The group reported turnover of £35.8m for the first half, a rise of 17% on the same period last year. This includes figures for TalkSport owner The Wireless Group from June 6 to June 30, following its acquisition by UTV in a £97m deal.
The rise in profits came despite a 3% fall in television advertising revenue, which UTV blamed on the comparatively strong period last year, which included Euro 2004, as well as on the cut in government spending during this year's General Election campaign.
It was boosted by a strong performance in radio, including another acquisition, LMFM. Radio advertising in Ireland grew by 36% during the period to £6.5m. UTV also managed a small profit from its new-media division, down to £400,000 from £500,000 for the same period last year.
John McGuckian, chairman of UTV, said: "The outlook is promising in radio and in television tight cost control should help us to overcome a soft advertising market. New media has had a strong first half with turnover up by 56%, representing significant growth in its customer base in internet and telephony services."
Ulster Television owns the ITV television licence for Ulster, local radio stations and UTV internet, which provides broadband and telephone services.
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