• by Wayne Friedman , November 10, 2011

Walt Disney noted higher advertising results at both its media properties for its current reporting period -- but things could be slowing down.

In an interview with CNBC after the earnings report, Bob Iger, president/CEO of Walt Disney, said that advertising had "slowed a bit the last few weeks across the board but has been relatively strong this quarter."

Total media networks' revenues climbed 9% to $18.7 billion with operating income improving 20% to $6.1 billion. Advertising makes up nearly 20% of Disney's total revenue.

For its fourth quarter ending Oct. 30, Disney says it gained strong results in operating income at its broadcasting network and stations, some $54 million higher to $201 million. In addition to higher network advertising revenue, due to higher rates, there was lower political advertising at ABC's TV stations. The company also noted improved local news ratings and a larger number of sports advertising units sold.

Revenue at cable networks -- improving 11% to $3.5 billion -- resulted from the increase of advertising and affiliate revenue at ESPN. Operating income at cable networks improved 18% to $1.3 billion, due to growth at ESPN and the worldwide Disney Channels.

Disney's Parks & Resorts division revenues rose 11% to $3.1 billion and segment operating income gained 33% to $421 million -- all due to improved business at its domestic parks and resorts and at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Studio Entertainment division revenues -- theatrical films and home entertainment business -- declined 8% in revenues to $1.5 billion with operating income gaining 13% to $117 million. Disney said current titles didn't compare favorably to those of a year ago.

In 2010, titles included"Toy Story 3," "Alice in Wonderland," "Iron Man 2" and "Princess and the Frog" compared to the current-year performances of "Cars 2," "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," "Tangled," "Thor" and "Captain America."

Interactive media revenue grew 19% to $223 million. The business narrowed its net losses to $94 million from $104 million in the period of ago.

Overall, Disney's net income was up 30% to $1.25 billion, with revenues 7% higher to $10.4 billion.