Vincent Bollore is continuing his relentless acquisition of shares in media buying firm Aegis, announcing that his overall stake in the company now totals 21.31%, following the purchase of 3 million shares in the firm yesterday.The purchase, which cost Bollore £3.7 million, was made through the Frenchman’s company Financiere Du Loch and is the latest… Continue reading Bollore Continues Aegis Share Purchases

On-demand TV and broadband provider HomeChoice is to roll out its service nationally next year, more than quadrupling its coverage to give a footprint approaching the size of the combined UK cable companies.The national push will build on the success of HomeChoice’s recent relaunch, which saw the firm add several channels to its TV packages,… Continue reading HomeChoice Plans National Roll Out To Rival Cable

Andrew Gowers, editor of the Financial Times, announced his resignation today, citing “strategic differences” with the paper’s management.Chief executive of FT owner Pearson, Majorie Scardino, stated that Gowers’ departure was not a sign that the title would soon be put up for sale, however, challenging rumours that have encircled the newspaper for many months (see… Continue reading FT Editor Steps Down Citing ‘Strategic Differences’

Sun editor Rebekah Wade was released this afternoon without charge following her arrest in the early hours of this morning for allegedly assaulting her husband, Eastenders actor Ross Kemp.Scotland Yard are understood to be planning no further action against the 37 year old editor, who was arrested in south London at 4am this morning.The Sun… Continue reading Sun Editor Wade Released After ‘Assault’ Arrest

Channel 4 has unveiled its programme line up for the winter 2006 season, boosting its comedy and entertainment output with several high-profile additions to its schedule.Headlining the broadcaster’s winter comedy schedule is the return of offbeat hospital sitcom, Green Wing, beginning its second series under the same writing team and cast which won widespread critical… Continue reading Channel 4 Signs Comedy And Drama For Winter Months

Almost two thirds of British residents remain mystified by the prospect of digital switchover, according to a study by retail chain You Me TV, with 63% of the public completely unaware of the impending switch from analogue TV to digital.The number of oblivious viewers rose to 70% amongst the over 60s, although Scottish residents were… Continue reading Britons Remain Mystified Over Digital TV Plans

The nation’s terrestrial broadcasters put in a disappointing performance during September, with all but ITV and Channel 4 suffering a downturn in viewing share year on year.Channel 4 managed to add 0.76% points in all homes, and 1.26% points in digital homes, while ITV posted an increase of 0.24% points in digital homes alone.Other broadcasters… Continue reading Television Viewing Round-Up – September 2005

Yesterday’s release of RAJAR data for Q3 2005 could be the penultimate update from three of the nation’s largest broadcasters using quarterly data, with GCap Media, Emap and Chrysalis Radio all mulling a change to rolling six monthly samples in the new year in order to generate more stable results.The switch is believed to be… Continue reading Radio Firms Mull Switch To Six Monthly RAJAR

The unstoppable march of digital radio led to some healthy increases in weekly reach for the nation’s national digital stations, with the BBC’s wide ranging portfolio reaping particular benefits.The Corporation’s comedy and drama station, BBC 7, notched up particularly impressive listening with an increase of 56.19% year on year, pushing its audience to 631,000.BBC music… Continue reading Digital Proves Popular As Listening Increases

BBC Radio 2 retained its market leadership in the national breakfast market during Q3, despite a substantial dip in weekly reach of 4.9% period on period.The station’s breakfast show, which is hosted by veteran presenter Terry Wogan between 7:30-9:30, now commands an early morning audience of 7.7 million.BBC Radio 1’s Chris Moyles is hot on… Continue reading Radio Market Sees Musical Chairs At Breakfast