Astral Media posted slightly higher third-quarter earnings as subscriber revenue gains offset continuing TV advertising weakness. The Montreal-based broadcaster saw earnings for the three months to May 31 climb 3% to $44.3 million, against a year-earlier $43.2 million, on overall revenue rising 1% to $232.5 million, from $231. 9 million in 2008.

But despite that healthy profit margin for its radio, TV and outdoor advertising businesses, Astral CEO Ian Greenberg told an analyst call that market visibility during the current economic downturn is poor, and TV ad softness will continue into the fourth quarter.

Overall ad revenue at Astral was down 3% to $129 million, with TV ad revenue off 3% to $29.6 million and radio ad revenue down 4% to $81.6 million.

Astral secures TV revenue from subscription fees, ad sales and pay-per-view sales.

During the latest quarter, pay TV revenue, which includes The Movie Network and Super Ecran, rose 5% after the launch of HBO Canada and specialty TV subscriber revenues rose another 7%. Astral continues to trim operating costs and restructure certain TV and radio assets to stay competitive, but for now plans no major layoffs, Greenberg said.