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ITV rattled as ad revenues fall ITV rattled as ad revenues fall
(about 3 hours later)
Broadcaster ITV has been hit by a further drop in advertising revenues for the year.Broadcaster ITV has been hit by a further drop in advertising revenues for the year.
In the 12 months to 31 December, net advertising revenues at its key terrestrial channel ITV1 fell 12.5%, while revenues at GMTV slipped by 3%.In the 12 months to 31 December, net advertising revenues at its key terrestrial channel ITV1 fell 12.5%, while revenues at GMTV slipped by 3%.
ITV added regional advertising had given it a boost while digital revenues had risen 37% , but this was not enough to outweigh the fall at ITV1 and GMTV.ITV added regional advertising had given it a boost while digital revenues had risen 37% , but this was not enough to outweigh the fall at ITV1 and GMTV.
The group said trading for 2006 was in line with forecasts.The group said trading for 2006 was in line with forecasts.
It also said it was on target to cut costs by £40m by 2008.It also said it was on target to cut costs by £40m by 2008.
But ITV added it had received a boost from regional advertising, while digital ad revenues had risen 37%.But ITV added it had received a boost from regional advertising, while digital ad revenues had risen 37%.
The group said trading for 2006 was in line with forecasts and it was on target to cut costs by £40m by 2008. The group said it was on target to cut costs by £40m by 2008.
It added that it had managed to maintain its position as the UK's most popular peak-time channel, with an average peak-time share for adult viewers of 27.3%, compared with BBC One's 24.5%.It added that it had managed to maintain its position as the UK's most popular peak-time channel, with an average peak-time share for adult viewers of 27.3%, compared with BBC One's 24.5%.
New chiefNew chief
The trading update came just weeks after the group named former BBC chairman Michael Grade as its replacement for boss Charles Allen, who quit ITV in August.The trading update came just weeks after the group named former BBC chairman Michael Grade as its replacement for boss Charles Allen, who quit ITV in August.
The future of the firm has been hanging in the balance amid rising competition from digital TV firms, low viewing figures and falling advertising revenues.The future of the firm has been hanging in the balance amid rising competition from digital TV firms, low viewing figures and falling advertising revenues.
Analysts had speculated that the firm could become a takeover target and the group turned down a £4.7bn approach from cable operator NTL.Analysts had speculated that the firm could become a takeover target and the group turned down a £4.7bn approach from cable operator NTL.
Last month, rival broadcaster BSkyB bought a 17.9% stake in ITV for £940m.Last month, rival broadcaster BSkyB bought a 17.9% stake in ITV for £940m.
ITV shares closed 1.8% lower at 107.5p on London's FTSE100 index.ITV shares closed 1.8% lower at 107.5p on London's FTSE100 index.