Emap to keep focus on digital and B2B

by Robin Parker, Media Week 22-May-07, 11:00

LONDON - Emap reiterated its focus on its digital and business-to-business arms today with the launch of Heat's website and the £44m acquisition of risk management information company Groundshare.

The media group is also reviewing its Australian consumer magazines business and its French exhibitions division, Agor.

Announcing its annual results today, less than a week after the resignation of chief executive Tom Moloney, Emap said its underlying revenues were down by 1% in the year to 31 March.

Consumer magazine ad revenue fell by 3% despite strong growth from women's weekly titles, especially Grazia.

Acquisitions during the past two financial years have delivered a 49% year-on-year uplift in revenues, with WGSN ahead of targets with 34% revenue growth.

Emap said men's and automotive titles remained an area of weakness, while the launch of First had failed to grow ad revenues and circulation in the consumer magazine division.

Digital revenues were up by 32% to £120m.

In radio, national advertising on its Big City radio network was down by 8% but Emap said it was seeing more advertisers wanting to spend on sponsorship and promotions.

The company said it planned to leverage its radio brands across more platforms, including the second digital multiplex, where it aims to provide Closer-branded content in partnership with Channel 4.