ITV's pre-tax profits rise in 2010 - graduate jobs

Graduates thinking of building a career in the broadcasting industry may be interested to hear that ITV's underlying pre-tax profits rose to £321 million last year, mainly driven by a recovery in advertising revenues.

This compares with £108 million registered in 2009.

Hit shows including Coronation Street and The X Factor, as well as football's World Cup, helped the broadcasting giant boost its profits. Over 10 million people watched the final episode of Downton Abbey.

ITV posted a 16% rise in net advertising revenues for its core broadcasting and online business to £1.5 billion last year.

It expects to see a 12% rise in the figure during the first quarter of this year, with an 8-12% increase predicted for April.

The stronger-than-expected performance led to a 4% rise in shares in ITV.

Despite ITV holding a cautious outlook, media experts at Numis Securities forecast the broadcaster's pre-tax profits to reach £390 million this year.

It also predicted a 4% increase in the company's net advertising revenues.