NEW YORK -- CBS Corp.'s earnings rose 14 percent in the first quarter as a new international TV syndication agreement kicked in for its "CSI" franchise.

The company that also also owns Simon & Schuster and a large radio broadcasting business said today that it earned $244.3 million in the first three months of the year, up from $213.5 million last year.

Per-share earnings rose to 36 cents from 28 cents, ahead of analysts estimates of 33 cents, as compiled by Thomson Financial.

Revenues were essentially flat at $3.65 billion versus $3.66 billion a year ago.