Juan Fernandez Gonzalez | 29-07-2013
The first half of the year has seen a growth in profit for the Spanish audiovisual groups Atresmedia and Mediaset, with nearly €30 million net profit, the first increase seen since 2010.
The two TV groups share almost 90% of the TV advertisement market and have been carrying out strong saving policies.
Atresmedia closed the first half of 2013 with €29.1 million profit, over 60% more than the same period in 2012. It's the group's first financial report to show strong results since Antena 3 and La Sexta merged.
According to the group, even though advertising income has fallen (over 12% in the first six months), share increases and the growth of La Sexta have consolidated Atresmedia's financial situation.
But the merging has also meant an increase in debt. Over €20 million more since 2012 places the current debt at €152 million.
Atresmedia gathered 43% in publicity investment, according to Infoadex, and has also seen an increase in its audience. Antena 3 got a 13% share average, while La Sexta had 6% and the five complementary DTT channels had over 9%.
With regard to Mediaset, its profits grew to €30.1 million. The group, thanks in no small part to Telecinco, has retained a leading position in Spain's TV market and received 44% in advertisement investment.
Mediaset has been able to decrease its operational costs by 14%, making them €65 million lower than in 2012.
Despite having difficulties in increasing Cuatro's audience, Mediaset keeps leading Spain's schedule due to Telecinco and its 13.5% average share. The group's Internet presence is also strong, Telecinco being the most visited TV site in Spain and having a great impact in social networks – with, for instance, nearly 70% of TV-related comments on Twitter, according to Tuitele.