EMAP Sees Profits Rise 17%

EMAP today announced a 17% increase in pre-tax profits to £141.7 million, on the back of turnover up 1% to £772.6m, for the year ended 31 March 1998.

Ad revenue across the group was reported to have risen 11% and EMAP said that it will be launching more new titles this year. Of its new women’s magazine Red , it said “early indications are positive and the magazine is trading ahead of its business plan.” Ad sales grew 18% across EMAP’s UK consumer magazines.

EMAP’s radio division reported strong growth in revenue from national advertisers, where sales grew 19%. This followed the creation of sales house Emap on Air, which cost £1 million to set up.

In terms of prospects for the year, EMAP said: “The economic environment is likely to slow revenue growth in the group’s UK operations at the same time that a strengthening economy will benefit advertising revenues in EMAP France. Conditions in both countries remain favourable for new product development and EMAP expects to invest record amounts in both existing and new launches in the year ahead.”

EMAP: 0171 278 1452