ITV Expects To Outperform UK Ad Market

ITV has forecast that it will outperform the UK television advertising market in the first half of 2008, for the first time since 2000.

The broadcaster also revealed that its first quarter revenues rose 3% to £492 million while advertising revenues grew 2%.

It added that online growth is continuing, with video views up 76% since the start of the year to reach 9.9 million.

ITV is one of the broadcasters, along with BBC Worldwide and Channel 4, behind forthcoming broadband TV service Kangaroo, which it was revealed earlier this week could be launched under the name SeeSaw (see Kangaroo Could Launch As SeeSaw).

Michael Grade, ITV chief executive, added that the broadcaster is now working closely with regulators to “modernise ITV’s antiquated regulatory structure”.

He continued: “Given the wider economic context, the television advertising market has held up relatively well in the year to date. In an uncertain economic environment, ITV continues to deliver advertisers real value and unique effectiveness across ITV1 and its digital channels.”

ITV also announced the acquisition of Scandinavian TV producer Silverback, for an initial £5.2 million with a further payment of up to £8.8 million contingent on profit performance over a three-year period.

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com