Media super-regulator Ofcom has rejected the complaints of almost 50 viewers who claimed that a controversial television commercial for Golden Wonder’s Nik Naks was offensive and unsuitable for children.The 30-second spot, which parodied a scene from Alien, saw a giant Nik Nak burst from a man’s stomach accompanied by a voiceover encouraging viewers to ‘Eat… Continue reading Ofcom Not Offended By Golden Wonder’s Nik Naks

Sir Martin Sorrell’s WPP is to acquire Grey Global for £845 million in a deal that brings it neck and neck with US-owned Omnicom for the title of the world’s largest advertising agency. WPP saw off competition from French advertising group Havas and San Francisco-based private equity firm Hellman & Friedman with a knockout bid… Continue reading WPP Wins Battle For Grey With £845 Million Bid

NTL has confirmed it is in the process of reviewing its strategic plans, which could result in the sale of the group’s television and radio broadcasting business. According to the Financial Times, the sale of the UK cable operators ‘tower’ business is expected to generate at least £1.2 billion. A spokesperson confirmed that NTL is… Continue reading NTL Reviewing Plans Which Could Result In Sale Of ‘Towers’ Business

‘The newspaper is the new mass-market medium’, according to the chief operating officer of Independent News & Media. Speaking at the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) 39th annual congress, Gavin O’Reilly, who is also the first vice president of WAN, put forward the ten reasons why he thinks newspapers are still the best advertising medium.… Continue reading Ten Reasons Why The Newspaper Is The New Mass Market Medium

The turbulent summer weather has led to European consumers choosing the internet over their traditional outdoor summer activities, according to online marketing group, TradeDoubler. The latest TradeDoubler Tracker report said, sales volumes grew month on month, with four-of-the-five leading sectors having increased volume in what is traditionally a quieter month for online transactions. The figures… Continue reading Dismal Summer Sends Sun-Seekers Online

The National Magazine Company has announced the appointment of Matthew Line, a former editor of IPC’s Homes & Gardens, to spearhead a high-profile new launch.Line left Homes & Gardens two years ago to become chief executive of The Prince’s Foundation, where he has been involved in urban design and architecture. Prior to that, he headed… Continue reading Natmags Draws Line To Spearhead New Launch

More than three quarters of UK television viewers would support Government action to ban junk food advertising during children’s programming in an attempt to combat the growing problem of obesity amongst young people.The BBC’s Healthy Britain poll of more than 1,000 adults shows that an outright ban on junk food advertising was supported across all… Continue reading Viewers Support Outright Ban On Fast Food Commercials

The Daily Telegraph has caught tennis fever a month too late, by securing forthcoming Brit flick Wimbledon for its Movie Monthly promotion and offering readers the chance to see the film for free before anyone else.The free screenings of the film, the latest release from Working Title Films, will be supported by an radio advertising… Continue reading Telegraph Revives Wimbledon With Film Promotion

Publicis Groupe, the world’s fourth largest marketing services company, has given its clearest indication yet that it might follow in the footsteps of its rivals with the creation of a single media buying point outside of the US. The news comes as the French-owned holding group for ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest revealed plans to create… Continue reading Publicis Ponders Creation Of Single Buying Point

The BBC has confirmed that it is talking to some of the world’s biggest media companies, including Bertelsmann, Time Warner and Disney, about the future of its commercial operation, BBC Worldwide.A spokesman for the BBC said that discussions are underway with a number of companies interested in BBC Worldwide, which is currently the subject of… Continue reading Global Media Giants Line Up For BBC Worldwide