Mobile phone operator Orange has unveiled the first usage figures for its mobile-TV service, with reality show Big Brother topping the charts as the platform’s most watched show.The mobile firm’s statistics show the programme’s live stream achieving a 30% share of the available audience for both its launch and finale screenings via its 3G based… Continue reading Big Brother Tops Charts For Mobile Viewing

Several MPs in ITV’s Border region are set to challenge culture secretary Tessa Jowell’s plans for digital switchover, claiming there is “complete uncertainty” over the Government’s plans to assist those who cannot afford new equipment required for the change.Speaking to Broadcast, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick upon Tweed, Alan Beith explained: “So far [the Government]… Continue reading Switchover Plan Slammed By Border MPs

French advertising group, Publicis Group has confirmed that is has held “preliminary conversations” about a possible offer for UK media and market research group Aegis. In a statement to the City last night, Publicis explained that its discussions were “extremely premature” and are not necessarily building towards an offer for Aegis. Publicis’ confirmation marks an… Continue reading Publicis Group Confirms Offer For Aegis

Brett Gosper, president of Omnicom TBWA\New York has left the agency to rejoin Interpublic Group’s McCann Erickson assuming the position of president of the US company. The new expanded role will see Gosper focus on McCann New York as well as working on key multinational accounts. Gosper left McCann a year ago to join Omnicom,… Continue reading Gosper Rejoins McCann

Independent News and Media (INM) announced today the appointment of Martin Lindsay as editor of the Belfast Telegraph, succeeding Edmund Curran who has been appointed editor-in-chief of INM’s newspaper titles in Northern Ireland. Lindsay takes up the post after 12 years as editor and general manager of the Telegraph’s, sister paper, Sunday Life. During his… Continue reading INM Appoints Lindsay As Editor Of Belfast Telegraph

Global broadband lines grew to a total of 176 million during the second quarter of 2005, a rise of 16% from 152 million lines at 31 December 2004, with the total number of lines added between the end of 2004 and Q2 2005 reaching 24.3 million. According to Point Topic’s World Broadband Statistics for mid-2005,… Continue reading Global Broadband Lines Hit 176 Million

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has unveiled a new marketing push to drive public awareness of its activities, despite receiving growing numbers of complaints from Britain’s increasingly media savvy population.The new campaign, featuring an intentionally “rubbish” TV spot, with shoddy special effects and dated scenery. The advert, which marks the first television promotion for the… Continue reading ASA Unveils Bad Advertising Push

GreenGrass, a new technology firm promising to make web TV a viable experience for viewers, has signed its first high profile content provider, with ITN News the first broadcaster to appear on its trial platform.The service, which will launch officially next year, is built specifically for web viewers, with a pre-paid credit system allowing viewers… Continue reading ITN Signs Up For GreenGrass Web TV

Satellite giant BSkyB is to launch its first fully-fledged entertainment channel on the Freeview platform, with Sky Three intended to boost the broadcaster’s profile on the free to air service and provide a showcase for the content of its paid for digital satellite channels.The move will also see Sky One’s sister station, Sky Mix, rebranded… Continue reading Sky Three To Launch On Freeview

Emap’s first ever Kiss Awards, the company’s R&B equivalent of the popular Q Awards, is to be sponsored by Scottish and Newcastle’s new cider brand, Strongbow Sirrus.The cross-media deal, brokered by Sam Browne and Claire Powell at Starcom Mediavest, will launch Strongbow Sirrus through Emap Advertising’s multi-platform brands, using Kiss, FHM, New Woman, Mixmag, Zoo,… Continue reading Kiss Signs Strongbow For Awards Sponsorship