MILAN, May 23 (Reuters) - MFE-MediaforEurope, the TV group controlled by Italy's Berlusconi family, reported a 21.8% year-on year increase in its operating profit in the three months through March as advertising revenue rose in its Italian and Spanish markets.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) came in at 23.5 million euros ($25.44 million) in the first quarter, beating an analyst consensus of 19 million euros provided by the company.

Total revenue rose to 700 million euros from 647 million euros in the same period a year earlier, slightly above a forecast of 695 million euros.

The broadcaster confirmed its outlook for "markedly positive" earnings and cashflow this year, as it said its advertising sales had grown 7.1% over January-April, and broadly kept that pace in May.

The media firm flagged a potential slowdown in the central part of the year due to its lack of programming for major sporting events such as the Euro 2024 soccer championship and the Olympics.

($1 = 0.9236 euros) (Reporting by Elvira Pollina; Editing by Alvise Armellini and Tom Hogue)