Satellite TV broadcaster BSkyB has gained close to one million new subscribers in the past year, helping revenues to soar by 25 per cent, it said today.
A total of 940,000 new customers paid for Sky's channels in the year to June 30th, taking the broadcaster's total domestic subscriber base to 5.45 million.
The subscriber growth, coupled with higher charges brought in by the group in January, pushed revenues to £2.3 billion sterling.
The broadcaster also benefited from a rise in advertising as more companies decided to sponsor programmes.
Ad revenue climbed 12 per cent to £271 million with BSkyB adding that its higher viewing share had helped it to sign up more advertisers.
Higher costs and increased operating losses from its joint venture with German media group Kirch meant BSkyB's full-year pre-tax losses widened to £214.1 million before one-off costs.
This compares with losses of £127.9 million in the previous 12 months.
BSkyB chief executive Mr Tony Ball said, however, he was confident the group was on track to become "cashflow positive" by next year.
He added: "We continue to add record numbers of subscribers and increase the average revenue per subscriber. Our focus will remain on profitability driven by strong revenue growth."
BSkyB said its average revenue per subscriber was ahead of target at £313 by the end of the June.
The average revenue from its growing interactive service, which includes sports quizzes and betting, was £11.
The group said more people were using the service, with 30 per cent of all votes cast for Big Brothercoming from its remote controls.
PA