British Sky Broadcasting has announced the launch of its digital text service, Sky Text. Delivering more than 1,200 pages of news, sport, entertainment and information through the text button on subscribers’ remote controls, its interactive elements also allow viewers to go online to bet on sporting events or to access Sky.com. The TV betting facility… Continue reading BSkyB Announces Launch Of Sky Text

Carlton Communications’ plans for a E250m pan-European internet alliance have collapsed after the media group failed to secure a financial commitment from Italy’s Mediaset, Telecinco of Spain and Germany’s Kirch. Michael Green, Carlton chairman, had earlier this year announced plans for a “Grand @lliance” which would have seen the four media groups, plus TF1 of… Continue reading Carlton’s European Internet Alliance Hopes Dashed

The board of the Scottish Media Group (SMG) has confirmed that it has acquired 4.9 million shares, or a 14.9% stake, in Scottish Radio Holdings (SRH) this morning. SMG’s broker is said to be acquiring further shares in the market, but there is no intention at present of making an offer for SRH in its… Continue reading SMG Acquires 14.9% Stake In Scottish Radio Holdings

The board of Scottish Radio Holdings has advised its shareholders to take no action following today’s announcement that SMG is to raise its stake in the group. It is believed that SMG’s move may lead to an auction for the company and the board has told its shareholders to cease trading shares in the group… Continue reading Scottish Radio Tells Shareholders To Hold Back

News International’s stable of newspapers has begun to tighten its belt as fears over a slowdown in advertising revenue mount. According to reports in the Financial Times, executives at the Times, the Sunday Times, the Sun and the News of the World have set out a budgeting programme which includes a freeze on new hirings.… Continue reading Ad Slowdown Fears Hit Newspaper Publishers

Around 16.3% of French adults are now online, compared with 11.6% last year, according to new figures from Médiamétrie. The research also shows that around 35% of users go online on a daily basis, up from 28.1% last year. More than half (54.2%) access the Net from home, with 34.9% using access through work. The… Continue reading 7.6m French Adults Online

Around 30% of UK-based dotcoms were in profit last year, with over 50% expecting to be in profit this year, according to the findings of a new NOP survey. Contrary to the recent adverse publicity surrounding dotcoms, the first wave of NOPÂ’s recently established DotCom Panel paints a picture of entrepreneurs as relatively optimistic about… Continue reading Dotcoms Optimistic About Their Future

News International’s stable of newspapers has begun to tighten its belt as fears over a slowdown in advertising revenue mount. According to reports in the Financial Times, executives at the Times, the Sunday Times, the Sun and the News of the World have set out a budgeting programme which includes a freeze on new hirings.… Continue reading Ad Slowdown Fears Hit Newspaper Publishers

Shares improved on the results up from 525p to 543p. Stock continued to climb during Wednesday reaching 565p as a sale of the groupÂ’s Technicolor business. The Daily Telegraph notes that whilst Carlton shares have suffered from its failure to secure the merger with UNM and fears of a downturn in ITV advertising, there has… Continue reading Carlton Communications results: City Reaction

Use of the internet by business to purchase supplies and equipment is on the increase in the US, according to new research by American Express. Around 40% of mid-sized US firms are already buying online and of those not doing so, 37% plan to within the next twelve months. Primary advantages of using the Net… Continue reading US Firms Turn To Net For Equipment And Supplies Orders