Carlton Sees Profits Rise

Carlton Communications today announced financial results for the six months to 31 March which show a rise in pre-tax profits (excluding digital TV) of 8% to £171.9 million. Including digital TV’s losses of £6.2m, pre-tax profits were up 4% year on year. Turnover increased 3% to £920.6m.

Turnover in Carlton’s television business rose by £7m to £414.1m. The company also said that demand for advertising airtime had remained at last year’s high levels, with significant ad campaigns launched by car manufacturers and telecommunications companies.

…It has emerged that the High Court has ruled against Carlton for withholding a programming fee from BSkyB. Earlier this year BSkyB issued a writ against Carlton for withholding £30m which it said it was owed for withdrawing from the BDB consortium. Although Carlton paid £25.5m plus VAT the rest had not been forthcoming (see Carlton Pays Up To BSkyB). Carlton will be sending the rest of the money to BSkyB soon.

Carlton: 0171 663 6363