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

BSkyB faced more regulatory scrutiny today after the City watchdog said it would investigate the broadcaster’s £125m (€185m) takeover of Alan Sugar’s Amstrad.

Broadcasting giant BSkyB told regulators it is “fanciful” to suggest that it could influence ITV’s decision-making through its 17.9% stake in the rival, it emerged today.

BSkyB’s acquisition of a 17.9% stake in ITV stifles competition and threatens the independence of news and media in the UK, rival broadcasters have told a regulatory inquiry into the deal.

Cable operator NTL said today that it had abandoned its £4.7bn (€6.9bn) bid for ITV.