MTR Corp records bumper ad growth

Hong Kong - Upgrades to its digital ad network and demand for it out-of-home ad services has seen the MRT Corporation's yearly ad revenue soar 25% to $741 million.

Strong growth in the first and third quarters of 2008 were behind the good results, which were also bolstered after the KCRC merger. The $741 million was a $148 million jump on 2007, KCR ad revenue contributed $73 million.

Outdoor group JCDecaux hold the advertising contract for the MTR Corporation. 

"Other station commercial businesses, particularly advertising, will face challenges in 2009, although long term fundamentals remain robust," financial documents said.