The government’s media regulator, Ofcom, has today outlined the steps that have to be taken to ensure that UK broadcasters are ready for a fully digital future by as early as 2007. The consultation document, adds weight to previous reports that said, analogue switch-off will become a reality for commercial television stations including; ITV, Channel… Continue reading Ofcom Puts Steps In Place For Early Digital Swith-Over

BBC Magazines will expand its pre-school portfolio later this month with the launch of a new title called Hi-5 targeting children aged between three and six.The magazine launches on 22 September with a coverprice of £1.99 and is based on the critically acclaimed Australian television programme, which has been showing on Channel Five’s Milkshake slot… Continue reading BBC Magazines Prepares Hi-5 For Pre-Schoolers

The Sunday Times will publish its biggest ever Style supplement on 19 September, packing the 156-page seasonal fashion special with exclusive features on Madonna’s wardrobe and England’s most fashionable health gurus.The autumn special will focus on the ‘hottest and hippest’ trends for the season, forming what the newspaper claims is an ‘invaluable and luxurious handbook’… Continue reading Times Boosts Fashion Coverage With Bumper Supplement

Digital switch-off, audience measurement and the impact of convergence on traditional spot advertising are just some of the big issues due for discussion at this year’s forthcoming European Television Symposium in Berlin.The two day event, entitled Managing Change, will see a range of international speakers examine the state of the industry by asking what lessons… Continue reading Television Symposium Tackles Convergence Head On

Metro International has extended its deal with British Airways to promote London as a tourist destination after the previous campaign prompted a 49% increase in flight bookings to the UK capital.The renewed deal will see British Airways increase its advertising investment with the Swedish-based fee-sheet publisher by 150% throughout 2004. Activity will also be extended… Continue reading Metro Extends Advertising Deal With British Airways

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