RTL Group, parent company of Five, has revealed impressive profits for the broadcaster, doubling its pre-tax figure for 2003 to total €18 million in the 12 months to December 2004.The company’s revenues also rose, adding 10.4% year on year €276 million, although RTL stated that the advertising markets could be unfavourable, remaining cautious for the… Continue reading Five Doubles Profits As Ad Revenue Rises

Cashpoint advertising specialists, ATM:ad, have unveiled the first charity advertisement to run across its network of Nationwide Building Society ATMs, designed to promote Red Nose Day 2005.The campaign, which went live this week, features at 581 sites in Nationwide branches and ASDA supermarkets and is designed to create awareness, not only of Red Nose Day… Continue reading ATM Ads To Promote BBC Comic Relief Show

ITV looks set to benefit from the BBC’s commitment to reduce its reality TV output, according to reports this morning, with the broadcaster intending to concentrate on non-advertising revenue streams, primarily lucrative interactive ventures such as telephone voting.According to the Times, ITV has doubled its revenue from premium rate telephone calls in the last financial… Continue reading BBC Reality Cuts Leave Door Open For ITV

Glasgow-based Scottish Media Group (SMG) has released an upbeat trading statement for the year ending 31 December 2004, revealing a 9% increase in profit before tax like for like, to £17.5 million, compared with £16 million in 2003. Total operating profit rose by a massive 62% year on year, up to £17.7 million in 2004… Continue reading SMG Enjoys 9% Rise In Profit For 2004

Publishing and media group, United Business Media (UBM), has announced the departure of its chief operating officer, Malcolm Wall. Wall has held the position since January 2001, before which he was chief executive officer of UBM’s television interests, playing a major role in building the group’s business. From 2001 onwards he delivered strong profit growth… Continue reading UBM’s Chief Operating Officer Departs

Mobile phone penetration is growing faster in Africa than anywhere else in the world, with a 5,000% increase between 1998 and 2003, according to a new study by Vodafone and the Centre for Economic Policy Research. The report revealed that 97% of people surveyed in Tanzania said they could access a mobile phone, while just… Continue reading Mobile Phone Penetration Fastest In Africa

Strategic information provider, TNS Media Intelligence (TNSMI), has revealed US total advertising expenditure for 2004 was up by 9.8% at £141.1 billion compared to 2003, revising previous estimates of 10.6% growth for the year. Almost all media measured by TNSMI experienced growth throughout 2004, with the internet, outdoor, cable TV and national syndication showing the… Continue reading US Aspend Rose 9.8% In 2004

ITV is to replace the Granada Men and Motors channel with a new offering aimed at men, believed to be the long-rumoured ITV4, taking the channel’s space on the Sky platform with the possibility of a Freeview launch as early as next month.According to reports this morning, ITV4 will absorb the daytime content currently offered… Continue reading ITV To Replace Men And Motors With ITV4

Virgin Mobile has been signed as the sponsor of MTV UK and Ireland’s flagship show Total Request Live for one year, starting from March 2005.The partnership, developed by Viacom Brand Solutions, will enable Virgin Mobile to tap into TRL‘s association with A-list celebrities, music and entertainment, as well as engage with the show’s youth audience… Continue reading Virgin Mobile To Sponsor MTV’s Total Request Live

Community media group, Archant, has completed the acquisition of Highbury Local Publications from Highbury House, making the purchase for £6.1 million in order to acquire its portfolio of six monthly lifestyle magazines and the three Property Mart titles operating in and around London.The deal marks a continuation of Archant’s strategic growth plan, with the company… Continue reading Archant Acquires Highbury Local Publications