Journal Communications’ television station revenue was $42.3 million in the first quarter of 2013, an increase of 43.4% on the year-ago quarter. The first quarter revenue increased 7.6% on a same station basis.
While political advertising revenue was down due to an expected decrease in political spending, local advertising revenue increased 36.7% and national advertising revenue (excluding political) increased 50.1%. Local advertising revenue was strong in the automotive category and national advertising revenue was strong in the media and restuarant categories.
Operating earnings from Journal’s stations were $7.1 million, an increase of 84.3%. Operating expenses increased 37.2%, primarily because of increases in network fees and employee-related costs, according to Journal.