The print business remains under pressure.

Operating profit grew 19% to R2.8-billion, reflecting a net improvement in operating margins.

Naspers now reaches 3.7-million homes across the 50 African countries in which it operates, up 11% over the last six months.

Pay-television businesses grew by 352000 gross subscribers, increasing revenue in this division by 15% to R8-billion. The Compact bouquet, giving a restricted and more affordable offering, grew by 132000 subscribers in South Africa, but advertising revenues decreased in line with consumer spending.

The base grew by 114000 to just over 1-million in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, with the lower-priced Compact bouquets reaching 391 000 homes.

Naspers's share of income from associates, including Tencent in China, Mail.ru in Russia and Abril in Brazil, amounted to R872-million.

Print media in South Africa gained market share, but advertising was weak. Cost-cutting remains a focus.

Naspers chief executive Koos Bekker said the group would continue to grow Internet operations organically and through acquisitions. Investment in new products and services will be accelerated over the next six months.

Naspers financial director Steve Pacak warned that pay-TV margins were likely to come under pressure: "Live sport, in particular, is becoming very expensive".

Supersport is the largest funder of sport in Africa.

The group provided no outlook for the second half.