BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) has reported a 9.9 per cent increase in headline profit this year despite challenging market conditions, according to the global media company’s annual review for the 2017 fiscal year.
With headline sales of £79.5 million (0.5 per cent up on 2015-16) and a headline profit increase of 9.9 per cent to £21.1 million after currency translation, the ANZ territory contributed to BBC’s overall global headline sales of £1,059.9 million (up 3 per cent on 2015-16), headline profit of £157.3 million (up 17.6 per cent on 2015-16 and cash returns of £210.5 million.
BBC attributed its solid results for ANZ to the strength of its portfolio of channels and growth in its ancillary businesses.
“In Australia, BBC First led a strongly performing channel portfolio, with The Night Manager as its strongest performing title to date, reinforcing its status as the home of premium British drama,” a company statement read.
“BBC UKTV reaped the benefits of a brand refresh in October 2016, which saw its audience share lift by 12.3 per cent on the previous quarter.
“Despite a challenging advertising market, the channels continued to deliver on quality and impact for their broadcasting partners.”
Jon Penn, managing director of BBC Worldwide ANZ, said: “Despite tough market challenges this year, the quality of our content and our channels has enabled BBC Worldwide ANZ to deliver a fourth year of profit growth.
“It’s our ambition to further develop our commercial business areas in the year ahead.”
