UKTV displays double digit growth in revenue, profit and programme investment


Details

Editor

| 12 April 2016




The recent financial momentum gained by UKTV shows no sign of abating as the company has just revealed record yearly revenues of £319 million and a 10% increase in EBITDA for 2015.



UKTV 12 April 2016Driving the 13% year-on-year-revenue leap and the 20% increase in operating profit over the past two years has been a ratings performance that UKTV claims puts its share of commercial impacts (SOCI) ahead of Sky and Channel 5.

The record results follow an increase of over 20% investment in programming and related launches to the tune of £148 million. In channels Dave and Drama, the UKTV portfolio now boasts the two top-rating non-PSB channels in the UK. In December, UKTV further increased its footprint by launching Drama, Yesterday and Really on Freesat and the network remains on target in 2016 to continue its strong growth trajectory. UKTV launched new entertainment channel, W, in February and moved pay TV lifestyle channel, Home, onto Freeview in March.

The financial results were also boosted by strong advertising revenues derived from a strong SOCI performance in a resurgent television advertising market. Overall, 2015’s ratings show that UKTV delivered 9.31% SOCI, putting it ahead of the Channel 5 portfolio (9.27%) and Sky branded channels (9.27%), including movies and sport. According to BARB data UKTV also grew its share of viewing to 5.26%.

The broadcaster has continued to invest in the expansion of its business beyond linear broadcasting, with a focus on its UKTV Play on demand platform Drama joined Dave, Yesterday and Really on UKTV Play’s direct to consumer service in 2015, contributing to a 26% increase in views year-on-year to the VOD service. UKTV also increased UKTV Play’s footprint via a brand new Android app and launches on BT and Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. This expansion is set to continue in 2016 with the launch of UKTV Play on Freeview Play in late Q2.

Commenting on the strong year, UKTV chief executive Darren Childs said: “Double digit growth is a tough goal. But we’ve achieved that in profit, in revenue and importantly, in investment in our programmes. That’s helping our reputation as a credible and successful investor in creativity go from strength to strength. UKTV has had market-beating growth again this year, taking the business to the next level. As investment increases, I’m confident this year will see yet more significant growth for this vibrant business.”