Archant operating profits down 32%

Regional media business Archant has reported a 32% fall in operating profit for 2009, to £15.1 million.

However, it doubled in the second half of 2009, compared to H1, because of a reduced cost base and improved trading conditions, and was up 11% against H2 2008.

Total operating costs were reduced by £26.1 million, a saving of 17.1%.

Key measures of online activity also increased, said Archant, with average monthly unique visitors up 36.6% and total annual page impressions up 19.2%, whilst online revenues increased 25.2%.

Chairman Richard Jewson said: “2009 was a most challenging year with significant declines in all advertising categories.

“The new management team proved well up to the task, taking swift and decisive steps to reduce the cost base and launching a number of new business initiatives.”