Local radio lifts UTV

UTV Media continues to see growth from its UK-based local radio stations.

The Belfast-based television and radio business owns 15 local stations including Juice FM in Liverpool, Radio Wave in Blackpool, Bolton and Bury’s Tower FM, Wish FM in Wigan and St Helens and Warrington’s Wire FM.

The UK radio arm, which has its headquarters in Warrington, also operates the national talkSPORT.

In an interim management statement the group said its Radio GB division increased revenues by 5% to £46m in the 10 months to the end of October. TalkSPORT grews sales by 8% while the local radio network achieved a 1% increase. UTV said revenue in November and December should be 2% ahead of last time.

In contrast, income from its TV and radio enterprises in Ireland was down 7% and 6% respectively. Overall revenue was flat at £99.5m.

In a statement it said: “On a positive note, our GB Radio operations continue to deliver a strong performance overall, and we anticipate a stable outlook for GB Radio across quarter four.

“Outside of the UK, talkSPORT International is building both audiences and revenues in line with expectations several months into the project.”