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

The growing popularity of digital outdoor products was highlighted at the annual outdoor advertising show, Inside Outdoor. During the show, held at Islington’s Business Design Centre, a broad range of delegates including outdoor specialists, advertisers and media and creative agencies discussed new developments in outdoor and ambient media. Digital technology was at the heart of… Continue reading Outdoor Ad Show Celebrates Digital Advances

Until now, text messaging has been generally regarded as a leisure time pursuit primarily used to communicate with friends. However, it also has value in the workplace and the Mobile Data Association has taken steps to gauge this. In a poll of 300 UK business managers, the MDA found that 40% send SMS messages as… Continue reading Mobile Industry Assesses Potential Of Business Texting

It is reported that Denise Kingsmill, the deputy chairman of the Competition Commission, has been asked to become the new independent chairman of ITV. According to the Independent On Sunday, Kingsmill was approached by head hunters for Carlton and Granada last week. It is understood the groups have been looking to recruit a new chairman… Continue reading Kingsmill Touted For Top Job At Merged ITV