Global Radio is set to axe the names of 29 local radio stations and rebrand them into a national network, following its takeover of GCap Media in April (see Global Radio To Acquire GCap For £375m).Global plans to create a new national network of 32 Heart stations as it reportedly attempts to take on the… Continue reading Global Radio Set To Get Rid Of Local Station Names In National Rebrand

The UK government has presented Phorm’s case to the European Union, following questions over the online ad systems legality.In response to the EU’s request, the government confirmed it believes that Phorm is legal but also said that any future deployments of the system must be carried out with the users consent.In a statement, the government… Continue reading UK Government Considers Phorm “Lawful”

Paul Jackson, ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy, is set to leave the role by the end of the year.Jackson is reportedly going to return to production, while ITV decides whether or not to replace him.Peter Fincham, ITV’s director of television, said: “Paul is a legend in the entertainment and comedy world. He committed to… Continue reading Paul Jackson Set To Leave ITV

Ofcom has warned that Channel 4 faces a £100 million a year funding gap by 2012 because of the “external situation” in the market.The Ofcom chief executive, Ed Richards, made comments about the public service broadcasting review before a speech at the Royal Television Society, which is due to take place later today.He said Channel… Continue reading Ofcom Warns That Channel 4 Faces £100m Funding Gap

BBC Two’s new programme, Amazon with Bruce Parry, pulled in a peak of more than 3.4 million viewers last night, putting it well ahead of Channel 4 in the 9pm ratings war.The first in the series, which saw the former Royal Marine go on a journey to find the source of the river in the… Continue reading BBC Two Pulls In Over 3.4 Million Viewers

BT has voiced its concerns about Project Kangaroo to the Competition Commission, warning of its ability to distort competition and command increasing proportions of ad revenue.In its submission to the Competition Commission inquiry into the proposed video-on-demand venture, BT said it thought Kangaroo would substantially reduce competition as the three broadcasters would control most UK-produced… Continue reading BT Voices Concerns Over Kangaroo

Richard Webb has stepped down from his role as managing director of UK nationals at Trinity Mirror with immediate effect, as part of a reorganisation.Mark Hollinshead will replace Webb by combining his current position as managing director of Trinity’s Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail with Webb’s former role.Hollinshead will now be responsible for the… Continue reading Richard Webb Set To Leave Trinity Mirror

ITV’s executive chairman Michael Grade has branded YouTube a “parasite” that lives off the broadcaster’s £1 billion-a-year content and says he doesn’t see Google as a threat.Speaking to Ray Snoddy in a pre-recorded interview for the IBC technology convention, Grade said: “The day that Google or Joost or any of these people start investing £1… Continue reading Grade Says YouTube Is A “Parasite”

BSkyB has delayed plans to launch its new TV brand, Picnic, due to Ofcom’s investigation in to the pay-TV market.The satellite company was planning to launch three pay-TV channels on Freeview under the Picnic brand, which would have included premium content such as sport and films.Picnic, which was set to replace the free to air… Continue reading Sky Delays Launch Of Picnic

ITV1’s England highlights attracted over 1.9 million peak viewers last night, despite being aired 24 hours after the live match, as ITV scored a last minute deal with Setanta.The highlights of the England’s victory over Croatia pulled in around 1.8 million average viewers between 10.35pm and 11.35pm, a fair bit higher than Setanta’s figures for… Continue reading ITV1’s England Highlights Pulls In More Viewers Than Setanta’s Live Match