TV’s self-styled Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, has extended his deal with ITV to appear exclusively on its network of channels until Spring 2008.The deal follows Cowell’s original contract with the broadcaster, signed for two years in 2004 (see ITV Signs Simon Cowell For Two Years).The new agreement will see the sharp-tongued pop mogul continue to… Continue reading Cowell To Wear ITV’s Golden Handcuffs Until 2008

Matthew d’Ancona has been appointed editor of The Spectator, leaving his current position as deputy editor of the Sunday Telegraph to take up the position at the end of the month. Announcing the decision this morning, Andrew Neil, chief executive of the Spectator said: “Matthew is a friend and colleague whose work I have long… Continue reading Deputy Sunday Telegraph Editor To Edit The Spectator

US internet advertising specialist company, BURST! Media, looks set to list on the London markets, reflecting the continuing strength of the online advertising market. According to a report in today’s Times, the company has already hired British advisors, with plans to float later this year. It is understood that BURST! Media could make a statement… Continue reading BURST! Media To List On UK Market

The Japanese mobile phone market is leading the way in terms of advance feature uptake, with consumers using their handsets for wireless ringtone downloading and surfing the web. According to a new survey from the NPD Group, a massive 76% of mobile phone users in Japan are going online via their mobile phones, compared to… Continue reading Japanese Consumers Surge Ahead In Advance Mobile Uptake

Worldwide cable telephony service revenues reached $5.6 billion in 2005, up from $4.5 billion in 2004 and are projected to hit $10 billion by 2009. According to a recent report from In-Stat, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is increasingly becoming the technology choice for cable operators, with the technology having a big impact in the… Continue reading Cable VoIP Revenue Hit $5.6 Billion In 2005

BBC One saw drama series Hotel Babylon continuing to pull in impressive audiences last night, as 5.4 million adults tuned in on average, topping primetime viewing against ITV1’s Eleventh Hour.The commercial giant saw 3.9 million adults tune in on average to see the final part of Eleventh Hour, with the thriller securing a share of… Continue reading No Reservations For Hotel Babylon Audiences

The BBC is to launch a new web TV trial, dubbed TV Plus, to explore new ways in which to engage audiences across broadband platforms.The trial will launch with content from BBC Two’s new series of The Apprentice, running across the channel’s new look website and providing catch-up programming as well as ‘must see’ moments… Continue reading BBC Launches New Web TV Trials

The Guardian‘s Berliner format is continuing to drive circulation increases, according to the latest ABC figures released today, with the paper adding 4.8% to its sales year on year last month.The newspaper’s circulation now stands at 394,913, up over 18,000 in real terms on the same point in 2005 following its switch to the reduced… Continue reading Berliner Drives Sales For Guardian And Observer

Media regulator Ofcom has awarded the new local FM licence for Shrewsbury to MNA Broadcasting Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midlands News Association.The new station, to be branded Shrewsbury FM, will begin broadcasting at the earliest opportunity, with Ofcom requiring activity to commence no later than two years from yesterday’s award date.MNA Broadcasting’s win… Continue reading Ofcom Awards FM Licence For Shrewsbury

Channel 4 has poached a second high profile director to develop its own network of radio stations, with GCap Media’s director of mergers, acquisitions and development, Gill Hind, joining the broadcaster to identify investment opportunities for Channel 4 in the UK radio sector.The appointment follows Channel 4’s signing of Nathalie Schwarz, former strategy and development… Continue reading Channel 4 Signs GCap Boss To Scout Radio Opportunities