UTV Media revenues to see upswing in summer

UTV Media plc expects revenues to increase 20 percent for its radio unit in May and June, following advertising campaigns launched around the Euro 2012 football tournament and the London Olympics, MediaGuardian reported.

The UK and Ireland media company has announced an overall increase of 2 percent for the first four months of 2012, compared to the same period last year, the company said in a statement. Radio Great Britain revenues were up 8 percent, while 

"Continuing economic uncertainty, however, means airtime bookings remain short term and forward visibility is limited," the company stated. "We therefore remain cautious about the remainder of the year but believe we will continue to deliver on market expectations."

UTV showed mixed results across the divisions of radio, television and New Media business. 

Radio GB, home to 16 stations, experienced an increase of 8 percent, outpacing the general UK radio market. UTV expects a growth of 20 percent in May and June. Within that division, TalkSPORT revenue was 16 percent higher over the same period. The leading commercial speech radio station in the UK has been awarded the rights to broadcast commentary on all matches at the Euro 2012.

Radio Ireland revenue rose by 1 percent and is expected to increase by 3 percent in May and June. However, the impact of foreign exchange movements turned that gain into a decline of 2 percent and is expected to decrease 5 percent for the same reason, the Irish Times reported.

Meanwhile, UTV's television operations reported a decline of 6 percent in National Advertising Revenue. The company forecast NAR growth of 2 percent in May and June.

UTV expects New Media revenue to go up by 15 percent in May and June, following the acquisition of the Irish social media agency Simply Zesty in March. New Media revenue went up by 3 percent in the first four months, Business&Leadership reported.

Image: utvmedia.com