TV3 made operating losses of 2.5 million Canadian dollars (#1.4 million) on turnover of Can$4.4 million (#2.5 million) in its first months of operation, according to new figures from Can West Global, its biggest shareholder. The figures are included in the results for Can West's first quarter, which ended November 30th last. While TV3 began broadcasting on September 20th, the figures cover the three months to November 30th, which includes the pre-transmission period.

Can West said the figures represented "the normal start-up losses incurred by new broadcast operations". Chief operations officer, Mr Leonard Asper, told The Irish Times that Can West expects TV3 to make its first profits in 2001. He added that by the end of 1999, TV3 should be producing turnover of about #15 million.

He said the station had gained 7 per cent of its target age group - those between 15 and 44 - and its signal is now available to 89 per cent of the population.

Globally Can West's operating profits fell from Can$102 million to Can$96 million.