UTV plans to expand radio portfolio

UTV has said it remains open to expanding its radio portfolio — here and in Britain — on the back of record financial growth for the group, last year.

The Belfast-based broadcasting and diversified media group yesterday reported record pre-tax profits of £21.1 million (€24.3m) for 2010; which represented like-for-like growth of 17%. Group operating profit was up by 8% at just under £26m and revenue rose by 7% to £120.2m.

John McCann — UTV’s group chief executive — said a combination of strong audience figures across both television and radio and a significantly reduced debt means the business is “well placed to meet market challenges and opportunities over the coming year”.