Journal 2Q TV Revenue Rises 22.5%

Second-quarter revenue from Journal Communications Inc.’s television stations increased 22.5% to $35.1 million compared to $28.7 million in the year-ago period.

Excluding political and issue advertising revenue of $5.2 million in 2012 and $700,000 in 2011, revenue from television stations increased 7.1%.

Core local advertising revenue decreased 2.2% primarily due to a decrease in medical and communications advertising and the impact of political and issue advertising displacement of available local advertising spots.

Core national advertising revenue increased 26.2% primarily due to an increase in automotive and supermarket advertising.

Operating earnings were $8.7 million compared to $4.3 million, an increase of 100.5%. Television operating expenses increased 8.6% primarily due to increases in employee related expenses and network fees.

“Journal Communications had a strong second quarter with operating earnings up 17% driven by political and issue advertising and a continuing recovery in many of our local broadcast markets,” said Steven Smith, Journal chairman of the board and CEO.

You can read the company’s report here.