BSkyB Revenues Increase

BSkyB’s full year revenue increased by 10% to £4.5 million, with the broadcaster adding a net 406,000 new subscribers to reach 8.58 million.

Sky+ acquisitions were up 821,000 to 2.37 million, whilst HD customers reached 292,000, which Sky said was its fastest take-up for an additional TV product.

There was also record Sky Talk customer growth of 342,000 to 526,000.

The company’s annual operating profit was £815 million, down from £877 million last year, whilst full profits for the year were £499 million, down 9.4%.

James Murdoch, chief executive, said: “This year has been one of enormous importance and change for us, with the launch of our broadband and talk services transforming our business and our future prospects fundamentally.

“This expanded product range is now attracting new customers to Sky at a very healthy pace, as well as deepening our relationships with existing customers.

“The team has delivered a strong financial performance whilst building the foundations for future growth. Continued successful execution of our strategy gives us confidence that we are well placed to capitalise on the significant opportunities available to us, and the proposed 27% increase in the full year dividend is a mark of that confidence.”

Earlier this week Sky and Virgin Media announced that they have now agreed on a timetable where the court case over the carriage of the satellite broadcaster’s basic channels will not commence until the middle of next year (see Setanta To Launch Sports News Channel).

Earlier this month, Sky released a trading update showing that it had added 90,000 subscribers to its pay-TV service in the three months to June 30, a rise of 17% year on year (see Sky Adds 90,000 Subscribers).

Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com