MAM
Crown Media’s revenue rises by 29 per cent
MUMBAI: Crown Media which operates the Hallmark Channel has reported its operating results for the three months and year ended 31 December 2003.
For the full year the company’s total net revenue increased by 29 per cent to $207.5 million from $161.0 million in the prior year. Ad revenues increased by 42 per cent to $98.1 million as compared to $69.1 million in 2002.
Hallmark Channel subscribers increased by 15 per cent to 113.3 million worldwide as of 31 December 2003, from 98.3 million subscribers on 31 December 2002. The channel ended the quarter with 56.0 million subscribers in the US and 57.3 million international subscribers across 122 countries.
The distribution number for Asia has been growing from 20 million subscribers by the end of 2002 to over 25 millions households by the end of 2003. In 2003, Hallmark expanded it’s distribution in Hong Kong on two newly launched Pay TV platforms: Now Broadband TV and the Galaxy’s ExTV. The company added that in this region, markets which experienced the most rapid growth last year included South East Asia, Hong Kong and Australia.
In the US, Hallmark Channel continued its rating success in the fourth quarter. In November and December, the network offered viewers holiday movies that attracted 12 million new viewers and led to all-time highs in ratings and impressions in all its key demographics in both total day and prime time for the day, the week, the month and the quarter. For the first time, Hallmark ranked among the top 10 out of all 52 add-supported cable networks in total day household ratings in December according to Nielsen Media Research. Building upon this success, Hallmark was again ranked ninth in January with a 0.7 household rating in total day out of all 52 ad-supported cable networks, tied with three other channels a release states.
Internationally the UK continues to be the highlight. Its share of viewing increased by 45 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2003 as compared to the prior year’s quarter, according to the Broadcaster Audience Research Board. Hallmark UK is currently ranked sixth in the country among all multi-channel homes.
Crown Media president, CEO David Evans dwelt on how he planned keeping ahead of competition in Asia with the likes of HBO, Star Movies, AXN. He said, ” We will continue to strengthen and differentiate our programming content that helps us keep pace with competition and challenges in the market. We will also be more creative for on-air and off-air promotion that revolves around programming content and sponsorship opportunities.
“The growth of subscription revenues is mainly a result of increased distribution in international markets, whereas the growth in advertising revenue is driven by the US market. The growth of library sales also contribute to the overall growth on revenues.
“Looking ahead to this year we see the ability to maintain this positive momentum in all areas. Hallmark US intends to drive its ratings with more original movies and mini-series, combined with the introduction of newly acquired classic series such as Magnum P.I. and Gilligan’s Island. We intend to expand our distribution as we work with our cable and satellite partners, and focus on our top 37 US markets in a localised and coordinated effort with the 4,300 Hallmark Gold Crown stores.
“Internationally, we expect additional ratings gains, with the UK channel leading this improvement. We plan to continue to generate revenues from our film library and tightly manage our costs.”
Brands
Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
