APN News and Media reported a 9 per cent increase in profit for the first half of 2006.
The Australian media group, in which Independent News and Media has a 41.8 per cent stake, reached 72.1 million Australian dollars for the six months to June 30th and increased its basic earnings per share by 12 per cent to 15.3 cents.
Revenue from continuing operations rose to 638.5 million Australian dollars, a 3 per cent increase.
The company's regional division performed well, increasing 6 per cent following strong growth in the prior year.
APN is the largest operator of regional newspapers, radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising in Australasia.
Profit in the company's radio division rose by 2 per cent, while the outdoor advertising sector saw a significant rise of 50 per cent in profits.