Ad Revenues At ITV Digital Channels Reach £209m

Network advertising revenues (NAR) at ITV’s digital channels have increased to £209 million, according to a trading statement released by the broadcaster today.

The trading update, for the 12 months to December 31 this year, shows that ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4, enjoyed an increase in NAR of approximately 32%.

ITV added that it has stabilised its ad revenue overall, with a net advertising revenue fall of 0.6% across all its channels, compared with 8.4% last year, while flagship channel ITV1’s ad income dropped 4.4%, an improvement on the 12.4% decline in 2006.

The broadcaster estimated that the total UK TV advertising market was up over 6% across the second half of 2007 and over the full year has grown by around 3%.

It added that in November itv.com attracted 6 million unique users (an increase of around 60% since the site’s relaunch) and achieved 88 million page impressions, while itvlocal.com attracted 750,000 unique users that month.

Michael Grade, ITV executive chairman, said: “ITV plc has made measurable progress during the course of 2007. On-screen ITV1’s performance has been much improved; we have assembled a formidable senior management team; and we’ve seen real growth in the whole television advertising market over the second half of the year.

“ITV is finishing 2007 strongly. ITV1 NAR in November was 2% up year on year and, with late money still entering the market, estimates for December continue to improve. Over the second half of 2007 we expect ITV1 NAR to be flat year on year, with NAR across all ITV’s channels up 3.5%, and we can see no evidence of advertiser demand weakening.

“Our focus for 2008 is on implementing the turnaround plan set out in September and maintaining the positive momentum in ITV1’s viewing performance.”

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com