State-owned TVNZ pays smaller dividend as international programmes get pricey

State-owned TVNZ pays smaller dividend as international programmes get pricey
By Paul McBeth Sept 3 (BusinessDesk) - State-owned broadcaster Television New Zealand paid a smaller-than-expected dividend to the government as more-expensive foreign programming eroded the company's underlying earnings. The broadcaster paid a dividend of $11.3 million in the 12 months ended June 30, down from $13.8 million last year and smaller than the $12.8 million forecast in its statement of corporate intent. Underlying earnings shrank 12 percent to $27.9 million, slightly ahead of the $24 million forecast. Net profit surged to $14.2...