Revenues and expenses were stable at private, conventional television stations from 2006 to ’07, a period that saw profits before interest and taxes climb from $90.9 million to $112.9 million, and the PBIT margin from 4.24% to 5.2%. However, these totals remain below those reported between 2003 and 2005, according to data released this week by the CRTC.

Last year, private broadcasters generated $2.2 billion in total revenue. Revenues from the sale of local advertising grew 3.3%, coming in at $387.9 million, while national advertising sales stood at $1.5 billion. Operating expenses also held steady at $2 billion, and the acquisition and production of programming continued to constitute the majority of expenses.

From 2006 to ’07, Canadian programming expenditures decreased by 1.2% to $616 million. Of this amount, $143.5 million was paid to independent producers for Canadian programming. Private broadcasters spent $721.9 million on foreign programming, up 4.9%.

Broken down, spending on Canadian programming included $74.2 million for drama, $103.5 million for general interest programming, $324.8 million for news programs, $60.6 million for other information programs, $23.8 million for musical and variety shows, $8.6 million for sports programs, and $12.2 million for game shows.

From Media in Canada