James Murdoch, chief executive of BSkyB, has said that a takeover of Virgin Media could eventually lead to an agreement over the channel dispute between the two companies. Sky and Virgin Media are currently in court over the dispute, which has been running since the two companies were unable to reach a deal over carriage… Continue reading Murdoch Supports Virgin Takeover

Dow Jones has listened to alternative bids to a takeover by Rupert Murdoch from California billionaire Ron Burkle in partnership with internet entrepreneur Brad Greenspan. According to a report on MediaGuardian.co.uk, Burkle and Greenspan had a meeting last night with Dow Jones where they outlined a possible alternative to Murdoch’s $5 billion (£2.5 billion) bid.… Continue reading Dow Jones Looks At Alternative Bids

The number of unique visitors to online gaming sites has reached almost 217 million worldwide – a year-on-year growth of 17% – according to new research from comScore. The comScore World Metrix study took into account all sites that provide online or downloadable games, excluding gambling sites. The sector attracted 28% of the total worldwide… Continue reading Visitors To Online Gaming Sites Reaches Almost 217 Million

UK adspend will grow 2.6% this year, totalling £26 billion, and 3.1% next year, according to a new forecast from GroupM. GroupM added that measured media revenue will recover 4% this year to £13 billion, with marketing services up 1%, also to £13 billion. According to GroupM, internet will still supply most of the growth… Continue reading UK Adspend To Grow 2.6% In 2007

After months of waiting, last Friday Ofcom finally announced the winner of the 12-year licence for the second national digital multiplex, with 4 Digital Group coming out on top in a two-horse race. NewsLine takes a look at the build up to the announcement and what might happen next…4 Digital Group, a consortium led by… Continue reading Battle For The Second DAB Multiplex

Westminster Council has passed new rules ordering free afternoon newspapers thelondonpaper and London Lite to clean up discarded copies.The new rules, which will come into effect in one month unless News International and Associated Newspapers come to an agreement over cleaning up, could see distribution points in Westminster cut by 30%, with freesheet distributors also… Continue reading Council Could Implement Tough New Freesheet Rules

Google is to buy Postini, an email security specialist serving more than 35,000 businesses and 10 million users worldwide, for $625 million. Postini’s services – which include message security, archiving, encryption, and policy enforcement – can be used to protect a company’s email, instant messaging, and other web-based communications. Eric Schmidt, chairman of the board… Continue reading Google Buys Email Security Firm

Setanta Sports, the pay-TV broadcaster, has unveiled the initial 19 fixtures of its 46 live Barclays Premier League games for the 2007/08 season.The Setanta Sports service will cost £9.99 per month and is available to all satellite customers with or without a Sky subscription and on all Freeview boxes and digital TVs.Last year, Setanta paid… Continue reading Setanta Unveils Premier League Football Schedule

Coming 100 days before the digital switchover, new research reveals that all households in the lead area of Whitehaven, Cumbria, are intending to convert to digital TV.Ford Ennals, chief executive of Digital UK, the organisation implementing switchover, welcomed the findings but warned residents not to leave it too late.Ennals said: “It’s good news that everyone… Continue reading Whitehaven Gets Ready For Digital Switchover

Carlyle, the US private equity company bidding for Virgin Media, could axe the Virgin brand name if its takeover is successful. Yesterday’s Observer reported that the move, which would cut ties with Sir Richard Branson, could pave the way to a reconciliation with Sky following the dispute over Virgin’s carriage of the Sky’s basic channels.… Continue reading Virgin Media Bid Firm Could Axe Branson Link