Sky reports 5% rise in first-half revenue

LONDON

European TV group Sky said it remained confident in its strategy as it reported a 10 per cent jump in first-half core earnings and an increase in its customer base to nearly 23 million people.

Sky, which has been the subject of a takeover offer from Rupert Murdoch for over a year, said its range of entertainment and sports content had led to more people in Europe choosing the satellite broadcaster. First-half revenue rose 5 per cent to £6.7 billion ($9.6 billion), in line with its first quarter growth rate, and it said it had attracted 365,000 new customers, taking its base to 22.9 million. Core earnings rose 10 per cent to £1.1 billion.