Mediaset's gross profits increased by 25.9% to Euros481m in the first nine months of 2000, on net turnover up 16.4% to Euros1.68bn. Advertising revenue was up 14.1%.

The Silvio Berlusconi-owned broadcaster also said its three broadcasting channels, Rete 4, Canale 5 and Italia 1, registered a 42.5% audience share for the first nine months of the year. In the third quarter, Mediaset recorded a 46% audience share, up 1.6% compared to figures for the same period in 1999, and up 2% on expected results.

Meanwhile, Telecinco, in which Mediaset owns a 40% share, set to increase to 45%, also posted strong results for 2000. Total profits rose 83.2% year-on-year to $147.5m (PTS28.6bn), while net profits were up 82.6%.