Ten Network Holdings has reported an 11% rise in group revenue for the first quarter of the 2008 financial year, compared to the same period in 2007.
Its television business, Network Ten, was also up 11% for the quarter, ahead of the 10% forecast the company predicted in October.
TV revenue for the first quarter this year is $278.4m, against $251.8m for the same time last year. Ten’s first quarter television EBITDA was up 18%.
Based on these figures, Ten is predicting its share of the metropolitan TV advertising market in the six months to December 2007 will be ahead of the 30.3% share Ten achieved in the corresponding period.
The company’s out-of-home division, Eye Corp, also reported an increase of 16% against its 2007 first quarter performance. Revenue came in at $48.6m, compared with $42m in the 2007 financial year.
Speaking at the company’s annual general meeting today, Ten Holdings’ executive chairman Nick Falloon said: “As we predicted at our full year results in October, Ten has enjoyed another quarter of double-digit revenue and earnings increases.” On the TV network’s market share he said: “Ten has ended the 2007 ratings year with its highest-ever prime time commercial share in the target 18-49 demographic, its seventh consecutive win in 16-39, an improved share in 25-54, and a clear win in all demographics in daytime.”
Of Ten’s digital properties he added: “Ten’s Digital Media division grew strongly and is on target to deliver a modest EBITDA profit in the current financial year.”
New Australian programming from Ten next year includes So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Kenny’s World, Saving Kids, The Informant and Emerald Falls. It also has new programming imports in Women’s Murder Club, Rules of Engagement, Back to You, Unhitched, Swingtown and Burn Notice.
Australia’s Biggest Loser, Big Brother, Australian Idol and Bondi Rescue will also return.
