UTV shrugs off first-half turnover falls to declare ‘clear signs’ of growth

UTV has said “clear signs” are emerging of all of its business units returning to revenue growth, despite first-half turnover falling by over 10% and ongoing struggles at its Irish-based radio portfolio.

The Belfast-based broadcasting/new media group yesterday reported group revenue of £55.2m (€64m) for the first six months of 2013, just over 10% down on an annualised basis.

Pre-tax profit was down 43% year-on-year at £6.1m and operating profit fell by nearly £5m to £7.8m.