Fourth quarter advertising revenue for US newspapers will grow by 3.5%, up from the 1.0% rise in Q3, according to analysts at Merrill Lynch. Some of this improvement will be due to easier comparisons, but nevertheless, a muted ad recovery is in place, reckons the broker. The newspaper sector ended a six consecutive quarter run… Continue reading US Newspaper Revenue To Grow 4.0% In 2003, Says Merrill Lynch

The telecoms industry has been boosted by new figures which reveal that it is on target to achieve one billion GSM subscribers worldwide by the end of 2003. According to the GSM Association, which represents a large number of second and third generation wireless industry companies, GSM attracted 160 million new customers last year. Since… Continue reading GSM Success Story Continues

Almost one in three mobile phone users in Europe want a new phone within the next year and a significant proportion would like access to advanced features, according to a report from Forrester Research. The study found that 29% of mobile owners intend to replace their current phone in 2004. Some 18% are planning to… Continue reading Euro Mobile Users Wave Goodbye To Old Phones

In 2004, cable companies face a tough climate with rising competition but the industry as a whole is in a healthier state than last year and should benefit from increased uptake of new services. Research by technology consultants Ovum suggests that broadband remains a key growth area. Cable has little competition from infrastructure-based operators in… Continue reading Cable Firms To Extend Their Clout

Advertising and public relations company, Chime Communications, is to sell 49% of its Howell Henry Chaldecott Lury (HHCL) advertising agency to WPP, the group announced this afternoon. WPP will pay £3.5 million in cash for the stake in HHCL, which will become part of WPP’s international Red Cell network. Chime will have the option of… Continue reading Chime Communications Sells 49% Of HHCL To WPP

Indebted UK cable company, Telewest Communications, this morning said that it has reached a non-binding agreement with its senior lenders and bondholders over the terms of its new bank lending facilities (see Telewest Positive On Restructuring Plan). The amended bank facilities total £2.2 billion and will provide Telewest with ‘substantial liquidity’ that should meet the… Continue reading Telewest Agrees New £2.2bn Bank Lending Terms

The acquisition of Galaxy Radio Wales by Vibe Radio Services has been referred to the Competition Commission for investigation. Competition minister, Melanie Johnson, said that she is concerned that the deal, already completed (see Chrysalis Takes GWR’s LNR And Sells Galaxy 101), might reduce competition for local radio advertising in the Bath and Bristol areas.… Continue reading GWR Questions Competition Referral Of Vibe’s Galaxy Acquisition

US cable giant, Liberty Media, has for the second time declined to increase its stake in UK cable operator, Telewest Communications, indicating that its European cable ambitions may be on the wane. According to a report on FT.com, Liberty passed up the chance to buy Microsoft’s 25% holding in Telewest, despite having first rights on… Continue reading Liberty Media Passes Up 25% Telewest Stake Opportunity

Cable operator NTL has finally emerged from bankruptcy protection after restructuring its debt to satisfy creditors. The company will now be split into two parts, NTL Incorporated, featuring its UK and Ireland business, and NTL Europe. Lenders have agreed to swap $10.9 billion in debt for equity. NTL’s parent company initially applied for Chapter 11… Continue reading NTL Emerges From Bankruptcy

Global advertising revenue will grow by 3.0% in 2003, with a reasonably strong US being dragged down by poorer markets in Europe, according to an outlook for the year from Merrill Lynch. The broker says that the US will grow by 4.0%, as previously reported (see Merrill Lynch Sees ‘Cautious Optimism’ For 2003 US Ad… Continue reading Stronger US, Weaker Europe Finds Merrill’s Ad Outlook