MUMBAI: CMM Broadcasting Network, the company that runs the CMM music channel and faith channel Aastha, has declared a net profit of Rs 2,97,000 for the JQ 2002-3, up a whopping 37 per cent from the figure of Rs 2,17,000 for the corresponding period last year.

Net sales from operations have increased 8 per cent to Rs 12.57 million up from Rs 11.58 million, total income has gone up marginally by 1 per cent from Rs 18.07 million to Rs 17.88 million. The company's staff costs have risen considerably, from Rs 4,62,000 last year to Rs 7,73,000 in the quarter just ended. But tight control over other expenditure has enabled it to show a rise in its net.

CMM, the company's digital free to air music channel and Aastha have recently shifted to PAS 10, says the company. Earlier available in 156 countries globally, Aastha and CMM are now available in an additional four countries, the important addition being UK, home probably the largest Indian diaspora.

The changeover will enable CMM Broadcasting Network to fulfill the longstanding demands of Indian-descent UK residents, says the management. Though available as a free-to-air channel there currently, it is slated to become a pay service over time.

PanAmSat's fleet of spacecraft will also enable Aastha reach viewers in the USA too shortly, says the channel.