Petaling Jaya – Media Prima Berhad (MPB), Malaysian terrestrial TV broadcaster and integrated media investment group has posted a 101% growth in profit after tax and minority interests for Q1, 2008 to RM17.1million from RM8.5million in Q1, 2007, attributed to continued growth in contributions from all of its business divisions. Net profit rose some 140% from RM8.5million in Q4, 2007, to RM20.4 million, excluding exceptional items relating to the voluntary separation cost to increase operational efficiency and gain on disposal of Malay Mail Sdn Bhd by NSTP Group. Overall, MPB’s performance was attributable to contributions from its March 2007-acquired outdoor division; higher revenue from its TV and radio networks, as well as improvement in operational results of MPB’s print business under NSTP. In total, MPB grew its revenue by 41% to RM159.6million driven by strong advertising expenditure and growth in domestic consumption. MPB’s TV networks including TV3, 8tv, ntv7 and TV9 collectively took a combined audience share of 50% in Q1, 2008, with TV3 maintaining its leadership position despite the launch of various new channels and intensifying competition for viewers, according to ratings provider AGB Nielsen Media Research.