UTV optimistic after radio boost

Broadcasting group UTV today said a strong performance from its talkSPORT radio division helped drive a 5% rise in operating profits last year.

UTV’s radio arm, which accounted for 56% of group revenues in 2007, achieved profits growth of 21% to £14.5m (€18.9m), offsetting tough trading conditions for the group’s ITV franchise as profits dipped 14% to £10.1m (€13.2m).