BUZZ-ITV: strong H1 performance boosts shares

** Television broadcaster's shares up 3 pct after reporting strong H1 results, including a 24 pct rise in adjusted EBITA

** Co said its H2 advertising revenues would be helped by the Rugby World Cup

** Net advertising revenue is expected to grow 8 pct in Q3, ahead of market expectations

** Best day for stock in two months in decent volumes, among top gainers on bluechip FTSE 100 Index and pan-European Stoxx 600 Media Index

** Numis analysts raise PT to 300p from 290p, keep "Add" rating

** Westhouse -- rated 5 stars on stock according to StarMine -- likes company's valuation, and says further special dividend payments are possible

** Co trades at a 5.7 pct premium to its peers' next 12-month median P/E ratio

** Of 26 analysts covering stock, 14 have a rating of "buy" or higher, 9 have a rating of "hold", and 3 have a rating of "sell", with a median PT of 290p (venkateshasoumithri.mamidipudi.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)