The radio business of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhard saw revenues climb 16 percent in the second quarter of the year compared to last year.

Revenue for the period ending July 31st 2013 came in at US$20.1 million (RM 65.6 million), according to a financial statement released by the company on Wednesday.

Radio’s EBITA – Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation- rose 63 percent  to $12.5 million  (RM 40.8 milli0n).

The company also reported that listening to its stations was lower during the Nielsen Radio Listenership Survey recorded in October last year, with 12.3 million people tuning in every week, versus nearly 12.9 million in May 2012.

Astro owns eight terrestrial FM networks and several satellite only stations in four languages.

Overall, Astro Malaysia Holdings saw a 4.6 percent increase in earnings to $33.3 million (RM98.8 million) in Q2.

The company said revenue for the quarter rose 11.1 percent to  $364 million (RM1.188billion).

Cumulative net profit for the first half of the year fell to $65.3 million (RM212.97 million) from $66.4 million (RM216.75 million) despite higher revenues.

Astro declared a dividend of 2.0 sen, bringing year-to-date dividend to 4 sen.

The company said: “With strong TV viewership and radio listenership, Astro continues to offer effective reach for advertisers. Astro’s adex grew by15 percent with its share of TV adex growing to 30 percent and share of Radex at 55 percent”.