Last year was pretty gloomy for newspapers, with circulations continuing to fall and the financial downturn beginning to bite, while a question concerning many was the migration to digital.One of the biggest stories of the year, at least as far as regional publishers were concerned, came in November as the BBC Trust rejected the Corporation’s… Continue reading 2008 round-up: Newspapers

There was a lot going on in the TV industry in 2008, with major players moving jobs, Channel 4’s funding gap and the rapid growth of digital TV just some of the big themes to emerge.At the end of January, the Office of Fair Trading began its review of the Contracts Rights Renewal (CRR) mechanism,… Continue reading 2008 round-up: Television

It was a year of contrasting fortunes for the magazine industry in 2008, with titles closing and circulations falling for many, although there were signs of where the future could lie as digital mags began to take off and free titles showed their worth.There was big news at the start of the year as Emap… Continue reading 2008 round-up: Magazines

Folder Media’s digital radio station Fun Radio has been rebranded Fun Kids and given a new schedule.The children’s station, previously owned by GCap Media, has relaunched its weekday morning preschool brand Giggle with a new character, Millie the Moosical Cow, who introduces stories and music and encourages young listeners to join in at home.Radio consultancy… Continue reading Fun Radio rebranded Fun Kids

The first evening of 2009 saw the BBC come out on top in the ratings war, with a new episode of spooky detective show Jonathan Creek picking up a peak of 9.4 million viewers for BBC One.On from 9pm to 11pm, the comedy-drama had an average audience of nine million people, or a 35.9% share… Continue reading 9.4m see return of Jonathan Creek

Internet users across the UK have an average of 17 friends who they first met online – rising to 25 friends for men under 25, according to new research from TNS.The Digital World, Digital Life study found that although younger age groups have more online friends it is the older web users who actually have… Continue reading Brits making new friends online

ITV and Channel 4 should pull out of Project Kangaroo, according to a new report from Enders Analysis.The report says that taking part in the video-on-demand project will cost the broadcasters up to £15 million each.It argues that instead of taking on new projects, they should concentrate on riding out the recession.Enders estimates that Kangaroo… Continue reading Broadcasters “should pull out of Project Kangaroo”

The government is launching a £275 million marketing campaign aimed at tackling the obesity crisis.Beginning with a TV ad which breaks tomorrow, the Department of Health’s Change4Life campaign includes £75 million of government marketing and a pledge of £200 million in services and marketing support from a coalition of companies.Dawn Primarolo, public health minister, said:… Continue reading Government launches anti-obesity ad campaign

ITN On has signed a deal to provide video content for the Bauer Media website FHM.com.The deal will see the launch of a selection of bespoke film, TV and music programmes for FHM.com’s online and mobile platforms.The FHM Review, a weekly rundown of recent entertainment releases will feature the FHM editorial team previewing music, games,… Continue reading ITN On signs content deal with FHM.com

Culture secretary Andy Burnham has said he will not rule out top-slicing the licence fee to secure the future of Channel 4.Speaking at a Voice of the Listener and Viewer event in Parliament, Burnham said that although this option is a last resort, it would not be ruled out.“There is real potential in examining several… Continue reading Culture secretary will not rule out top-slicing licence fee