UTV’s finances have been boosted by TalkSport’s football coverage in the build-up to the World Cup as the radio division posted healthy quarter one results.

The commercial station saw a 16% increase in revenue year-on-year, contributing to overall growth of 7% for the Northern Ireland-based broadcaster.

Group revenue for UTV was £27.8m for the three months to 31 March, up from £26m in the same period last year.

TalkSport’s strong performance has been attributed to its build-up to the World Cup 2014.

Revenues are expected to leap a further 45% for the station over the next quarter as the tournament gets underway, contributing to an 18% increase in the overall group revenues.

UTV’s TV revenues are forecast to grow by 15% in the second quarter.

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