TalkSport Wins 2014 World Cup Rights, Parent Group Reports Revenue Increase

TalkSport "has secured broadcast rights" for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as parent group UTV Media reported its revenue "increased" by 1% in the third quarter, according to Maisie McCabe of MEDIA WEEK. The sports station "will broadcast commentary from every match of the tournament," from the opening game on June 12 to the final on July 13. Special programs "will be broadcast from the country and the station has dedicated itself to bringing fans all the action and atmosphere throughout the tournament." According to UTV Media's results for the three months to the end of September, the group, which also operated the third TV channel in Northern Ireland, reported revenue of £28.2M ($45.4M) in the quarter, up 1% year on year. Across the first nine months of the year, group revenue declined by 7% year on year, to £83.3M ($134M), largely "because of the tough comparatives due to the positive effect of the Euro 2012 tournament on TalkSport's revenues" (MEDIA WEEK, 11/15).