Fox's Adjusted Revenue Falls 6.3 Percent

21st Century Fox Inc. on Wednesday reported weaker-than-expected revenue for its September quarter, hurt by the timing of key film releases and a weak showing by "The Fantastic Four."

Fox said revenue at its film studio unit tumbled 28% to $1.79 billion, due to the timing of releases and lower syndication revenue due to the sale of "How I Met Your Mother." The prior-year period included the "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" theatrical release.

Marketwatch reports that offset 7.2% revenue growth at its cable network division, which is benefiting from higher affiliate fees, increased advertising revenue and lower expenses.

Revenue at its television segment was essentially flat at $1.05 billion, hurt by a 5% slide in advertising revenue due to one fewer week of National Football League broadcast in the current quarter and lower political revenue at TV stations.

Lower general entertainment ratings at the FOX Broadcast Network also weighed on revenue.

In all, the company posted a profit of $675 million, or 34 cents a share, down from $1.04 billion, or 47 cents a share, a year earlier.

Total revenue fell to $6.08 billion from $7.89 billion, missing the $6.42 billion analysts had forecast.