NEW YORK -- USA Network's net earnings slipped 70% to $7.5 million in the first quarter, USA said Thursday, despite higher cash flow from its cable networks, on 8.5% higher revenue of $728.9 million.

The downturn at the bottom line was largely due to lower onetime gains that pumped up last year's first quarter. USA recorded a $74.9 million gain on the sale of a TV station last year, whereas its only onetime gain in the latest quarter was a $47.3 million profit on the sale of unspecified securities.

Cash flow -- earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization -- rose 20.5% to $137.5 million in the quarter, adjusted for the timing of last year's acquisition of USA and Sci- Fi cable networks.

USA, Sci-Fi going strong

USA's networks and studios division, which includes the USA and Sci- Fi channels as well as the USA TV production unit, posted 30% higher cash flow of $108.9 million reflecting strong ratings at USA and higher subscribers at Sci-Fi.

The electronic retailing business, Home Shopping Network, also showed continued growth with 26.5% higher cash flow of $41.5 million. Ticketmaster's ticketing operations also boosted cash flow, both in traditional and Internet areas.

These three divisions, USA's "operating businesses," increased cash flow 29% to $163 million, but sharply higher losses on USA's "emerging businesses" like Internet and broadcasting ate into the company's total cash flow.

Startup losses doubled to $25.4 million, including $9.2 million in losses from the broadcasting startup in Miami compared with $2.3 million in losses a year earlier.

Internet commerce losses trebled to $6.8 million, slightly more than the business recorded in revenues, reflecting costs both of existing Internet sites, like First Auction, and setting up sites yet to launch, such as HSN Online.