Large format outdoor media contractor, Ocean Outdoor, has hired Mark Wilkinson as its first sales director following what the company claims has been an “excellent first year.”The appointment sees Wilkinson leave his current position as sales director at media publishing company Job Opportunities to take charge of sales at Ocean and further build the department.Wilkinson… Continue reading Expanding Ocean Outdoor Hires Sales Director

Media buying firm Aegis has confirmed that preliminary discussions over merger possibilities have been held with “more than one” potential bidder, casting further doubt French firm Publicis’ chance of success in securing a swift takeover proposition. Aegis, which owns media buying firms Carat and Vizeum, said in a statement this morning that “representatives and advisers… Continue reading Aegis Confirms Rival Bids For Takeover

WPP has joined the growing list of businesses interested in acquiring media buying group Aegis, with the company reportedly considering a bid for the British firm’s research arm. Meanwhile, French entrepreneur Vincent Bollore has further increased his stake in the company, fanning the flames of speculation surrounding his intentions, and securing 12.63% of the firm… Continue reading Bollore Raises Stakes As WPP Shows Interest In Aegis

Speaking at the MediaTelINSIGHT TV Technology Seminar, held in association with MediaGuardian, a panel of industry experts discussed the top issues in the television technology marketplace and their implications for the advertising world. The panel, chaired by Steve Busfield, media editor, Guardian Unlimited, was formed of Tess Alps, chairman of PHD; Nigel Foote, managing partner… Continue reading Majority Of Viewers Still Watch Live TV Despite PVR Uptake

Xfm, the London-based indie music station owned by GCap Media, has denied reports that drivetime DJ Lauren Laverne is to host its Breakfast Show following the departure of Christian O’Connell.A spokeswoman for the station said: “The story this afternoon hasn’t come from us. No such appointment has been made, although we do hope to make… Continue reading Xfm Denies Laverne To Take Breakfast Slot

Cable giants Telewest and ntl have this morning announced their long-awaited merger, designed to present a more united threat to multi channel dominant Sky, and ease the companies’ individual financial woes.The new business, which is valued at around $6 billion, will command a subscriber base of almost 5 million pay TV and broadband subscribers. This… Continue reading Cable Giants Tie Up To Tackle Sky

Rupert Murdoch’s News International has offloaded its subsidiary firm TSL Education, publisher of the Times Educational Supplement, in a deal worth £235 million.The company has been sold to Exponent Private Equity following a lengthy bidding process involving Emap and Guardian Media GroupAmongst the properties now owned by Exponent Private Equity are The Times Educational Supplement,… Continue reading Murdoch Sells Education Titles For £235 Million

Cable operator ntl this morning confirmed that a sale of Telewest’s Flextech television business, which had been widely expected in the run up to the two firms’ merger, has now been put on hold at least until after the consolidation is complete.Simon Duffy, chief executive of ntl, told reporters this morning that the company currently… Continue reading Ntl In No Rush To Sell Off Flextech

Tomorrow will see the latest broadcast devices put under the spotlight by MediaTel Group’s TV Technology Seminar, held in association with MediaGuardian.Taking place at from 9.30am – 11.30am at the Guardian Newsroom, 60 Farringdon Road, London, the event will see a panel chaired by Steve Busfield, media editor, Guardian Unlimited, discussing today’s hottest topics in… Continue reading Seminar To Throw Spotlight On TV Technology

London’s newest free morning paper, City AM, has announced its first brand extension just weeks after hitting the capital’s streets.The paper will launch City AM Living, its new fortnightly property supplement on 6 October, with plans to take the title weekly later in the year.Printed in full colour, the new supplement will comprise 24 pages… Continue reading City AM Expands Within Weeks Of Launch