ITV kicks off year on high as studios arm surges

0 The group is cashing in on hit shows such as The Chase, which is hosted by Bradley Walsh Broadcasting giant ITV has posted rising first-quarter revenue, helped by a strong performance in its studios division.

The firm reported a 5 per cent hike in external revenue to £772 million in the three months to 31 March, driven by an 11 per cent increase in studios turnover to £382m and 41 per cent growth in online sales.

Boss Carolyn Mccall, who took on the top job in January after seven years as chief executive of Easyjet, said: “ITV Studios has delivered a strong performance.

“We have a solid slate of new and returning programmes internationally for both broadcasters and over-thetop platforms with Unforgotten, The War Of The Worlds, Snowpiercer, Good Witch, Suburra, The Voice, The Chase, Big Star’s Little Star, Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, The Four and Forged In Fire.”

The gains in studios helped offset more subdued advertising growth of 3 per cent.