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Interim Management Statement 17 November 2011
The following Interim Management Statement for UTV Media plc covers the period
from the beginning of the Group’s current financial year, 1 January 2011, to the date
of this announcement and incorporates the Group’s ten month trading period ended 31
October 2011
Trading performance for the ten month period ended 31 October 2011 and
outlook by business division
During those ten months the Group experienced an overall revenue increase on
continuing operations of 2% compared to last year.
Radio GB
Revenue over the period grew by 5% compared to the same period last year. The UK
radio market declined by 2% in the same period. We anticipate that revenue in
November and December in this division will be 9% above last year.
Radio Ireland
Revenue over the period declined by 4% compared to last year with sterling
translation exchange gains accounting for 1%. The like for like decline in sales was
therefore 5%, continuing a significant outperformance of the Irish radio market. It is
expected that November and December will be flat compared to last year, like for
like.
Television
Revenue over the period increased by 1% which was in line with the network. It is
anticipated that this division will experience a revenue decline of 7% over the two
month period of November and December.
New Media
Revenue over the period is 1% up on that achieved in the same period in 2010 and
this trend is expected to continue in November and December.
Net Debt
Net debt continues to improve in line with previous guidance.
Summary and Outlook
The economic environment continues to bring uncertainty and volatility to the airtime
market with visibility remaining very limited. In the last two months of the year, the
decline in Television advertising revenue is likely to be mitigated by an increase in
advertising revenue from Radio GB. In our Irish radio division, the decline in
advertising has flattened in November and December while our New Media division
is continuing to experience some growth.