• by Wayne Friedman , October 23, 2014

Comcast's NBCUniversal saw its cable and broadcast divisions headed in different directions in the third quarter. NBC cable networks got hit with a 4.6% decline in advertising revenue due to sinking ratings. 

NBC cable networks were hit with a 4.6% decline in advertising revenue due to sinking ratings, while its broadcast TV advertising rose from higher ratings.

Broadcast TV witnessed a solid 7.7% climb to $1.8 billion in revenue. Results included higher retransmission consent fees. Cable networks were still in the positive territory overall in revenues -- up 0.7% to $2.25 billion -- due a steady affiliate revenue growth at 5.1%.

NBC’s filmed entertainment units suffered during the period -- with a 15.2% decline to $1.2 billion due to difficult comparisons to the third quarter 2013 from strong box office money coming from “Despicable Me 2.” NBC’s theme parks were 18.7% higher to $786 million.

Concerning Comcast’s cable operations, that unit inched up 1% in revenue for its video business to $5.12 billion; with Internet revenues gaining 9.6% to $2.8 billion; and its phone/voice unit virtually flat, down 0.5% to $913 million.

Continuing losses from its video unit among its subscribers slowed -- down 81,000 versus a year ago in the same time period, when it lost 127,000. Comcast says this result was the best third quarter in seven years.

Local cable advertising revenue was up 12.3% to $607 million.

Overall, Comcast revenue grew 4% to $16.8 billion in the period.Net income rose by 48% to $2.6 billion.