UTV’s Irish radio division falls 4% in first half of 2011

UTV, which owns Cork’s 96FM, saw revenue at its Irish radio division fall 4% in the first six months of the year to £11 million (€12.4m).

However, the controversial hiring of former Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys at one of their British radio stations will boost annual profits at group level, the company said.

UTV said the Irish advertising marketplace continued to be “very challenging”, adding that with further cost savings of £0.3m, its Irish radio operating profit was £200,000 lower at £3m.