Ofcom has found “systemic failures” in premium rate phone-in services on TV, with the outcome of the watchdog’s inquiry into the sector saying some broadcasters “appeared to be in denial about their responsibilities to ensure programmes delivered on the transactions they offered to viewers” and that there is a “lack of transparency through the supply… Continue reading Ofcom Finds ‘Systemic Failures’ In Premium Rate Phone-In Services

The troubled men’s magazine sector is set to feel the heat from an aggressive newcomer, with the news that a team of magazine industry heavyweights is gearing up to launch a new free competitor into the weekly market.The plan is to create a half-million circulation title, which has a working title of Alpha One, with… Continue reading FEATURE: Start-Up Stirs Up Men’s Weekly Sector

ITV1’s autumn line-up was unveiled to the industry this afternoon, revealing the best bits of drama, comedy, factual and sport, which will air on the flagship channel over the coming months.During a drawn-out ceremony at Television Centre in London, director of television at ITV, Simon Shaps, discussed and showcased the highlights in the commercial broadcaster’s… Continue reading Sport And Factual Focus For ITV1’s Autumn Line-Up

The return of the Robson Green crime drama series, Wire In The Blood, was a big winner for ITV1 last night, with the show easily trouncing the other networks’ offerings from 9pm with an average adult audience of over 5.6 million.The captivating narrative, which revolved around the abduction and murder of an 11-year-old girl from… Continue reading Return Of Wire In The Blood Boosts ITV1

Music weekly NME is to undergo a redesign in a bid to boost the long-running title’s circulation amidst a generally depressed market.At the most recent ABC concurrent release, for July to December 2006, the title recorded around a 5% year on year dip in its total figure, and a 1.6% loss period on period. It… Continue reading NME Undergoes Redesign To Boost Circulation

Today’s digital radio multiplex win by the 4 Digital Group signals a hugely positive step forward for radio’s future, moving the medium into a new, innovative and interactive phase.“The future of radio is about Electronic Programme Guides, about being able to download podcasts, to purchase music, to interact with your radio in a way that… Continue reading Multiplex Win Signals New Era For Radio

Channel 4 has announced that it will be the first of the main terrestrial TV stations to introduce a time-shifted digital channel, whilst Five is to launch two +1 services for its digital offerings, Five Life and Five US.Channel 4+1 will begin on 20 August on Freeview, Sky and Virgin, whilst Five Life +1 and… Continue reading Time-Shifted Channels For C4, Five Life And Five US

The structure of agencies and the creativity of advertising for newspapers were brought into question at the ‘Future of National Newspapers’ seminar held by MediaTel Group in London yesterday, with panellists urging agencies to become more integrated.Stuart Taylor, commercial director at Guardian News and Media, said that agencies are “too structured separately”. He conceded that… Continue reading Agencies Must Consider Restructure For Digital Age

The newspaper industry must work harder to promote itself, increasing marketing and research to change the primarily negative perception of the sector that has developed since the influx of digital technology.This was the view of panellists at this morning’s ‘Future of National Newspapers’ seminar, held in London by MediaTel Group. The selection of top industry… Continue reading Newspaper Industry Must Focus On Marketing Itself To Succeed

The charity concert for Princess Diana’s 46th birthday, ten years on from her controversial death, attracted an average adult audience of 7.8 million to BBC One yesterday.The concert, which saw a diverse mix of acts – from the Princess’ faves Duran Duran to Take That, Lily Allen and emo funsters Orson – gave the channel… Continue reading A Right Royal Ratings Fest