The broadcaster of "Coronation Street" and crime drama "Broadchurch" said net advertising revenue across its channels would be 6 percent lower for the first four months, reflecting the current economic uncertainty in Britain.

The company reported EPS of 17 pence, beating market forecasts, on total external revenue up 3 percent to 3.06 billion pounds, including currency benefits.

It said it would pay a special dividend of 5 pence a share on top of a final dividend of 4.8 pence.

(Corrects special dividend to 5 pence per share, paragraph 4)

(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by Kate Holton)