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The entertainment group reported an increase in net profits to $463m in the quarter, up from $401m in the same period last year.

It comes despite Viacom revenue dropping 3% to $3.32bn after a slow down in home entertainment and advertising sales.

Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Viacom were $421m, up 24% compared with the third quarter 2008 results, with adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.69, a 25% increase over the prior year's results.

Worldwide advertising revenues dropped 5% and its Media Networks revenues were essentially flat at $2.12bn. But there was 10% growth in affiliate sales offset by lower advertising and ancillary revenues.

The global launch of the music video game The Beatles: Rock Band, published by MTV Games, was said to have "eclipsed the competition" in its first month.

Strong programming was attributed for ratings gains across several networks, including MTV, which also delivered the Video Music Awards on its website.

VMA attracted 1.7  million unique visitors, up 24 % year on year, with the UK being singled out as one of the largest markets.

Sumner Redstone, executive chairman of Viacom, said: "As we enter a period of economic recovery, Viacom is already beginning to reap the benefits of a highly focused and well executed strategy.

"With our strong brands and growing global footprint, we are well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities."

In a Viacom newsletter, Philippe Dauman, president and chief executive of Viacom, added that the group "feels good" about the results, and said "we continue to eye the near-term with cautious optimism".

But he warned there were still tough times ahead in certain international markets, "including several in Europe".

Viacom entertainment brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, BET, Rock Band, AddictingGames, Atom, Neopets, Shockwave and Paramount Pictures.