Journal Communications Inc. said Tuesday fourth-quarter earnings doubled on the strength of political and issue advertising at its broadcast properties.

The Milwaukee-based media company said net income rose to $14.7 million, or 26 cents a share, from $7.2 million, or 12 cents, a year ago. Revenue rose 7.8% to $103.7 million from $96.2 million. Recent results include a gain of $3.5 million, or 6 cents a share, from the sale of its IPC Print Services business.

"Broadcast political and issue advertising of $9.4 million contributed to our strong fourth-quarter results," Chief Executive Officer Steve Smith said in a statement. "Excluding political and issue advertising, broadcast revenue grew 5% driven by the continued rebound in automotive advertising, up 16% in the quarter."

While publishing revenue decreased 5.9% for the year, the rate of decline slowed as the year progressed, with the fourth quarter down 5.5% from the same period in 2009. However, digital revenue grew 10.5% in the quarter.

After the announcement, shares closed up 23 cents at $5.29, a 4.6% boost.

The company hopes to grow its revenue share in each of its broadcast markets, Smith said.

"Our priority in publishing is to continue to provide a relevant, high-impact daily newspaper while enhancing and building our digital business. We will continue to seek in-market growth opportunities in traditional or digital media, make capital investments that drive growth and look for new market broadcast acquisitions," he said.

Broadcasting revenue was $56.3 million, up 22.1% from $46.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. TV revenue rose 32.1%, while radio revenue increased 6.2%.

Publishing revenue decreased to $47.4 million from $50.2 million, a drop the company said was due largely to continued declines in retail and classified advertising. Interactive advertising revenue rose to $2.9 million from $2.6 million.

Journal Communications publishes the Journal Sentinel as well as community newspapers and shoppers in Wisconsin and Florida. The company also owns and operates 33 radio stations and 13 television stations in 12 states.