Ulster Television Profits Up 9.5 Per Cent

Ulster Television has this morning released financial results for 1995. It was a record year for Ulster, with profits up by 9.5% to £8.2 million. Advertising revenue was up by 9.8%, ahead of the average increase for ITV of 5.5%. Ulster TV further increased their market share of ITV revenue for the fourth year in succession, to just over 2%. Their UK national revenue increased by 6%, but the Irish sourced revenue increased by almost 15%, with the top ten advertisers accounting for 70% of this. Of particular note was an exceptional increase in Government expenditure for peace campaign commercials, but it is unlikely it will be maintained at this level in 1996.

Ulster TV sees its future in the development of a third television channel in the Republic of Ireland as opposed to the Northern Ireland cable licence, the chairman said this morning, and it is in ongoing discussions with the IRTC regarding finalising a contract for this Licence. Ulster is also looking at a range of options following the introduction of the Broadcasting Bill, such as pay-TV and interactive services, as well as widescreen format.

With regard to the future, ITV advertising revenue has shown only marginal year-on-year growth; Ulster’s performance has been affected by a variety of factors, the chairman says, but they expect a gradual improvement during the rest of the year.