UPDATE: Tax takes bite out of Alliance Atlantis; HD channels coming this year

TORONTO – Growth in its broadcasting division as well as the CSI franchise drove a 25% increase in EBITDA (to $48.4 million) for the first quarter at Alliance Atlantis. Earnings before income tax of $35.4 million increased by 18% compared to prior year's period, but net earnings of $21.5 million decreased by 7% compared to Q1 2005, primarily due to higher effective tax rate, reports the company. "We are very pleased with the performances of each of our businesses during the first quarter," said Phyllis Yaffe, CEO, in the press release. "Our broadcasting business recorded solid gains in advertising and...