Concerns over the inexperience and intentions of new BSkyB chief executive James Murdoch are likely to prolong uncertainty at the company, according to city analysts. The appointment of Murdoch, youngest son of media baron Rupert, has irked shareholders concerned that the family may be exerting too great an influence at the satellite broadcaster (see Murdoch’s… Continue reading BSkyB Coronation Could Cause Disruption, Says Merrill Lynch
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Clear Channel Communications saw turnover rise in the third quarter of 2003 but the flat performance of the radio division shows that this sector remains slow. Total revenues at the US media corporation rose by 9% to $2.54 billion with net profits coming in at $636.0 million, up from $212.5 million in 2002. The gain… Continue reading Clear Channel Waiting On Radio Recovery
Carlton and Granada have confirmed that the former head of Lloyds TSB Sir Brian Pitman is to become interim chairman of ITV plc (see Allen Deal Could Spark Fresh Shareholder Dispute). A steering committee of six non-executive directors, three from Carlton and three from Granada, met earlier today to discuss the future of the board,… Continue reading ITV Plc Unveils Steering Committee
NTL, the UK’s largest cable operator, has unveiled plans to raise $1.43 billion to enable the firm to regain its financial footing. Under the terms of the proposed rights issue, 35.8 million shares will be offered at $40 each, the objective being to reduce the company’s debt to around $5.3 billion. Current shareholders will receive… Continue reading NTL Outlines Details Of Rights Issue
Almost two-thirds of American internet users plan to research or purchase gifts online during the 2003 holiday season with those in high income households most likely to turn to the web for Christmas presents and ideas. The fourth quarter accounts for over half of full-year sales for some retailers and online traders will be encouraged… Continue reading Consumers Prepare For An Online Christmas
High-speed data penetration will reach 30% in the US by the end of 2005, according to growth forecasts from Merrill Lynch. In a synopsis of the North American broadband landscape, the broker claims that high-speed data services were in 19.3% of US homes at the the end of the third quarter. It is thought that… Continue reading North American Broadband Forecasts From Merrill Lynch
Despite competition from other media, US newspaper sales are holding up well and more than half of the adult population still reads a daily paper, according to the Newspaper Association of America (NAA). The latest Competitive Media Index (CMI) shows that the average daily circulation for newspapers tracked in the Audit Bureau of Circulations’ Fas-Fax… Continue reading US Newspaper Circulation Remains Stable
BSkyB is bracing itself for a torrent of shareholder unrest following the appointment of James Murdoch, son of group chairman Rupert Murdoch, as its new chief executive. According to Sky, James Murdoch was appointed following the unanimous recommendation of a four-member nomination committee of non-executive board members. As a result the board had the simple… Continue reading Murdoch’s Son Lands Top Job At BSkyB
Mirror Group Newspapers has appointed Clare Dove as its new Director of Advertising. Dove, who will take up the position in January next year, will have responsibility for the ad sales operations of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and the People. She will report to Ellis Watson, General Manager of Mirror Group Newspapers. Prior to… Continue reading MGN Appoints New Director Of Advertising
Worldwide advertising expenditure will rise by 1.7% this year and by 3.2% in 2004, driven by a stronger market in the United States, according to the latest Ad Barometer report from Interdeco. The figures concur with recent commentary that conditions in Europe are weaker, whilst the US markets continue to show more positive growth. European… Continue reading Global Advertising Forecasts From Ad Barometer