Consumer group Which? has today released a report claiming the use of characters to promote high fat, salt and sugar foods undermines parental efforts to help children eat healthily, drawing criticism from the Advertising Association.The AA has said that the ‘Cartoon Heroes and Villains’ report, which warns that biscuits and other snacks are being promoted… Continue reading Which? Report Says Advertisers Still Pushing Junk Food On Children

Emap Consumer Media has strengthened its team of digital experts with the appointment of two new digital directors and a head of business development.Ralph Percival has been appointed as the new specialist digital director and Andrew Robb has been appointed as lifestyle digital director.Percival will concentrate on the specialist portfolio which spans brands including Motorcycle… Continue reading Emap Consumer Media Strengthens Digital Team

Virgin Media’s CEO, Steve Burch, is to leave the company with immediate effect, citing family and personal reasons.Burch, who joined the company in January 2006, will return to the US having stepped down from the Virgin Media board.It is understood that Neil Berkett, chief operating officer, will take over from Burch until a full-time replacement… Continue reading Virgin Media CEO Steps Down

RadioCentre, the industry body for UK Commercial Radio has announced that national revenue figures for the Q2 period have risen to over £85 million – a healthy 3.4% increase year-on-year.Local revenue for Q2 grew 1.2% year on year to over 40 million and sponsorship & promotions revenue dipped slightly down to 24 million, but overall,… Continue reading Commercial Radio Revenues Increase

Commercial radio revenue figures for the second quarter of 2007 have grown to over £85 million, according to RadioCentre, the industry body for UK commercial radio. In a statement released today, RadioCentre said local revenue for the quarter grew year on year by 1.2% to over 40 million and sponsorship & promotions revenue dipped slightly… Continue reading Growth For Commercial Radio Revenues

Steve Burch, Virgin Media chief executive, is to leave the company with immediate effect, citing family and personal reasons. Neil Berkett, Virgin Media’s chief operating officer is to take on the chief executive responsibilities for the time being, with the company saying that it intends to start a search for a replacement shortly. Burch, who… Continue reading Steve Burch Steps Down As Virgin Media CEO

The Office of Fair Trading has said it would agree to consider a review of the imposed Contract Rights Renewal (CRR) on ITV.According to reports, the broadcaster, which has challenged the restrictions following the Carlton/Granada merger, has finally persuaded the OFT to think about looking at the case.The OFT said it would make a decision… Continue reading OFT Agrees To Consider Review Of CRR

Richard Huntingford, ex-Chrysalis radio chief executive, has been appointed as non-executive chairman of Virgin Radio. Huntingford joined Chrysalis in 1987 and announced his departure in June following the group’s sale of its radio division. The SMG owned Virgin Radio also announced that Rosemary Thorne is joining as senior independent director, whilst David Palmer has already… Continue reading Richard Huntingford Named Virgin Radio Chairman

UK online retail reached an all-time high in July, exceeding £4 billion for the first time, according to retail body the IMRG. UK sales were up 80% year on year, to £4.2 billion, £1.86 billion higher than in July 2006. Electricals was the strongest growing sector, up by 102% year-on-year, with clothing, footwear and accessories… Continue reading UK Online Retail Reaches All-Time High

Spending on search engine marketing in the UK is forecast to grow 58% this year to £2.2 billion, with almost £2 billion of that coming from paid search, according to a new report from E-consultancy. The study says that although the growth rate has fallen from 65% in 2006, it looks as if the market… Continue reading UK Search Engine Marketing To Grow