The continuing success of the CSI TV franchise helped Canada's Alliance Atlantis to post strong earnings growth for the second quarter of 2005.

The company reported net earnings of C$11m, up from C$3m during the same period in 2004. Revenue was down slightly to just over C$240m, from C$267m in the second quarter last year. Alliance Atlantis attributed the rise in earnings not only to the new CSI: NY series and strong sales for the franchise, but also to strong performance of its television channels including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada and Showcase Television. The company blamed the decrease in revenue numbers on a blip in the second quarter of 2004 when sales of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on DVD started in Canada and Spain.

"Our strategy of focusing on growing our broadcast business, maximizing the value of the CSI franchise and strengthening our balance sheet continues to provide exceptional results," said Phyllis Yaffe, CEO of Alliance Atlantis. "Our broadcast channels experienced strong advertising and subscriber growth, while the overall financial performance of the first two CSIs and the addition of CSI: NY have enhanced the franchise value."