Analyst, Merrill Lynch, has revised its adspend forecasts for the US newspaper industry, with estimates for advertising expenditure being lowered due to an uneven economy and an industry resurgence for the second half of 2005. Merrill forecasts newspaper adspend (print and online combined) to rise by 3.3% in 2005, revised down from 4%, based on… Continue reading Merrill Revises Down US Newspaper Ad Predictions

Highbury House Communications shareholders have approved the sale of 38 magazine titles to rival publisher, Future, for a cash consideration of £30.5 million.The sale was approved at an extraordinary general meeting held by Highbury House.The titles purchased include, Fast Cars, Fast Bikes, DJ, DVD Review, the What Video group of magazines and Highbury’s puzzle offerings.… Continue reading Highbury Shareholders Approve Magazine Sale

Simon Hills, IPC Media’s corporate advertisement director, has stepped down after 17 years with the publishing firm in order to concentrate on “new adventures and challenges in a different environment.”Amongst other achievements with IPC, Hills was responsible at one time or another for the running of IPC SouthBank, the company’s weekly magazines division and its… Continue reading Hills Steps Down As IPC Ad Director

The marketing profession is predicting a gloomy outlook for the industry, forecasting declines and radical cut backs in expenditure, according to the latest survey results from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). The Marketing Trends Survey, which questioned senior marketing professionals on their businesses and prospects for the future, showed that marketers are significantly less… Continue reading Gloomy Outlook For Marketers

The majority of personal video recorder (PVR) households are relatively new to the technology, with the devices not yet affecting their television viewing behaviour, according to new research from ESPN. According to the findings, about two-thirds of PVR users got their devices in the last six months, with 85% of consumers owning only one, while… Continue reading PVRs Not Yet Affecting TV Viewing Behaviour

Last night saw ZenithOptimedia romp to victory in the MediaTel Group Sports Quiz, claiming the trophy after a close fought battle with rival News International.The quiz, which raised over £600 for charities, including the Meningitis Trust and Cancer Research UK, was well attended, with teams from News International, the Evening Standard, IDS, Brand Connection and… Continue reading ZenithOptimedia Lifts Trophy At MediaTel Sports Quiz

Carat International has successfully poached Anthony Jones, ZenithOptimedia’s worldwide research director to head up its Insight division, playing a key role with some of the company’s high-profile global clients, including Vodafone, Renault, Philips, and Pernod Ricard.The move will see Jones end a seven and a half year career with ZenithOptimedia, where he has held development… Continue reading Carat Signs ZenithOptimedia Man For Research Role

United Business Media (UBM) has announced plans to acquire hospitality magazine Theme, and the Bar Show hospitality exhibition for £5 million in cash from Mondiale Publishing.The purchases add to UBM’s current hospitality title, the Publican, which was acquired in February, with the proposed acquisitions expected to enhance the company’s earnings within twelve months.The new businesses… Continue reading UBM Boosts Portfolio With Hospitality Title

Specialist magazine publisher, Future, has appointed customer communication company, Broadsystem, to help strengthen itself through increased advertising and subscription revenue.The deal will see Broadsystem build a bespoke, specialist database to Future’s requirements, then managing data feeds with experienced personal to help Future understand the data process.Future will have full access to data analytics and marketing… Continue reading Future Focuses On Data To Boost Revenues

Virgin Radio is to boost the appeal of its classic rock station with the addition of live programming, a move designed to increase audiences and create a more tangible station identity.The content change will see Gordon Loncaster join Richard Skinner in becoming the first voices to be heard on the digital station when live programming… Continue reading Virgin To Boost Rock Station With Live Output