Germany is still the leading European internet power, with approximately one-quarter of the continent’s online population, according to a report from Information et Publicité. The research firm also found that German surfers spend an average of 522 minutes a month online. The Spanish and French are also keen surfers averaging 495 and 476 minutes respectively.… Continue reading Germany Is Top European Internet Market

New research claims that the newspaper industry has underestimated the threat posed by the web, reports Mediapost. A study, conducted by Gordon Borrell of Borrell Associates and Clark G. Gilbert of the Harvard Business School, has warned US newspapers that they have become complacent and need to adapt to the changing media landscape. “They’re not… Continue reading Newspapers Must Face Up To Challenge Of The Net, Says Report

UPC has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US and Netherlands ahead of a debt for equity swap designed to secure the future of Europe’s largest cable TV company. Financial restructuring is expected to result in UnitedGlobalCom, a subsidiary of Liberty Media, increasing its share of the company to 65.5%. UPC’s remaining bondholders will retain… Continue reading UPC Files For Bankruptcy

Telewest Communications, the struggling UK cable firm, has reached an agreement with bondholders to eradicate £3.5 billion of its £5.3 billion debt in return for 97% of the company’s shares. It has also deferred the repayment of £68 million of interest on bonds as it seeks further approval from investors. The debt for equity swap… Continue reading Telewest Agrees £3.5 Billion Debt Deal

The total number of cable subscribers to high speed internet services in the US is approximately 10 million, according to a new survey by the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA). The organisation asserts that since 1996, operators have spent more than $65 billion upgrading cable systems to enable consumers to access digital broadband services.… Continue reading US Cable Modem Customers Reach 10 Million Mark

Online map sites have experienced some of the fastest growth seen on the internet in the last year, according to a report from Nielsen//NetRatings. The research shows that 7.1 million European web users accessed a mapping website during July, an increase from 2.5 million in October 2001. Online map sites are especially popular with office… Continue reading Online Map Sector Could Produce The ‘New Google’

A new study has found that increasing numbers of broadband users are watching sports coverage online and the budding industry is already worth more than $100 million. Researchers at technology research firm, Strategy Analytics examined hundreds of international sports sites and reported on the current availability of webcasts and their potential for the future. At… Continue reading Broadband Offers Sporting Chance To Rights Holders

The Daily Mail & General Trust, publisher of the Daily Mail, is to remain family controlled, according to its chairman Viscount Rothermere. According to a report in today’s Times newspaper, Rothermere has no intention of changing the company’s controversial share structure that gives his family control of the voting rights. He asked: “Why should the… Continue reading Daily Mail & General Trust To Remain Family Owned

The publishing assets of SMG which were put up for sale earlier this month (see SMG To Sell Publishing And Online Business), have attracted considerable interest from the UK’s prominent newspaper groups but many analysts believe that the company’s valuation is excessive given current market conditions. SMG has decided to concentrate its attention on television… Continue reading Publishing Giants To Compete For SMG Titles

A leading media analyst at Merrill Lynch has offered a grim prognosis for the short term future of the advertising industry, claiming that recent events have conspired to foster uncertainty rather than spread optimism. Lauren Rich Fine says that negative earnings announcements, volatile share prices, confusing economic forecasts and the ongoing threat of war mean… Continue reading US Advertisers Hold Fire As Difficult Conditions Prevail