Quebec media giant Quebecor on Tuesday posted lower fourth quarter earnings, despite higher overall revenue, ahead of launching Sun TV News on April 18.

Overall revenues rose by $56 million, or 5.4% to $1.09 billion, even as its profit fell to $43.5 million, against $73.8 million in the last quarter of 2009.

Quebecor’s bottom line was dented by higher costs to build out its wireless phone network and acquire new customers in that segment, higher amortization charges and losses from financial instruments.

“In line with its commitment to continually improve customer experience, Videotron also launched illico web and illico mobile. The new services give our customers access to their television channels and other services, including video on demand, on several platforms,” Quebecor added in a statement.

Other expenses: buying the naming rights to a Quebec City hockey arena where Quebecor aims to eventually install a new National Hockey League team.

“The many investments we have made have cut into our income in recent quarters, but we consider them essential in order to make up for the decline of some of our historic lines of business, such as classified ads, and decreasing circulation revenues,” the company said.