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

Consumer magazine publisher, Future Network, has today warned profits have been held back as a result of a weak Dollar, despite pre-tax profits growing by 7% during the first six months of this year. From January to June 2004, pre-tax profit rose to £7.2 million, up from £6.7 million year-on-year, while operating profit rose 9%… Continue reading Future Network Profits Up 7% Despite The Impact Of A Weak Dollar

After losing out in the Grey Global bidding battle to WPP, shareholders of advertising group, Havas, are saying that the French-based company is looking increasingly vunerable and may be next to be put under the hammer, says the Financial Times. According to the FT, the Havas shareprice rallied yesterday when it pulled out of the… Continue reading Havas May Be Next Under The Acquisition Hammer

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

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