Global advertising expenditure is estimated to increase by 4.7% this year, bringing 2005 adspend growth in line with expected GDP growth, according to forecasts published today by media group ZenithOptimedia. The agency’s outlook for 2006 is also positive, with advertising spend estimated to be up 6.1% compared to just 4% for the economy. These latest… Continue reading Global Adspend Growth Forecast In Line With GDP

Five and Paramount Comedy have co-commissioned their first series in a joint comedy initiative announcing plans to produce a UK version of hit US series Desperate Housewives with the new comedy Suburban Shootout.The eight-part, 30 minutes series from production company Feelgood Fiction, will follow the surreal world of two power-crazed housewives embroiled in a turf… Continue reading Five And Paramount Commission First Joint Comedy

Mark Cranmer, chief executive of the Europe, Middle East and African division of media agency Starcom MediaVest, has resigned after five years in the role.Cranmer is due to leave the company in March, but a replacement has not yet been named. According to Jim Marshall, Starcom UK chairman, the agency has informed its clients and… Continue reading Starcom Chief Executive Resigns

Richard Webb, general manager of News Group Newspapers, has resigned after ten years in the company, as part of a reshuffle in the senior management team at Times Newspapers.Webb will be replaced by Mike Gordon, commercial director for the group, while Clive Milner, managing director at TNL, will be broadening his role in the shake… Continue reading Webb Resigns From News International

Almost a fifth of mobile phone users worldwide have downloaded content to their phones, with a new study by LogicaCMG predicting a 60% increase in the technology in one year’s time. The research was conducted globally during May and June 2005, with the findings leading LogicaCMG to forecast the mobile content industry to bring in… Continue reading Mobile Downloading To Rise By 60%

Roly Keating, controller of BBC Two, has launched Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s much anticipated sitcom, Extras, lauding the new show as having “all the hallmarks of a great BBC Two comedy series” and underlining the station’s commitment to “pedigree comedy.”The much-anticipated new series will feature in the broadcaster’s spring schedule, along with several other… Continue reading BBC Pins Hopes On Extras For Audience Growth

The National Magazine Company has bought coastal lifestyle magazine Coast from Boat International, adding to its portfolio of living style guides and complementing the publishers successful Country Living.The magazine will start being published quarterly, giving NatMags the chance to gauge consumer and advertiser reaction to the publication.Commenting on the acquisition, Duncan Edwards, chief executive officer… Continue reading NatMags Adds Coast To Lifestyle Sector

Media group Emap, has predicted it’s full-year performance to be in line with forecasts, despite the relatively early point in the new financial year and a “degree of uncertainty” regarding the economic outlook.In a trading statement released by the group, it said that it expects to meet its expectations for the full year, buoyed by… Continue reading Emap Expects To Reach Targets

The Kingdom Radio Group has announced that it will be closing its North Lancashire radio station, 107 The Edge, this Friday.Formerly known as Clan FM, the talk and music station failed to live up to the high standards of its owner and, after four years on air, will stop broadcasting on 15 July.Kingdom Radio has… Continue reading Edge Radio Station To Shut On Friday

Media group Emap, has predicted it’s full-year performance to be in line with forecasts, despite the relatively early point in the new financial year and a “degree of uncertainty” regarding the economic outlook. In a trading statement released by the group, it said that it expects to meet its expectations for the full year, buoyed… Continue reading Emap Predicts 2005 Performance To Meet Expectations