BSkyB had signed up 5.25 million digital customers by 6 February and had hit the 5 million mark by the end of last year, according to the satellite broadcaster’s interim financial results released this morning. This represents a record quarterly growth of 538,000 subscribers. However, whilst the company’s digital targets were achieved ahead of schedule,… Continue reading BSkyB Hits Digital Target But Losses Grow
ARCHIVE ▸ The Media Leader Staff
Stephen Byers, secretary of state for trade and industry, has said that he will not refer the takeover of Express Newspapers by Northern & Shell to the DTI. The announcement allows completion of the deal, which was agreed in November last year. Since then the Express newspaper has seen a raft of resignations in reaction… Continue reading Express Takeover Cleared By Byers
7 February 2001 Rupert Murdoch is understood to be on the verge of sealing a deal that would merge his Sky Global Networks business with US’ satellite television company, DirecTV. This in turn could pave the way for a global float of the Sky Global Networks satellite group. Investors are anticipating the announcement today as… Continue reading Murdoch May Be Close To Agreeing DirecTV Deal
The latest radio audience figures, for the period to December 2000, show BBC radio continuing to improve its overall share of listening, at the expense of commercial stations. All BBC radio improved its share by a further 0.3% points to 51.7% in the final quarter of 2000, while commercial radio slipped 0.7% points to 46%.… Continue reading Insight Analysis: Latest RAJAR Figures Show BBC Stations Eating Into Commercial Sector
Channel 4 is set to launch a new company, 4 Ventures Limited, to manage commercial activities outside of its core channel. It will house the group’s pay-TV services Film Four and E4 as well as its internet and interactive ventures. Channel 4 International Ltd, the group’s programme sales and co-production arm, and its film division,… Continue reading Channel 4 Launches Commercial Arm
dmg world media, the exhibitions arm of the Daily Mail & General Trust, has aquired a 25% stake in US trade show organiser Western Exhibitors LLC in a deal worth $10m. dmg plan to acquire the remaining 75% in five years time. The company holds gift shows in San Francisco, Seattle and Portland and is… Continue reading DMGT Buys Stake In US Trade Show Organiser
In the midst of Popstars fever, the BBC is making plans for a re-launch of its flagship pop music show Top Of The Pops. The show will shortly move from its old home at Elstree, in order to accommodate a further weekly episode of Eastenders which is also filmed at the Hertfordshire studios. One possible… Continue reading BBC To Re-Launch Top Of The Pops
Bertelsmann has taken majority control of European television company, RTL. It has purchased a further 30% stake in the group from Groupe Bruxelle Lambert, increasing its hold to 67%. In return Groupe Bruxelle Lambert will receive a 25.1% stake in Bertelsmann AG, which includes Bertelsmann Music Group and magazine publisher Gruner & Jahr. Pearson, which… Continue reading Bertelsmann Acquires Controlling Stake In RTL
Chrysalis Group chairman Chris Wright this morning told the company’s AGM that the strong start to the financial year has continued, with radio revenues showing a year on year growth of 41% for the first five months of the year. This is a much stronger performance than rival groups: Capital Radio recently posted poorer than… Continue reading Radio Revenues Up 41% At Chrysalis
The Financial Times is set to start charging subscriptions to its website, FT.com. Currently a free service, selected sections such as its archive, will soon be available on a paid-for basis. FT owner Pearson has brought forward the date it wants its websites to break even from 2003 to 2002. The group claims that FT.com… Continue reading FT.com To End Free Access