News Corporation reported second quarter net income of $832 million or $0.27 per share compared to $822 million or $0.26 per share on a diluted combined basis in the second quarter a year ago.

Revenue in the second quarter increased to $8.59 billion from $7.844 billion a year ago, an increase of 9%. For the first half revenue increased to $15.6 billion from $13.75 billion and earnings increased to $1.56 billion from $1.665 billion last year.

Cable Network Programming operating income increased 23% despite the launch costs for the Fox Business Network and the Big Ten Network. Growth was led by gains at the Fox News Channel, the Regional Sports Networks and Fox International Channels.

SKY Italia generated operating income of $62 million, an improvement of $74 million versus a year ago, reflecting net subscriber additions of 400,000 over the past 12 months as the subscriber base expanded to 4.43 million.

Television operating income more than doubled, increasing $133 million, as ratings improved and increased pricing fuel advertising growth at the FOX broadcast network.

Filmed Entertainment delivered operating income of $403 million on strength of home entertainment titles and successful theatrical release slate.