FRANKFURT -(Dow Jones)- RTL Group SA (RTL.BT), the broadcaster controlled by Bertelsmann AG (BRT.YY), said Wednesday revenue and operating profit rose in the first six months as TV advertising revenues in the company's key regions climbed. MAIN FACTS: -Group revenue increased 3.4% on year to EUR2.75 billion in the first half, reflecting higher TV advertising revenues in RTL Group's important markets Germany, France and the Netherlands plus growing revenue from FremantleMedia. -Earnings before interest, taxes and amortization were up 3.7% at EUR557 million, while net profit attributable to RTL Group shareholders rose 26% to EUR324 million. -While the TV advertising markets in France, the Netherlands and Belgium were up year, the German market remained flat; the markets in southern and eastern Europe reported lower advertising revenue compared with the first six months of 2010. -"Despite the current insecurities of the global economy and the strong comparatives of the fourth quarter 2010, we remain cautiously optimistic for the full year," said Chief Executive Gerhard Zeiler. -Frankfurt Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; 49-69-29725-500
