ITV has said it is “cautiously optimistic” about its recovery in the year ahead after a rebound in advertising sales in recent months.
The broadcaster told shareholders it has been “encouraged” by trading in recent months as revenues increased amid strong growth in its ITV Studios production and distribution arm.
Total external revenues jumped by 2% to £709 million in the three months to March 31 despite pandemic restrictions throughout the period this year.
It said ITV Studios reported a 9% lift in revenues to £372 million as production largely continued despite the pandemic.
ITV Studios hailed the successful delivery of a number of new commissions, such as dramas Grace and Vigil in the UK, as well as returning titles including Saturday Night Takeaway, Unforgotten and Line Of Duty.