UTV, the multi media group which broadcasts radio and television and provides internet and telephony services, has announced that its operating profit rose by 30% in the first six months to June 30. UTV’s turnover was up 60% from £35.6 million in 2005 to £57.1 million in H1 2006. Advertising revenues from radio were up… Continue reading UTV Group Operating Profit Up 30%

Michael Jackson, former head of Channel 4, has said he is interested in taking over as head of ITV, after previously distancing himself from the role.According to a report in today’s Independent, industry sources say that Jackson could be persuaded to return to the UK to take on the position.Although Jackson has been one of… Continue reading Former Channel 4 Head Could Return For ITV Job

A project has been launched to deliver a broadband return path for Freeview, which would see a greater range of interactive services being launched.An always on broadband return path would mean that a host of new interactive applications such as games and streamed audio or video could be made available on the platform.When Freeview was… Continue reading Project Launched To Develop Freeview Return Path

SES Astra is launching a fully satellite-based interactive and low-cost broadband internet service for the residential market, small and home offices, as well as small and medium enterprises.The service, called ASTRA2Connect, will provide a full satellite-based triple-play service enabling broadband internet access, voice-over-IP and other content related access services such as IPTV or video-on-demand.Astra expects… Continue reading Astra To Launch Satellite Based Broadband Service

The Sunday Times became Britain’s first ever £2 newspaper last weekend, with the Telegraph also raising its cover price.As well as the Sunday Times, the Times has also raised its cover price, in order that News International can make back some of its investment in new title thelondonpaper.Meanwhile, the Telegraph Group has raised its prices… Continue reading Newspapers Raise Prices As Circulations Continue To Fall

NTL:Telewest could be rebranded as Virgin on Valentine’s day next year, according to reports in the trade press.This follows the £962 million merger between NTL:Telewest and Virgin Mobile which saw the company become the nation’s first quadruple play broadcaster to offer TV, broadband, fixed line and mobile telephony (see NTL Confirms £962m Virgin Mobile Takeover).NewsLine… Continue reading Virgin Rebrand For NTL:Telewest Could Occur Valentine’s Day

The ABC National Newspaper circulation figures for August are released today, and it remains to be seen whether the decline in sales will continue.The NewsLine team will be providing expert analysis of all the top stories to emerge from the newly released figures, and will be tackling the top talking points of the day.NewsLine will… Continue reading August National Newspaper ABCs Released Today

ScreenFX, the digital advertising and communications specialist, has announced the acquisition of POPtv, which gives the brand a portfolio of over 3,050 screens.POPtv is an independent media sales company representing screen media in shopping malls, health and retail environments. With the acquisition of POPtv, ScreenFX doubles recently published consumer reach to 722 million consumers per… Continue reading ScreenFX Doubles Consumer Reach

Sony’s £40 million Christmas TV advertising push for its Playstation 3 console has been shelved after the video game giant pushed back the console’s European launch date.The entertainment system was to be launched in the PAL territories of Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Australasia from November 17 2006, but Sony has now revised this… Continue reading Playstation 3 Christmas Ad Campaign Shelved

Mike Clasper, former chief executive of BAA, has apparently been approached by the chairman of ITV about taking over the chief executive role following Charles Allen’s departure.According to a report in today’s Independent, Clasper has held discussions with Sir Peter Burt and is keen on the job, although there are no guarantees he would take… Continue reading Clasper In Discussions For ITV Top Job