Ten Network H1 profit up 17 pct

SYDNEY, March 27 (Reuters) - Ten Network Holdings Ltd (TEN.AX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), Australia's third-biggest television broadcaster, reported a 17 percent rise in first-half profit on Thursday on improved advertising revenues and lower costs.

Ten, majority owned by CanWest Global Communication Corp (CGS.TO: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), said its normalised net profit for the six months to Feb. 29 was A$86.86 million ($80 million).

Ten targets the 18-49 age group with shows such as Australian Idol, but lags rival Seven Network (SEV.AX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in overall ratings. ($1=A$1.09) (Reporting by James Thornhill)