Viacom Inc. posted a loss of $40...

Viacom Inc. posted a loss of $40 million for the third quarter, although all of the New York-based entertainment company’s segments posted higher operating income. Viacom said the loss was primarily due to interest expense of $71.8 million. In the year-ago period, the company had a loss of $37.5 million. Revenue was up 21% to $311.6 million. The company noted that revenue increased 38% in its entertainment segment, which began full billing for the domestic syndication of “The Cosby Show” during the latter portion of the quarter. MTV Networks revenue rose 35% due to increased advertising sales, increased affiliate fees related to additional customers and new revenue from the broadcast television syndication of Nickelodeon productions. Revenues from Showtime Networks and cable television were 19% and 18% higher, respectively, due to customer growth.