LIN’s 4Q Core Revenue Climbs 11%

LIN TV Corp. today reported results for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, that included an 11% rise in non-political ad revenue to $108.5 million from $97.9 million for the same quarter in 2010. With political money included, the company’s net revenue decreased by 8% to $111.5 million, compared to $121.7 million in the previous fourth quarter.

Local revenues, which include net local advertising revenues, retransmission consent fees and TV station website revenues, increased 12% to $69.8 million, compared to $62.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Net national revenues decreased by 2% to $26.1 million, compared to $26.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Net political revenues were $3.0 million, compared to $23.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Interactive revenues, which includes revenues from RMM, the company’s online advertising and media services business, and Nami Media, the company’s digital advertising management and technology company, increased by 54% to $8.4 million, compared to $5.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Operating income decreased by 32% to $29.8 million, compared to operating income of $43.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Net income per diluted share was $0.76, which includes special items of $0.63 per share, as further described below, compared to net income per diluted share of $0.38 in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Commenting on fourth quarter and full year 2011 results, the LIN President-CEO Vincent L. Sadusky said: “We had a strong fourth quarter finish to a year marked by many successes, including record interactive results and the best odd-year EBITDA and EBITDA margin in nearly a decade. We achieved these results despite persistent economic weakness and while continuing to invest in our growth platforms. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about further economic recovery and its positive impact on TV advertising in 2012.”

Read the company’s report here.