• by Wayne Friedman , November 7, 2013

Scripps Networks Interactive had modest advertising growth during its third-quarter reporting period.

Its networks -- including Food Network, HGTV, and Cooking Channel -- posted a collective 9.2% rise in on-air TV advertising revenues. Advertising and distribution revenues climbed 7.8% to $595 million.

But digital advertising sales dropped during the period, which meant overall advertising results were up 7.5% to $403 million. The company says the decrease in digital advertising was partly due to a planned organizational restructuring to better align digital sales with technology platforms and lifestyle categories.

Network affiliate fee revenue grew 8.9% to $183 million.

Operating revenues at Scripps was up 9% to $616.9 million, with net profit 4.4% higher to $262 million. Midday trading of Scripps Networks Interactive was down 4% to $77.34.

Robert Fishman of Moffett Nathanson Research says Food Network revenue growth decelerated for the fourth straight quarter to just a 2% gain, while HGTV (+12%), Travel Channel (+12%), DIY (+14%) and Cooking (+23%) continue to have healthy gains.

But overall, Fishman says coming against weak results for most TV network groups in the third quarter 2012 -- due to NBC’s London Olympics -- “we would not have been shocked to see a double-digit ad number at SNI.” He says slower advertising growth comes from continued weak ratings at the Food Network .