Tribune Company’s Q2 added a bit of good news for the newspaper and TV revenue 2002 second quarter ad picture. Overall corporate operating revenues increased 1% to $1.38 billion from $1.37 billion in
the 2001 second quarter. Tribune's operating profit increased 16% to $343 million, compared with $297 million last year. June advertising revenues were up 7% for the broadcasting division, which
includes Chicago’s WGN-TV. Revenues were up 1% at newspapers, which operate dailies in 11 markets including The Hartford Courant and Chicago Tribune. Retail advertising was up 2% year-over-year. An
increase in the food, hardware and furniture/home furnishings categories was partially offset by decreases in department stores and electronics. Broadcasting division revenues were helped by strong
performances from the automotive and entertainment categories.
