Global fixed broadband subscriptions stood at 422 million at the end of 2008, adding nearly 68 million subscriptions in the year and 16 million in the final quarter, according to new figures from Informa Telecoms & Media. Western Europe has seen broadband growth stagnate, said the research firm, as all but five of its 30… Continue reading Global fixed broadband subscriptions hit 422m in 2008

Current radio regulations are a barrier to the development of commercial digital radio, according to UTV Media’s response to Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report.UTV said that as well as obstacles highlighted by the government such as DAB coverage, receiver and in-car take-up issues, it would “add a fourth: an overly rigid legislative and regulatory environment”.It… Continue reading UTV recommends relaxation of radio rules

The Sci Fi Channel has acquired the rights to the remake of classic series Knight Rider for its Spring schedule.It has also acquired Dollhouse, the new series from Buffy: The Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon.Jon Farrar, programming director for NBC Universal Global Networks (UK), said: “We’re dedicated to offering our audience the most exciting content… Continue reading Sci Fi Channel acquires US TV dramas

Aegis’ market research business Synovate enjoyed a 20.9% increase in operating profits to £42.2 million in 2008. Synovate put the growth down to a mix of organic growth, acquisition effects and benefits from its SmartWork efficiency programme. Overall revenues were up 19.7% to £518.2 million, with EMEA revenues up 20.3% to £248.4 million. Americas revenues… Continue reading Operating profits up 21% at Synovate

Special interest media group Future has announced that its pre-tax profit will be down by about £1 million following disruption to distribution of its newsstand magazines in the US. It said: “In February and March, Future’s US business experienced an unexpected disruption to distribution of up to 40% of its newsstand magazines, following a dispute… Continue reading Future Publishing expects fall in pre-tax profits

Daily Mail & General Trust has reported that advertising revenues fell 24% at its national newspaper division, and 37% at its regional business Northcliffe Media in the first quarter. The company said that it expects a net total of about 1,000 job cuts at Northcliffe this year, double the level it announced in November. Classified… Continue reading DMGT reports fall in ad revenues

A new survey shows that younger audiences are more interested in special offers, entertainment and exclusive information within online advertising. According to the results of a survey carried out by Lightspeed Research and the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB), for 45-54 year olds, ads need to be more relevant and useful to make an impact, while… Continue reading Online ad preferences vary by age

A new report from eMarketer has predicted growth of 17.3% for global spending on social media advertising in 2009. Marketers are forecast to invest $2.35 billion (£1.64 billion) on ads on social networking sites by the end of 2009, with this figure rising to $3.49 billion over the next four years. Although these figures are… Continue reading Global adspend on social media predicted to rise 17.3% in 2009

American consumers say they are more likely to act upon articles that include brand information than banner ads, pop-up ads, email offers or sponsored links, according to a new survey. The US study of 1,074 adults, conducted online by Opinion Research Corporation in March 2009, was sponsored by Adfusion, an article-based advertising network and a… Continue reading Americans online prefer article based ads

Aegis has reported a 25.7% increase in underlying pre-tax profits in 2008, with revenue up 21.3%, and operating profit up 26.8%. However, the media buying and research group announced that it is to cut 5% of its global workforce, around 780 employees, as it seeks to cut costs in the economic downturn. The firm said… Continue reading Aegis’ pre-tax profits up 25.7% in 2008