Leading media analysts at ABN Amro have downgraded their global ad forecasts following a “weaker than expected start to 2001”. Estimates for global advertising growth, which had previously stood at 3.4%, have now been reduced to just 1.3%. Amro cites weaknesses in the telecoms and technology markets, shifts in media mix by FMCG companies and… Continue reading ABN Amro Downgrades Global Ad Forecasts

It seems that hopes of an advertising recovery in the second half are rapidly diminishing. ITV giant Granada this morning admitted it could see no end to the downturn (see Continued Ad Revenue Woe At Granada, But Results Are Top End Of Predictions), echoing comments made by Carlton Communications a few weeks ago (see Carlton… Continue reading Insight Analysis: Ad Downturn Could Get Worse Before It Gets Better

A quick flick through recent news from the consumer magazine industry could well lead an impartial reader to the conclusion that many of the markets are simply full-up. Saturated with a broad range of established and popular titles, both the women’s glossies and the men’s lifestyle sectors seem unable to sustain any new entrants. It’s… Continue reading Insight Analysis: Has The Consumer Magazine Industry Reached Saturation Point?

In a frenzy of activity the telecoms market has demonstrated its instability this week as the most successful handset manufacturer issued a profits warning and debt-laden BT announced a 10 year deal with Deutsche Telekom to build the next generation in mobile communications, the 3G network. Nokia surprised market analysts with a warning that profits… Continue reading Insight Analysis: Nokia Issues Profits Warning As BT Builds For The Future

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Global marketing group, Cordiant Communications, today warned that the recent economic slowdown, and in particular the decline of the technology sector, will impact this year’s profits. Speaking at the AGM, chairman Charles Scott said that in the light of these more difficult trading conditions, job cuts have been made in a number of Cordiant’s businesses.… Continue reading Economic Downturn Hits Cordiant Jobs And Profits

The Financial Times has published an open letter to the newly returned Prime Minister, urging him to push ahead with the communications bill, now that the need to keep the media on-side is diminished following the election. The letter, by media reporter Andrew Ward, hints at the media’s displeasure at Chris Smith’s removal “You no… Continue reading FT Urges PM To Push For Action On Communications Bill

Following a report in the Wall Street Journal this morning, speculation is rife that IPC may be in talks with AOL Time Warner regarding a possible buy out. Although IPC Media has repeatedly denied that it is up for sale, chief executive Sly Bailey recently acknowledged the possibility of a sale or flotation “within the… Continue reading AOL Time Warner May Bid For IPC

Shares in the broadcasting sector took a slump this morning as reports claim that Granada’s financial results, due on Wednesday, will show deepening woes for ITV’s advertising revenues. The Financial Times says that ITV ad revenue is likely to be down almost 25% in July; in April revenues were down by 18.9%, according to buyers’… Continue reading Reports Predict Continued Gloom From Granada Results

BSkyB is to close its movie division Sky Pictures. The closure of the film division, which was set up in 1998, is thought to have resulted from a strategic review focussed on costs. BSkyB also recently announced plans to cut jobs from Open, Sky Interactive and the business side of Sky News. The decision to… Continue reading Sky Pictures To Close As Part Of Cost Cutting Drive