SMG is understood to have postponed plans to float Virgin Radio this autumn, adding that there is significant interest in the business. The group has also appointed Richard Huntingford as executive chairman of Virgin Radio. SMG revealed plans to float the radio business in April (see SMG To Float Virgin Radio), however, this has been… Continue reading SMG Postpones Virgin Radio Floatation

The latest report from EUROFRAME – European Forecasting Network reveals that the economic upturn in the Euro area lost some momentum in the first half of 2007. Quarterly real GDP growth in the Euro Area slowed to 0.3% in the second quarter of 2007, down from a stronger than expected 0.5% in the first quarter.… Continue reading European Economic Upturn Loses Some Momentum

Digital television in Western Europe is reaching a decisive milestone this month, overtaking the analogue system for the first time, according to new research from e-Media Institute. There are now about 83 million households in the region’s 20 countries receiving digital television signals out of a total of 166 million TV households, says e-Media Institute.… Continue reading Half Of families In Western Europe Now Receive Digital TV

Thomson Intermedia has brought in a new management team in Michael Greenlees and Nick Manning to accelerate the growth in its business.Greenlees, who joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director in April 2007, will become chief executive with effect from 10 October 2007.At the same time, Steve Thomson and Sarah Jane Thomson will step down… Continue reading Thomson Intermedia Hires New Senior Management Team

Simon Nelson, controller of portfolio & multimedia for BBC Vision, has announced a new strategy for multiplatform commissioning, content creation and delivery.Speaking at an in-house multiplatform day for programme-makers from the BBC and the independent sector, Nelson stressed the role of multiplatform – web, red button and mobile platforms – in delivering the BBC’s public… Continue reading New Multiplatform Strategy For BBC Vision

Channel 4 could be in line to broadcast this year’s British Comedy Awards following ITV’s decision not to show the event.It is understood that Peter Fincham, controller of BBC One, met today with the show’s producers but decided against airing the ceremony.This leaves Channel 4 as the only remaining terrestrial network still interested in showing… Continue reading Channel 4 Could Get Comedy Awards

More than 40% of people who had engaged in some form of participation TV in past year have now stopped doing so, with more than 60% either stopping or reducing their participation substantially, according to a new report from Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates.The value of the market to broadcasters, which was worth up to £400… Continue reading Engagement In Participation TV Plummets

Former McCann Erickson Group president, Rupert Howell, has been appointed as managing director, ITV Brand and Commercial, taking up the post on 1 November 2007.Howell will be responsible for the development of the ITV brand in all its forms and ITV’s commercial delivery.The appointment brings to an end a four-month hunt following the departure of… Continue reading Howell Completes ITV Senior Management Line-Up

Virgin Radio has appointed former LBC managing director David Lloyd as its programming director.Lloyd left LBC last month following a management reshuffle by LBC’s new owner Global Radio.His appointment follows Paul Jackson’s move from programming director to chief executive at the beginning of the year.MediaGuardian.co.uk quotes Lloyd as saying: “It is clearly very early days… Continue reading Virgin Radio Appoints New Head Of Programming

Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) has announced an 8% year-on-year rise in total advertising revenues, with the group’s print ad revenues increasing by 2% in the 11 months to August. Associated Newspapers’ circulation revenues for the eleven months to August 2007 were 1.5% above the same period last year, whilst its advertising revenues in… Continue reading DMGT Announces 8% Rise In Ad Revenues