April 28, 2008 - 08:51 a.m.

DALLAS (AP) - A.H. Belo says its first-quarter loss narrowed, helped by cost-control efforts.

The Dallas-based newspaper operator, which was spun off from Belo Corp. in February, continues to struggle with a decline in advertising. It lost $8.7 million, or 43 cents per share, in the quarter, compared with a loss of $9.4 million, or 46 cents per share, a year ago.

A.H. Belo, owner of The Providence Journal, reported revenue slipped 9 percent to $160.2 million from $175.7 million. Ad sales dropped 12 percent.

Operating costs and expenses declined to $172.1 million from $175.9 million.

The company warned a week ago that results would be below the expectations cluster earlier this year.