Sales were up to Rs 81.48 crore, from Rs 66.26 crore. Total income was up by 25 per cent to Rs 113.28 crore as against Rs 90.29 crore in same period of last year.

However, Zee Network's net profit (consolidated) were down in Q3 by 26 per cent to Rs 47.4 crore, versus Rs 63.88 crore in same period of last year.Total income was up 10 per cent to Rs 265.48 crore against Rs 241.53 crore in the year-ago period.

The consolidated net profits were lower by 26 per cent due to higher cost of competition and new initiatives during this period, the company said.

Investments in portal, regional and learning channels coupled with highly competitive environment led to the slide in the consolidated net profit, said Zee Network group head corporate services RK Singh.

The third quarter has seen an intense competition in general entertainment segment for viewership from existing as well as new satellite channels, a company release said. Gross advertisement revenue for the group was up by a measly one per cent to Rs 187.2 crore. For the nine-month period ended December, ZTL posted a net profit of Rs 90.89 crore (Rs 61.67 crore), while total income stood at Rs 299.33 crore (Rs 218.98 crore).

On a consolidated basis for the nine months, the net profit was Rs 143.56 crore (Rs 138.46 crore) and total income was Rs 716.77 crore (Rs 576.28 crore).