RTL enjoys a positive Q1 following Five’s strong performance

RTL has reported a 7% rise in revenue for the first quarter of the year, in part due to a strong performance by Channel Five.

The European broadcasting company enjoyed a 7.2% year on year increase in underlying revenue to €1.3 billion (£1.1 billion) in Q1 2010, as TV advertising started showing signs of a recovery from last year’s downturn.

RTL’s earnings before interest, tax and amortisation were up by 126% year on year in the first quarter of the year to €197 million.

It is the group’s first revenue increase since Q4 2008, when it recorded a 3.2% rise.

RTL’s UK subsidiary Channel Five, meanwhile, saw a “significant improvement” on last year’s results, when it was down 20%.   Overall, the broadcaster reported an operating loss before interest, tax and amortisation of €10 million in 2009.

In a statement released today, RTL said: “Compared to a weak first quarter in 2009, most of the Western European TV advertising markets recorded robust growth during the first quarter with Germany, France and the UK showing the best development.

“Given the positive business development in the first months of 2010, RTL Group expects to improve on last year’s results.  However, developments on the various advertising markets can only be predicted to a very limited degree. At the moment, no one can tell what the fourth quarter will look like this year, given the low visibility and economic environment.”

Last year, the group saw its total underlying group revenue fall by 7.5%, ebita drop 17.6% and net profits of €205 million.