Chicago-based Tribune said it posted higher advertising revenues from its newspapers and television stations, and that it is confident it can sustain long-term growth.

But despite the on-the-field success this year of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, which Tribune owns, the Cubs' operating profit declined as a result of higher players' salaries and fewer home games in this year's quarter.

The Cubs, including star slugger Sammy Sosa, reached the national league playoffs this season for the first time since 1989.Tribune's third-quarter net income rose five per cent to $83 million from $79 million in 1997, excluding non-recurring items.

Operating earnings per share rose to 60 cents, up from 56 cents. According to research firm First Call, which tracks earnings estimates,the analysts' consensus estimate was 59 cents and the range was 58 to 65 cents. Tribune had fewer shares outstanding, having repurchased more than five million so far this year. Tribune said overall third-quarter operating profit jumped five per cent to $168 million.