UTV Media plc ("UTV") notes the recent speculation relating to the potential
disposal of its UK independent local radio stations.
The Directors of UTV continue to manage the overall group in the best interest
of its shareholders and confirm that UTV is currently assessing the options for
its UK independent local radio stations which may or may not lead to the
disposal of some or all of these stations. For the avoidance of doubt, any
disposal would not include talkSPORT, Sport Magazine, talkSPORT International
or any of UTV's Irish radio stations.
UTV has an established portfolio of successful and profitable radio stations
and is one of the largest radio operators in the UK. Its local radio stations
attract over 1.2 million listeners every week across some of the country's
major regions and, in the most recent quarterly industry audience measurement
survey, grew market share and audience by 5 per cent and 3 per cent
respectively over the prior quarter. This strong operational performance was
reflected in the financial results for the UK independent local radio stations
which saw revenue and operating profit increase in the 6 months to 30 June
2014.
A further announcement will be made in due course, as appropriate.
