ITV revenues and profits were in negative territory in the first half of the year, but CEO Carolyn McCall said the results were better than expected. The boss of Britain’s largest commercial broadcaster had previously said 2019 was partly about mitigating losses for the company, as major advertisers brace for Brexit.
“The economic and political environment remains uncertain but we are very focused on delivering our strategy and creating a stronger, more diversified and structurally sound business to enable ITV to take advantage of evolving viewing and advertising opportunities,” McCall said.
Total revenue was down 7% at £1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) in the period. Ad revenues declined 5%. Adjusted EBITA profit was down 13% at £327 million. Programming and distribution arm ITV Studios sales were down 6% at £758 million.
ITV said it is on track to deliver £20 million in cost cuts in 2020. “We continue to deliver strongly on our cost savings where we are targeting, in addition to the original £35 million to £40 million, a further £5 million this year and £15 million between 2020 to 2022, totaling £55 million to £60 million over 2019 to 2022,” McCall said.
ITV had already announced the launch of the BritBox streamer in the U.K. and ITV said it is on track to become a digital entertainment company. In light of the latest financials, there will be more pressure on ITV to make a success of its SVOD service.
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