Fisher Station Revenue Down 5%

Fisher Communications reported third quarter total revenue of $39.7 million, down 5% from the same quarter a year ago, and on par with its local broadcast peers. Television segment revenue was $30.5 million, down 5% from $32 million in the same quarter last year.

Taking last year's heavy political spending out of the equation, Fisher's net television revenue increased 8% over the same period last year. Increases in TV core advertising and internet revenue helped offset some of the decrease in political revenue. Internet revenue increased 52% to $1.4 million and TV core advertising revenue increased 9%.

The company reported net income of $1.4 million in the quarter, compared to $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2010.

"Our solid third quarter performance demonstrates the continued strength of our market-leading broadcast properties and the growing popularity of our digital platform," said Colleen Brown, Fisher president and CEO. "Through the successful execution of our strategic plan, we have transformed Fisher into a leader in local media by improving audience and revenue share, embracing new ways to distribute our content, and leveraging our unique multiplatform approach."

Michael Malone

Michael Malone, senior content producer at B+C/Multichannel News, covers network programming, including entertainment, news and sports on broadcast, cable and streaming; and local broadcast television. He hosts the podcasts Busted Pilot, about what’s new in television, and Series Business, a chat with the creator of a new program, and writes the column “The Watchman.” He joined B+C in 2005. His journalism has also appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playboy and New York magazine.