BBC One’s detective drama New Tricks delivered a blow to the concluding part of ITV1’s Sharpe’s Challenge last night, drawing 6.4 million compared to the commercial giant’s 5.5 million.The evening was not a total triumph for the BBC however, as ITV’s Coronation Street double bill saw both episodes top the 9 million mark, while BBC… Continue reading BBC’s New Tricks Puts An End To Sharpe’s Challenge

ITV has secured mobile phone operator T-Mobile as the exclusive sponsor of Soccer Aid on ITV1 and ITV2, giving the phone network wide-ranging branding for the sporting event this summer.Soccer Aid sees a number of World Cup legends and top celebrities teaming up to go head-to-head in an “England versus The Rest of The World”… Continue reading ITV Scores T-Mobile For Soccer Aid Sponsorship

The Economist has appointed poster specialist Kinetic to handle all of its global outdoor marketing, relocating the business from Aegis-owned Posterscope in an effort to raise awareness of the publication in worldwide markets.Kinetic takes control of the account with immediate effect, covering the UK, France and the US. The business was won without a competitive… Continue reading Kinetic Wins Economist Account Ahead Of US Push

Consumers accessing the internet via their mobile phone are increasing, with 56% of users having browsed the internet or downloaded emails in 2005. Recent figures from A.T. Kearney revealed users rising affiliation with advanced features on their mobile phone, with a massive 92% of users in Japan going online via their mobiles. This strong trend… Continue reading Mobile Phone Users Embrace Device Online Capacity

Channel 4 has announced an increase in profits of 9%, allowing the broadcaster to pump an extra £50 million into its programming budget this year. The rise sees the broadcaster’s profits hit £48.5 million, with advertising growth of 6% over the year increasing turnover to £894 million. Channel 4’s main channel saw advertising and sponsorship… Continue reading Revenue Rise Sees C4 Pump £50m Into Programming

UK publishing group, Pearson, has agreed to buy US teacher certification group National Evaluation Systems Inc (NSE), with the deal expected to add to adjusted earnings per share and return on invested capital from 2007. According to Pearson, NES is the leading provider of customised state assessments for teacher certification in the US, working under… Continue reading Pearson Buys US Teacher Certification Group

Digital radio broadcaster and programme producer, UBC Media, has launched its Digital Radio Display Text Software in partnership with US company, Harris Corporation. The deal will see UBC’s display text software integrated into Harris’s HD Radio Flexstar product portfolio, potentially generating millions of dollars in revenues for the UK based company. The US radio industry… Continue reading UBC Media Signs Radio Deal With US Firm

Channel 4 is to court controversy this August with a series of near-the-knuckle comedy programming specifically designed to cause offence.The broadcaster’s Offensive Comedy Season will feature a range of documentaries and films examining un-PC topics, designed as a reaction to increasing social tension and social discord.“In an era where cartoons can lead to international rioting… Continue reading Channel 4 Plans To Offend With Comedy Season

Sky One’s screening of the long-awaited Simpsons episode written by Ricky Gervais drew 1.5 million adults last night, exceeding the audience for the two preceeding episodes and more than doubling the audience of a following edition of the show.Airing at 6:30pm, the episode featured Gervais as the voice of Charles – Homer Simpson’s opposite number… Continue reading Gervais-Penned Simpsons Scores Ratings Hit For Sky

BBC Origin has announced the launch of a new full-colour monthly puzzle magazine, with Mind Games launching on the 6th June 2006.The publication will offer readers brainteasers, puzzles, quizzes and facts, providing high quality content to satisfy the hardcore puzzler and “embracing everyone who likes to think.”Commenting on the launch, Andy Marshall, managing director of… Continue reading BBC Origin Launches New Puzzle Magazine