The proliferation of television channels in Europe shows not sign of abating, according to satellite operator SES. Announcing record first half revenues of €788.5 million, the company said it was maintaining its satellite fill rates, with pricing remaining stable and even “gently improving”. EBITDA remained stable at €550.2m compared to €548.2m in the equivalent period in 2007. Net profit jumped 13.5% to €235.8m
SES Astra’s utilisation rate at the end of June was 79.5% or 252 of the 317 commercially available transponders. This compares favourably with the 83.8% (244/291) at the end of March. The number of commercially available transponders increased during the quarter when a new satellite, Astra 5A (the renamed Sirius 2) was brought on line at 31.5 degrees East. Across the fleet the utilisation rate stands at 77%.
A total of 2,433 channels are now broadcast from the Astra and Sirius satellites over Europe, representing a 6% increase on the end of 2007. 42 HD channels are on the air.
The company has revised its guidance for the full year, based largely on the continuing weakness of the dollar, and tightening its revenue ranges by €10m.
