• by Wayne Friedman , August 2, 2013

Against still tougher comparisons to a year ago, TV station groups continue to eke out revenue gains in 2013. Post-Newsweek Stations was the latest to get good news.

The Washington Post Co. TV business unit grew 4% to $99.3 million in revenue for the second quarter of 2013, with operating income 9% higher to $47.7 million.

Political advertising declined $5.3 million during the period and $8.1 million for the first six months of the year. Last year, TV stations benefitted from a record year in political advertising revenue, topping more than $3 billion.

“The increase in revenue and operating income reflects growth in advertising demand across many product categories; incremental advertising revenue from the NBA finals broadcast at the division’s ABC affiliates in Miami and San Antonio; and increased retransmission revenues,” the company stated.

The company’s cable system operations -- Cable One, the 10th-largest U.S. cable provider -- was up 5% in the second quarter revenue to $204.6 million. The increase was due to recent rate increases for subscribers, growth in commercial sales and a reduction in promotional discounts. Cable operating income gained 16% to $44.7 million.

As with many cable operators, the company witnessed a continuing decline in basic video subscribers, 575,762 from 612,729. But other newer businesses had continued growth, such as high-speed broadband services -- up to 464,292 from 462,426. Phone consumers declined to 185,380 from 187,095.

"Watching TV" photo from Shutterstock.

advertisement

advertisement