Radio groups Capital and GWR now look set to complete their merger in early May, according to reports today, despite the departure of Nathalie Schwartz, Capital’s strategy and development director, believed to have orchestrated much of the consolidation.Schwartz is set to leave Capital at the end of the month, although it is not yet known… Continue reading Capital Set To Merge With GWR In May

Outdoor advertising specialist, Maiden Group plc, has issued a pre-close trading statement, for the year to 31 December 2004, revealing a strong financial performance for the company during 2004, despite under performing in their outdoor billboard division. The quality of the Group’s retail division (mall and supermarkets) improved last year, and despite a 25% reduction… Continue reading Maiden Up Despite Poor Performance In Billboard Advertising

Publishing and media group, United Business Media (UBM) is reported to have appointed advisers to consider a sale of its market research firm, NOP World, valued at £250 million. UBM said that investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Allen & Co will carry out the review, which will “examine a number of alternatives to maximise… Continue reading UBM Considering Sale Of NOP World

TV looks set to perform strongly in the first quarter of 2005, with increases in advertising revenues seen across all major broadcasters. Commenting on the predictions, Reece McLachlan of Media Com told MediaTelINSIGHT: “This is an encouraging return to form, TV continues to remain the largest medium contact with consumers. This demonstrates the unique power… Continue reading TV Adspend Predicted To Rocket In Q1 2005

Sales of online films look set to make almost $1 billion by 2010, with the impact of piracy predicted to be less severe than expected, according to a new report published by Informa Telecoms & Media, due to be released on Monday. The report reveals that the cost to the industry from digital piracy was… Continue reading Online Films Set To Make $1 Billion By 2010

Mobile phone operator mm02 has announced that it is launching the only own-branded 3G handset in the UK market, planned for release on 1st February. The news of O2’s entrance into the third generation mobile phone market will help to enforce previous estimations by industry intelligence group, Wireless World Forum, that subscribers of 3G mobile… Continue reading 3G Market Set To Expand

Student union television specialists, SUBtv is sponsoring the National Student Music Awards, and has signed up online music site, Wippit, as its digital download partner, which will be used for online voting and promotions.SUBtv is sponsoring and organising the event and will be providing facilities for filming and recording the bands. Thirty finalists have already… Continue reading SUBtv To Sponsor National Student Music Awards

BBC Radio Stations Weekly Reach (000s) Year On Year Comparisons Station Survey Period Ending Dec 03 Ending Dec 04 % Ch 1Xtra from the BBC Q 248 288 16.1 BBC 6 Music Q 155 238 53.5 BBC Asian Network Q 159 138 -13.2 BBC Asian Network UK H 453 535 18.1 BBC Essex Q 254… Continue reading RAJAR Results Q4 2004: Performance By Ownership

The following tables show the best and worst performers, in terms of weekly reach and share of listening, of the local commercial stations broadcasting outside London. Top/Bottom 10 Weekly Reach (000s) % Change Station Survey Period Ending Dec 2003 Ending Dec 2004 % Change Passion 107.9 Y 11 22 100.0 Star 107 (Cambridge/Ely) Y 19… Continue reading RAJAR Results Q4 2004: Local Commercial Stations

Magazine publisher, Highbury House Communications, saw a 26% rise in share price yesterday, after the Group confirmed that it had received an approach that could lead to a possible take over bid for the company. Yesterday, the stock market saw Highbury shares increase from 1 7/8 to 9 1/4p, valuing the business at around £30… Continue reading Highbury Share Price Rises On Possible Take Over Bid