Strategic communications agency Tonic is to rebrand as Progress, with plans to develop a digital media offering to tackle the next wave of development in electronic media.Progress’ new digital arm will broaden the agency’s abilities, but requires a third partner to join founders Geoff Seeley and Tim Elton.Explaining the rebranding and expansion, Seeley said: “We… Continue reading Tonic Rebrands As Progress Ahead Of Digital Expansion

Emap Advertising’s full marketing communications service, Emap2, has secured its first deal, a six figure promotion for car manufacturer Audi.The campaign, which will run across Emap’s men’s titles Arena, Empire and Q, is designed to target “up-market, intelligent men who are passionate about style, film and music.”Supporting the launch of Audi’s new RS4, the magazines… Continue reading Emap2 Secures First Promo Deal For Audi

The Hallmark Channel has undertaken its first rebranding in five years, replacing its familiar crown logo with a series of dramatic landscape scenes.The new channel idents coincide with the first anniversary of ownership by Sparrowhawk Media, chaired by David Elstein, following the company’s purchase of non-UK Hallmark channels last February (see Elstein Successful In Bid… Continue reading Hallmark Swaps Iconic Crown For Emotive Branding

ITV delivered a ratings masterstroke on Saturday night, flooring the competition with its Dancing On Ice finale, followed by Tony Blair’s appearance on chat show Parkinson.The ice skating showdown saw former soap star Gaynor Faye scoop victory, watched by an average adult audience of 10.1 million.Delivering a share of 44.4%, the programme destroyed competition from… Continue reading Dancing On Ice Final Freezes Out Competition

The Mail on Sunday has launched its You magazine as a standalone title, hitting newsstands in London this week with a new look and low cover price.The title will continue its distribution within the Mail on Sunday, however, in addition to being available for £1 every Tuesday.The title has been given a radical facelift, with… Continue reading Mail On Sunday Extends You Magazine To The Newsstand

Niche magazine publisher Future has bolstered its music portfolio with the acquisition of American heavy metal magazine, Revolver.Announcing the purchase to the City this morning, Future revealed a price of £2.3 million had been paid for the title, along with its related website at revolvermag.com.The purchase of the title from Harris Publications sees six year… Continue reading Future Bolsters Music Mags With US Acquisition

French entrepreneur and Havas chairman Vincent Bollore has outlined his plans for the coming year, announcing a streamlining of Havas’ management, and hinting at a push for a Board position at UK-based Aegis.The businessman, who has increased his holding in Aegis over recent months, told French newspaper Le Fiagaro that his 26% stake in the… Continue reading Bollore Eyes Seat On Aegis Board

Vincent Bollore plans to tighten and streamline Havas management structure, saying in a recent interview with a French newspaper that he wants the advertising company to be run by a smaller, tighter group. The Havas chairman wants to reduce the number of administrators and limit the number of committees within the Paris based company’s management.… Continue reading Bollore Reveals Management Plans

Market information group, Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), has announced an increase of 20.7% in full year profit for 2005, with strong growth in its syndicated research division offsetting a weak UK market. Adjusted operating profit for the year rose by 9.5% year on year, reaching £112.6 million, up from £102.8 million, while the group’s adjusted… Continue reading TNS Enjoys 20% Profit Increase In 2005

The online French economy is growing at an impressive rate, with the country at the forefront of many internet trends and enjoying one of the most competitive market places. According to a new report from eMarketer, over the past three years French internet users have overwhelmingly switched to broadband and are increasingly subscribing to telephone… Continue reading French Online Industry Pushing Forward