There will be no NewsLine service on Wednesday 19 December due to a company event.We will return first thing Thursday morning with all the latest industry news and coverage of Wednesday’s main media stories.MediaTel Group: 0207 439 7575 www.mediatelgroup.co.uk

BARB has entered into four new contracts – with RSMB, Ipsos MORI and TNS – for provision of research services that will support the BARB service from January 1, 2008.BARB (a joint company of BBC, ITV, Channel 4, five, BSkyB and the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) said that its aim has been to, “devise… Continue reading BARB Awards Four Six-Year Research Contracts

Ofcom has published a consultation document investigating the pay TV market following a submission from BT, Setanta, Top Up TV and Virgin Media in March (see Ofcom Launches Pay TV Investigation).The consultation aims to get stakeholders’ views on Ofcom’s initial assessment of the market, which suggests that pay TV has delivered significant benefits to consumers.At… Continue reading Ofcom Publishes Consultation On Pay TV Market

UTV Media has acquired the Dublin based radio station FM104 from Communicorp Group for a cash consideration of €52 million (£37.1 million). UTV said that the acquisition will significantly enhance its presence in the Dublin radio market and represents a further significant step in the implementation of its stated strategy of building a network of… Continue reading UTV Acquires Dublin Radio Station

By 2011, the online video market will have a retail value of $3.8 billion worldwide, according to a new industry report from Understanding & Solutions. The entertainment analyst firm said that despite a raft of activity within the sector – ranging from new service launches, key content partnerships and continued experimentation with business models –… Continue reading Online Video Market To Grow

There is still huge potential for growth in Western European residential broadband adoption, despite a slowdown in the majority of national markets, according to a new report from Forrester Research.Forrester sees 44% household penetration at the end of 2007 and forecasts a rise to 71% by the end of 2013.By then, any remaining dial-up services… Continue reading Potential For Growth In European Broadband Adoption

US DVR subscriber household numbers are expected to reach 42.9 million (36.5% of TV households) by the end of 2012, according to the latest forecast from Magna Global. This is an increase from Magna’s estimate of 23.1 million (20.8% of TV households as of the end of the third quarter of 2007. By 2012, Magna… Continue reading US DVR Subscriber Housholds To Increase

Sony has hired former Loaded editor Tim Southwell to helm its first magazine, which will have a cover price of £4.50.Produced by Haymarket Network, the first issue will feature interviews with Cameron Diaz and Sony-BMG-owned Columbia Records’ co-chairman Rick Rubin.The magazine will also offer an advance look at films, music and technology currently being worked… Continue reading Ex-Loaded Editor To Launch Sony Magazine

It was the final of The X Factor on Saturday, and a nation held its breath as the three remaining acts battled it out to be named this year’s winner.It was a bit of a shock in the end, with Leon triumphing against Rhydian as brother and sister duo Same Difference fell by the wayside.The… Continue reading 10.8 Million Adults Watch X Factor Final

Mobile phone company 02 is planning to extend its Czech broadband TV service to the UK, according to reports.02 already has partnerships with Warner Bros, HBO and Paramount in the Czech Republic and is now looking to extend these deals to the UK.The company has a residential broadband offering in the UK having acquired BE… Continue reading 02 Could Launch Broadband TV Service