Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia 1st-quarter loss narrows

The media company reported a loss of $4.2 million, or 8 cents per share, compared with a loss of $11.9 million, or 23 cents per share, in the prior year. The results met the expectations of analysts polled by Thomson Financial.

Revenue for the period ended March 31 gained 2 percent to $67.8 million from $66.7 million, topping Wall Street's estimate of $67.1 million.

Publishing revenue edged up to $40.8 million from $40.6 million, while broadcasting revenue climbed to $10.6 million from $9 million. Ad sales grew in both publishing and broadcasting, as well as its Internet segment.