Profits up at UKTV as expanded FTA portfolio and original content draws record audiences

uktv_logo_500Revenues at UKTV, the BBC and Scripps-backed channel operator, leapt by 13% last year to £319m.

Profits at the firm, which operates 10 channels including Dave, GOLD, W, Really and Home, also grew to £79.6m from £72.3m in 2014.

Since 2013 profitability has increased by 20%.

Over the past year the broadcaster has increased its content investment to £148m, up from £123m the previous year, helping to attract audiences with a range of original commissions and exclusive imports including the Robert Lindsay and Maureen Lipman sitcom Bull, Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, Dave Gorman Modern Life is Goodish and the Ryan Philippe crime drama Secrets and Lies.

Audiences were also boosted by the decision to take a number of channels from behind the paywall and add them to the Freesat and Freeview platforms.

Meanwhile deals with BT and Amazon have contributed to a growth in the usage of UKTV Play, the broadcaster’s Video on Demand and catch-up service which is also heading to Freeview Play later this year.

Darren Childs, Chief Executive, 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.”

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