The success and future of freesheets was one of the topics debated at today’s MediaTel Group seminar on the ‘Future of National Newspapers’. Looking at whether a national newspaper could move to a free distribution model in the near future, panellist Lawson Muncaster, MD of City AM thought that it could happen. “The cost of… Continue reading Freesheets In Focus At ‘Future of National Newspapers’ Seminar

World adspend will grow 6.6% in 2008, according to a new forecast from ZenithOptimedia, up slightly from the 6.5% growth predicted in its March forecast. The credit crunch continues to worry investors, consumers and advertisers in Western markets, so Zenith has downgraded its forecasts for ad expenditure growth in 2008 from 3.7% to 3.5% for… Continue reading Developing Markets Propel World Ad Expenditure Growth

GroupM has revised down its 2008 ad growth forecast to 4% from 6%, adding that – excluding internet – traditional media revenue will fall 2% this year and 2% in 2009. TV advertising is expected to fall 2% in both 2008 and 2009, with national newspapers also down, by 3% this year and 4% next… Continue reading GroupM Revises Down 2008 Ad Forecast

Jazz FM is set to return to the UK’s airwaves this autumn in a joint venture between GMG Radio and The Local Radio Company.The new look Jazz FM will broadcast on DAB in three major areas – London, The West Midlands and The North West – and will also offer national coverage through Sky and… Continue reading Jazz FM Set For Autumn Return

Trinity Mirror has announced that its online revenues for the 26 weeks ending June 29 grew by 24.4% on an underlying basis. In a trading update, the publisher also said that it will continue to invest in digital and the ongoing capital investment to implement its new operating model across the group. It added that… Continue reading Trinity Mirror Announces Trading Update

Companies can significantly increase the effectiveness of their customer magazines by altering frequency, pagination and distribution methods, according to a new study from Royal Mail. To continue its support of the customer publishing industry, Royal Mail has worked with Association of Publishing Agencies (APA) and Millward Brown to analyse the impact of these three key… Continue reading New Research Looks At Increasing Customer Magazine Success

A new report from eMarketer estimates that 60.5% of the UK population, or 36.8 million people, went online at least once per month in 2007. Of those, 30% – 11 million people – visited social network sites at least once per month. “The strong growth is an indicator of the level of interest consumers have… Continue reading 11m People In The UK Visited Social Network Sites In 2007

Ofcom has fined 30 radio stations within GCap Media’s One Network a total of £1.1 million for unfair conduct in a competition.This is the highest fine ever imposed by the regulator on a UK commercial radio company.Ofcom found that on a number of occasions the programme makers behind the ‘Secret Sound’ competition deliberately put to… Continue reading GCap Fined Record £1.1m

Consumers are confused about the digital switchover and are still buying analogue TV sets, according to a parliamentary committee report.The report said that although the switchover timetable is on track to be completed on time, the digital tick labelling scheme is a mystery to many sales staff and customers, while many people are still buying… Continue reading Consumers Confused About Digital Switchover

Channel 4 could launch a 4Music branded TV channel in August as a replacement for The Hits music channel, according to a report.4Music will be one of the main sponsors of the V Festival 2008, taking place on 16 17 August, and Media Week reports that Channel 4 could use the opportuinity to market the… Continue reading Channel 4 Could Launch 4Music TV Channel