The final in the current series of Coast gained an average of almost 3.1 million adult viewers for BBC Two last night, beating the start of Jamie Oliver’s new cookery series by around a million viewers.The final leg of Neil Oliver’s trek around Britain, taking in ‘honeymoon island’ Jersey, Guernsey, the islands of Les Ecrehous… Continue reading Final Leg On Coastal Exploration Nets More Than 3 Million For BBC Two

A new voluntary code has been drawn up by the gambling industry which includes a ban on TV advertising before the 9pm watershed.The code for socially responsible advertising is supported by 12 industry bodies, including the British Casino Association and the Association of British Bookmakers, and comes following increasing pressure from the new culture secretary,… Continue reading Gambling Industry Agrees Advertising Code

ITV’s underlying earnings fell to £151 million in Michael Grade’s first six months in charge, although this figure is £10 million higher than analysts had predicted.Lower earnings had been expected after ITV said in a trading statement last month that it had been hit by a decline in revenues at ITV Play, the broadcaster’s quiz… Continue reading “Signs Of Recovery” At ITV

Virgin Media lost 70,300 subscribers across its four cable and mobile services in the three months to the end of June.The cable operator added 2,200 new cable TV subscribers during the quarter, saying that the removal of Sky’s basic channels in March resulted in it losing 40,000 customers across its range of services (see Virgin… Continue reading Virgin Media Loses 70,300 Subscribers In Q2

ITV’s underlying earnings in the six months to June 30 fell to £151 million from £202 million a year ago, less than analysts had previously predicted. ITV1 advertising revenue is estimated to grow by 1%, whilst for all ITV channels a 4% increase is estimated, against a wider TV ad market rise of 6%. ITV1’s… Continue reading ITV Earnings Decline

Virgin Media has reported a pre-tax profit of £315.3 million, although it lost 70,300 subscribers in the quarter. Operating income for the three months to the end of June was £3 million, compared with an operating loss of £15.3 million in the first quarter. The company reported a net loss of £119 million, which was… Continue reading Virgin Media Reports Pre-Tax Profit Of £315.3m

Interpublic Group recorded profits of $137 million (£67.8 million) for the second quarter of 2007. The group’s revenue was $1.65 billion in the second quarter, whilst first-half revenue was $3.01 billion. Organic revenue increased 6.6% compared to the second quarter of 2006, due to higher revenue from existing clients and net client wins. For the… Continue reading Interpublic Profits Almost Double

Guardian Media Group is believed to be in discussions with private equity firm Apax Partners about launching a £2 billion joint bid for Emap. Talks between the two companies are at an early stage and that no formal agreement has been made, according to a report in today’s Daily Telegraph. According to the report, GMG… Continue reading GMG And Apax In Possible Joint Bid For Emap

Virgin Media has extended its deadline for receiving formal takeover proposals following a recommendation from its financial advisers “to enhance shareholder value”. Virgin Media said in a statement that it had “extend the process until these parties can complete their proposals in a more stable debt market environment”. It added: “As a consequence of this… Continue reading Virgin Media Extends Bid Deadline

Archant, the regional newspaper group, has announced that its overall revenue in the 26 weeks to the end of June was up 2.1% at £98.5 million (2006: £96.4 million). The group reported a 64.6% rise in pre-tax profits, owing in part to a £3.8 million profit it made in April when it sold its Scottish… Continue reading Archant Revenue Up 2.1%