Eurosport International increased its distribution by 8.7% in the first half of 2008. The TF1-owned channel reported a paid subscriber base of 63.8 million as of June 30, 2008. Almost 80% of the new subscribers are located in Central and East Europe. In total Eurosport International was received by 106.9 million households, an increase of 2.4%, across 59 countries. The growth is attributed to the development of satellite, ADSL and DTT platforms.
Last month Eurosport polled first in the EMS audience survey for the 13th consecutive year.
Eurosport 2 is now broadcast to 32 million households, a year-on-year increase of 29.1% in 43 countries. The channel is also putting on East European carriage, bolstered by coverage of the Premier League in Hungary and Romania, and the recent addition of a Serbian version.
Eurosport HD was launched on May 25, 2008 and is already available in 14 countries. Eurosport News is available in 5.3 million households, the “vast majority” being paid subscribers.
First half revenues were up at 11.4% reaching €148 million, resulting from a 12.7% increase in subscription, and a 9.1% uplift in advertising. Operating profit for the period was €18.3m.
