Telewest Communications today announced sales of 156,000 to its Active Digital service and stated that its goal for the future was to create Britain’s first “broadbandcaster”. Unveiling financial results for the first quarter, which saw the group begin its integration with content provider Flextech (see Telewest And Flextech Merger Cleared By DTI), chief executive Adam Singer said his company has “the key ingredients for success in the digital age.”
The group reported losses of £137.2 million, slightly higher than the same period last year (135.1m). Turnover rose 27% compared to last year, however, at £239 million.
Flextech reported separately for the last time following the completion of the merger between the two groups on 19 April this year, which will see it become the content division of Telewest. Its turnover for the period increased 3.8% to £41 million.
The combined group intends to become a market leader in interactive content and online services. Next week will see the second phase launch of Active Digital’s interactive service, with the addition of 13 new content brands including Turner channels CNN, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. This partnership will see the launch of Turner’s interactive TV product which will bring interactive features such as news, programme information and competitions to viewers to its channels.
Mick Buckley, managing director of Turner Broadcasting System UK said: “Our advertisers will benefit hugely from this innovative new service which gives extensive access to our viewers as they experiment and familiarise themselves with all the new platforms available.”
Lastorders.com, the UK’s first online off-licence, will also launch on the service, bringing to 80 the total number of content providers on the group’s interactive platform (see Interactive Services Further Expansion).
Subscribers to internet service SurfUnlimited, which launched in February (see Telewest To Sign Up Over 15,000 Customers To SurfUnlimited), have reached 131,000. Blueyonder, a high speed cable internet service which launched in March (see Telewest And Flextech Report Losses Ahead Of Merger), has “generated significant interest”, and the group is planning a broadband portal to launch in July.
Telewest: 01483 750 900 Flextech: 020 7299 5000
