ITV broadcasts popular dramas such as Downton Abbey. Here, Cast members of the TV drama Downton Abbey hold their award for "outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series" backstage at the 19th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los
ITV broadcasts popular dramas such as Downton Abbey. Here, Cast members of the TV drama Downton Abbey hold their award for "outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series" backstage at the 19th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles (Photo: Reuters)

Britain's biggest free-to-air commercial broadcaster ITV has revealed that advertising revenues have continually risen this year which will, in turn, boost profits for 2013.

According to a company announcement, advertising revenues are expected to rise 2% on average for 2013, following a strong programme schedule in the final quarter.

ITV broadcasts drama blockbusters, such as Downton Abbey, and popular reality shows, such as I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

It said advertising revenue rose 8% in October and was forecast to be up 4% in November and up 1% in December.

ITV also reported a 6% rise in total external revenues for the period, reaching £1.66bn (€2bn, $2.7bn), driven by strong growth in Online, Pay & Interactive and in ITV Studios.

Los Angeles