful after showing a number of high rating shows during the period, including 'American Idol', '24' and 'House'. The network showed a ratings growth of 17% among 18- to 49-year-old adults during the quarter.
In Europe, its Sky Italia service generated an operating income of $69m, an improvement of $90m compared with the same period last year, reflecting the addition of 472,000 new subscribers and currency revenue growth.
However the results show contrasting fortunes for News Corp's UK newspaper business, which performed poorly.
News Corp's total newspaper operating income was down $33m to £153m, with low contributions from its UK newspaper group, which includes The Sun, The Times and the Sunday Times seen as a key factor.
News Corp points out that this decline is also partly due to the launch of a consumer magazine division and the loss of income following the sale of The Times Educational supplement.
The latest figures also show that net income has more than doubled to $820m.
Murdoch, who is chairman and chief executive of News Corporation, said: "We are obviously pleased with the 14% operating income growth and the two fold increase in net income we deliver this quarter."
He said that the good results have enabled the firm to bolster its stock repurchase programme. "We have completed close to $2.5bn of the original $3bn buyback programme we initiated last June," he said, adding that the board of directors has now approved a two-fold increase in the programme to $6bn.
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