ITV has announced the extension of its exclusive multi-year licensing agreement for the terrestrial television rights to NBC Universal’s feature films and television series in the UK.The deal will ensure ITV has exclusive terrestrial access to NBC Universal’s movies produced between 2004 and 2006. In addition, the agreement includes titles from NBC Universal’s feature film… Continue reading ITV Extends Movie Rights Deal Into 2006

Internet giant British Telecom has confirmed that it has plans to offer broadband customers a mix of on-demand movies, music and TV content through their phone line, and is considering building on the existing Freeview platform to provide a ready-made customer base.The revelations come in reports this morning, with BT’s chief executive Andrew Burke reportedly… Continue reading BT Boards On-Demand Bandwagon With Broadband Services

A new company has entered the TV and out-of-home ad sales arena, founded by four former ITV sales employees.Optimal Media Sales has already secured three clients, including Welsh broadcaster S4C, and offers bespoke representation to both television broadcasters and media owners in the out-of-home television sector. The company’s other clients include The Golf Channel, owned… Continue reading New Screen Media Startup Formed By ITV Sales Execs

Magazine giant Emap’s flagship men’s title, FHM, has announced an exclusive cross branding and advertising deal worth over £1 million with online poker site, The World Poker Exchange.The deal, spanning six-months, will culminate in a TV special to be aired on men’s entertainment channels Bravo and Ftn later this year. The TV special will be… Continue reading FHM Secures Poker Deal Worth Over £1 Million

International media group, Pearson, has issued a positive trading update ahead of its 2004 preliminary results announcement on 28 February, stating that flagship publication, the Financial Times, is on course to break even in the fourth quarter, reiterating expectations in the Group’s November trading update.The announcement follows hard hitting cost-cuts within the company over previous… Continue reading Financial Times Set To Break Even For 2004

Digital satellite radio in the US is predicted to enjoy impressive growth over the next several years, with an estimated 9 million new subscribers set to join by 2008, according to market research firm In-Stat. A recent survey of the firm’s Technology Adoption Panel of US consumers, indicates a growing awareness of digital radio services,… Continue reading Digital Radio Forging Ahead

The strength of online advertising expenditure has been confirmed, with web portal Yahoo! announcing that its profits have almost doubled in the last quarter of 2004, making $187 million (£143.2 million). This validates key industry forecasts that the internet will lead 2005 in terms of advertising, with predictions from media commentary group Jack Myers predicting… Continue reading Online Advertising Breaking Records

International media group, Pearson has today issued a positive scheduled trading update ahead of its 2004 preliminary results announcement on 28 February, stating that Pearson’s flagship publication, The Financial Times is breaking even in the fourth quarter, reiterating expectations in the Group’s November trading update (see Financial Times Expected To Break Even By Year End).… Continue reading Financial Times Will Break Even For 2004

The former director-general of the BBC, Greg Dyke, has denied recent speculation that he has held talks with Clive Hollick regarding a consortium bid for commercial broadcaster ITV, according to industry sources. Mr Dyke has had no contact with Lord Hollick and the first he knew of the outgoing United Business Media (UBM) chief executives’… Continue reading Dyke Denies ITV Takeover Rumours

A rise in utility bills and housing costs has helped to push the UK’s inflation rate up, with December’s figure hitting its highest level since June 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics.According to the ONS, the consumer price index has risen by 1.6% year on year in December. The bulk of the blame… Continue reading Inflation Rises As Utility Costs Climb