Over 70% of US internet users who watch video online prefer to watch and download videos for free, sponsored by pre-roll advertising, according to the newly released results of a survey from AP and AOL. Only 23% of respondents said that they would prefer to pay for ad-free content, with users also preferring shorter videos.… Continue reading US Internet Users Prefer Free Video

There will be more than one billion 3G mobile phone users by 2010, according to new research from Strategy Analytics. The Worldwide Cellular User Forecasts 2006-2011 reveals that 3G technologies are already on target to reach 167 million users by the end of 2006. In addition, Strategy Analytics predicts that 3G users will account for… Continue reading 3G Mobile Phone Users To Pass Billion Mark

Ofcom has announced that it is to finalise its market impact assessment of the BBC’s new online catch-up service by December 15.Ofcom and the BBC governors have established a steering group to examine the new on-demand service, which will be delivered online via the BBC’s iPlayer.The new offerings are comprised of a seven-day TV and… Continue reading Ofcom Launches BBC iPlayer Assessment

Digital channel FX has apparently developed the first television advert aimed at retaining its message even when ad breaks are fast forwarded on PVRs.According to a report in the Guardian, he 30-second advertisement is designed to retain its message when viewed at up to 12 times its normal speed.The ad contains a single image on… Continue reading FX To Air PVR Resistant Ad

It looks as if one of the front runners for the top job at ITV is no longer in the running, after it emerged today that Stephen Carter is being kept on gardening leave until the end of February.According to a report in the Guardian, Zygos, the headhunters leading the race for Charles Allen’s successor,… Continue reading Carter Stuck On Gardening Leave

The head of United International Pictures, Stewart Till, has been approached by the headhunters leading the search for Charles Allen’s successor at ITV.According to reports in the trade press, Till has been contacted by headhunters Zygos, who are understood to have also spoken to BBC Worldwide boss John Smith.Till began his career at Saatchi &… Continue reading UIP Boss Linked With ITV Top Job

The majority of the money made from quiz show channel ITV Play comes from viewers failing to get through on premium rate phone lines.According to a report in today’s Daily Telegraph, ITV is budgeting for £20 million profits from the channel this year.The report says that William Van Rest, controller of ITV Play, said that… Continue reading Failure To Get Through Fills ITV’s Coffers

Time Out Group has hired Graeme Tottle to the newly created role of commercial director of the listings guide’s sales operation, a post he recently filled for Emap men’s magazines.Tottle will oversee advertising for the London edition of Time Out and its website, as well as identifying cross-platform opportunities for clients.The newly created role will… Continue reading Time Out Hires Commercial Director

Independent media specialist Target Media has launched the UK’s largest regular specialist survey into consumer entertainment products and services.The online Eyeball research panel has been developed in partnership with Market Evolution and is intended to provide clients with insight into fast changing consumer trends.Robert Wilkerson, managing director of Target Media, said: “Eyeball Entertainment offers deeper… Continue reading Target Media Launches UK’s Largest Online Entertainment Panel

IPC tx has announced the appointment of Richard Coles as publisher of TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and Soaplife.Coles replaces Natalie Bell, who is moving on to What’s On TV and TV Easy as publisher.Philippa Brown, IPC tx managing director, said: “Richard is an extremely talented publisher and I’m delighted to appoint someone of… Continue reading IPC Tx Appoints New Publisher