The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five have announced that they have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding that, if agreed, would deliver HD channels on Freeview by the projected completion of digital switchover in 2012.Potentially from late-2009/2010, BBC HD, which was approved yesterday by the BBC Trust (see BBC Trust Approves HDTV Channel Launch),… Continue reading BBC, ITV, C4 And Five Sign HD For Freeview Agreement

Hulu, the yet to launch online video site from News Corp and NBC Universal in the US, is getting ready to launch in the UK, in a move that could be seen as a challenge to Joost.Hulu (see News Corp Reveals Video Website Name), which is still in private trials, and Joost (see Joost To… Continue reading Hulu Could Launch In The UK

The Daily Mail & General Trust has announced an 11% year on year upturn in pre-tax profits to a record £288 million. The publisher attributed its performance in part to strong growth in its B2B operations, which include DMGI Information and Risk Management Solutions. Operating profit before exceptionals and amortisation climbed to £322 million for… Continue reading DMGT Reports Record Pre-Tax Profits

Chrysalis Group has reported pre-tax losses of £6 million for the year ending August 31, while group revenue has fallen £11.5 million year on year to £56.4 million. The group, which has been linked to a sell-off following the £170 million sale of its radio assets in June to Global Radio (see Charles Allen Heads… Continue reading Chrysalis Reports Pre-Tax Losses Of £6 Million

Emap Radio could be sold off bit by bit, with some radio brands sold to the buyers of accompanying magazine or television brands to speed up the sale process, according to City analysts. The radio division is known to have attracted significant interest from Global Radio and GCap, but competition issues that would arise from… Continue reading Emap Radio Could Be Sold Off Bit By Bit

Freeview has today confirmed that it is in 14 million UK homes, reinforcing its position as the most popular Digital TV Service in the UK.The service also reports that it continues to be the number one choice for those converting to digital TV for the first time.According to Ofcom’s latest figures over 80% of people… Continue reading Freeview In 14 Million UK Homes

IPC Media is extending its NME magazine brand with the launch of a 24-hour TV channel.The channel will debut on Friday sometime between 6am and 11am on Sky Digital 377, making it available to 8.6 million households, with content heavily based on the charts and the latest offerings from the UK’s indie and alternative music… Continue reading IPC Launches NME TV Channel

Ford Ennals, the chief executive of Digital UK, the body overseeing the digital switchover, is stepping down just weeks after the process began.Ennals is leaving to become president of Cole Hann, the footwear and leather-goods division of Nike, ahead of a major global expansion. The brand is introducing sports technology such as Nike Air into… Continue reading Digital UK Chief Quits As Switchover Gets Underway

The BBC Trust has approved proposals to launch a high definition TV channel, concluding it was essential HDTV was made universally available.The channel will air on cable and satellite as soon as possible and on Freesat, the BBC’s free-to-view digital satellite service (see Freesat Gets BBC Trust Approval), when it is launched.But proposals for the… Continue reading BBC Trust Approves HDTV Channel Launch

As we hurtle at a frightening pace towards December, it’s easy to forget just how eventful a year 2007 has been for the media.Digital has surged ahead, with internet ad revenues climbing and internet-led devices multiplying with great voracity; TV has been immersed in controversy; radio steadily gathered pace in the background; outdoor stood firm… Continue reading Free Media Question Time Event To Dissect Tumultuous 2007