Top Up TV founder David Chance could be appointed to the Setanta board following the departure of Irish financier Barry Maloney earlier this week.The appointment would come as part of American businessman Len Blavatnik’s £20 million rescue deal for the beleaguered broadcaster.Blavatnik, whose Access Industries currently holds a majority stake in Top Up TV and… Continue reading Setanta could appoint Top Up TV founder to the board

Half of the UK’s local and regional newspapers could close within the next five years, according to Claire Enders, chief executive of Enders Analysis.Speaking to a commons committee yesterday, Enders said that newspapers would close as revenues will collapse by 52%, or £1.3 billion, between 2007 and 2013.“We are expecting that up to half of… Continue reading “Half of local and regional newspapers to close in five years”

ITV1’s interview with the parents of murdered schoolboy Rhys Jones, Caught in the Crossfire, was beaten by a repeat of BBC One’s New Tricks in the 9pm slot last night.The BBC One detective show had a peak audience of 4.7 million viewers, a 21.1% share of the audience, with an average of 4.5 million staying… Continue reading Overnights: New Tricks repeat beats ITV1 interview

Ofcom has launched a review of its Broadcasting Code of rules for TV and radio stations, including looking at giving commercial radio stations greater freedom around content-related promotions.The review of the code, which has been in place in its current form since July 2005, could create greater commercial opportunities for radio stations and help create… Continue reading Ofcom launches review of Broadcasting Code

Disney has launched a new UK channel, XD, aimed at boys aged 6-14, following an initial US launch in February.The channel, which features a mix of live-action and animated programming, replaces Jetix, formerly Fox Kids Europe, which Disney acquired on February.Boel Ferguson, former Jetix Europe managing director, has become general manager Disney Channels UK &… Continue reading Disney launches XD channel for boys

Today’s Digital Britain report has laid out plans for universal broadband access by 2012 and a digital radio upgrade by 2015.BroadbandSpeaking this afternoon, culture secretary Ben Bradshaw said that BBC licence fee money will fund universal broadband alongside a “small levy” of 50p per month on all fixed telephone lines.Local NewsHe added that a “small… Continue reading Digital Britain report published

Digital radio station Fun Kids is to broadcast nationally across Great Britain during the summer holiday period.The station will broadcast on Digital One, the national commercial DAB digital radio network, between 27 June and 3 October.As well as broadcasting on DAB digital radio, Fun Kids is also available across the UK on Sky Digital, Virgin… Continue reading Fun Kids to broadcast on Digital One for the summer

For the first time, the entire BBC coverage of the Wimbledon tennis championships will be available in high definition on the BBC HD channel.As well as coverage on BBC One, BBC Two and the BBC HD channel, the championships will be available via live streaming on BBC Online and live text commentaries on its mobile… Continue reading BBC to broadcast 2009 Wimbledon Championships live in HD

The Premier League has told Setanta that it will auction-off its rights to air 46 live games next season unless it makes its next payment deadline of this Friday 19 June.It is thought that Setanta has paid £10 million of a £30 million rights payment which was due today.Last week, Setanta missed a £3 million… Continue reading Premier League gives Setanta Friday payment deadline

May TV viewing data shows that ITV1’s share suffered a slight year on year dip, despite the success of shows such as Britain’s Got Talent.All ViewingITV1’s viewing share fell 0.4 percentage points year on year, to leave it at 19.3% in May 2009.The channel had some big hits in May, however, with the final of… Continue reading Television Viewing Round-Up – May 2009