• by Wayne Friedman , March 8, 2007

Young Broadcasting follows the parade of broadcasting companies scoring big results from political advertising in 2006.

The company pulled in $2 million and more for five of their 10 TV stations during the fourth quarter. Total political revenue was $31.7 million in 2006--that's the fourth consecutive election cycle in which Young's political revenue exceeded $30 million.

Overall, the company's net revenue climbed $66.5 million, up 24% over the same period in 2005. This sent Young into the black--just barely--with net income at $726,000, compared with a loss of $14.7 million against the fourth quarter of a year ago.

Young said it was able to slow down costs by 1.2% for the fourth quarter of 2006, compared to the same quarter in 2005. The company believes future revenue deals from retrans deals will help boost its financial results. In addition, dominant ratings give it a strategic advantage in negotiations with cable system operators.