British commercial broadcaster ITV said yesterday that it bounced into profit in the first half of 2010, and launched its first-ever move into pay-television as part of a new five-year strategy.
ITV, which airs hit reality show X Factor and popular soap opera Coronation Street, said in a results statement that it soared back into black thanks to improving advertising revenues and the World Cup in South Africa.
The group made a net profit of £71 million (€86 million) in the six months to the end of June, which compared with a loss of £70 million in the same part of last year.
Pre-tax profit stood at £97 million, which contrasted with a shortfall of £105 million last time around.
“The good financial performance we have reported today has enabled us to reduce our debt significantly but does not disguise the underlying challenges we face,” said chief executive officer Adam Crozier.
“We are under no illusion that ITV needs to change substantially,” he added in the earnings release.
ITV was slammed by Britain’s record-length recession, which ended in late 2009 and saw many companies slash their advertising budgets.
At the same time, the group was also hit hard by fierce competition from digital television channels and the Internet.
“For the past decade ITV has not faced up to the challenges presented by the rise of Internet-based platforms, the continuing growth of pay TV and subscription services and the globalisation of content,” added Mr Crozier.
“Reshaping the economics of ITV will require changes not only to the strategy but also to ITV’s management, culture and organisation and to deliver this we are today announcing a five-year transformation plan.”
Under the new strategy, ITV seek to streamline the group and maximise its audience and revenue share.
The group will also seek new revenue streams from other platforms, including a new pay-television agreement with BSkyB, as it aims to strengthen the business.
“I’m delighted to announce ITV’s move into pay television today with this deal with Sky,” said Mr Crozier.