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

Trinity Mirror has launched two new free weekly newspapers in the Warwick and Leamington Spa areas of the Midlands, bringing the company’s total number of publications for the region to 43.The new titles, the Warwick Times and Royal Leamington Spa Times, will be published by Coventry Newspapers, adding to Trinity’s portfolio in the area, which… Continue reading Trinity Launches Two New Regional Titles

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

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

Local online advertising is enjoying a strong 2005, with many site operators reporting revenue increases of over 50%, and expecting the medium to continue growth over the next four years. According to a recent report from media research group, Borrell Associates, local businesses will spend $4.1 billion this year on online advertising, a rise of… Continue reading Strong Outlook For Online Advertising

Product placement is increasingly becoming part of the media mix, with threats to the traditional carriers of advertising causing marketers to expand their portfolio with new ways to target their audience. According to US research company, PQ Media, the product placement market is predicted to reach $6.94 billion by 2009, increasing at a compound annual… Continue reading Major New Research Into Product Placement Commissioned

ITV has unveiled a new top team and management structure in order to “position itself for growth in the digital age” and focus more closely on the needs of viewers and advertisers. The new management structure will see Mick Desmond, chief executive of ITV Broadcasting, part company with the business just weeks after sales director… Continue reading ITV Announces Management Reshuffle Preparing For Digital Age