UTV 11% profit rise buoyed by radio arm

MEDIA group Ulster Television has recorded an 11% rise in profits helped by strong gains from its radio division.

The company, which owns Cork's County Media and Dublin's Q102, said group operating profits rose to £9.6 million (€14.2 million) from £8.6m (€12.7m) in the first half of 2004.

UTV chief executive John McCann said the company's radio division recorded a 150% rise in operating profits and strong listenership gains.