Media Q1 results: Nielsen sales rose 4 percent to $1.38...

Media Q1 results: Nielsen sales rose 4 percent to $1.38 billion from the year-ago quarter. Growth in the businesses it calls Buy and in Watch offset a decline in Expositions, the company said (http://bit.ly/YW3ssS). Profit rose 53 percent to $34 million, and the figures are adjusted for currency changes. The company said its plan to buy Arbitron that the target’s shareholders approved (CD April 18 p19) “remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review.” ... Revenue at Meredith Corp.’s Local Media Group, which includes its TV stations, rose 10 percent to $85 million in the quarter ended March 31. Citigroup said that was more than it expected. Operating profit rose 4.3 percent to $24 million. Retransmission fees rose, the company said (http://bit.ly/ZPWYvH). It said current-quarter revenue at the unit is expected to rise by a percentage in the “mid-single digits. ... Belo Corp. revenue rose 2.8 percent to $160.3 million from Q1 2012, the broadcaster said (http://bit.ly/17kXzuK). “Core spot revenue growth came primarily from strength in the automotive, retail and telecommunications categories, partially offset by lower spending in the healthcare, restaurants and entertainment categories.” Retrans sales rose 8 percent. Profit rose 17 percent to $16.7 million.