RTL ad revenues down but profits rise

Pan European broadcaster RTL Group saw pre-tax profit increase by 22.7% as a result of contributions from its German, French, British and Dutch networks.

The company announced in its third quarter financial results that EBITDA rose from €75m to €92m. However, revenue was down 5% to €1.13bn as a result of falling advertising revenues across Europe.

The broadcaster noted that while ad revenues were still down, there were some positive signs. “Since September 2009 advertising bookings have been better in almost all of RTL Group’s markets, compared to the first eight months of the year. However, as there is no visibility for the rest of the year, the group remains cautious,” it noted.