More Industry News articles

More than 1.68 billion person to person text messages were sent across the four UK GSM networks in July 2003, up from 1.3 billion in the same period the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Mobile Data Association (MDA). JulyÂ’s figure takes the total number of text messages sent so far during… Continue reading Reality Boost For Text Messaging In July

ITV’s director of programmes, Nigel Pickard, has outlined plans to revitalise the schedules at the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, despite news that ITV1’s programming budget for next year will remain static at around £835 million.Speaking at this year’s Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, Pickard, who took over from David Liddiment last year (see He… Continue reading MGEITF 2003: Pickard Outlines Plans To Revitalise ITV

The cost of digital TV set-top box equipment could fall as low as €36 (£27) by 2007, as fierce competition in the supplier market continues to drive down prices, according to a new report from Strategy Analytics.Also On MediaTel Insight Today…US Hi-Tech Publishing Ad Volumes Fall 17% In JulyThe US hi-tech business publishing sector saw… Continue reading MediaTelINSIGHT: DTV Equipment Costs To Fall Below £30 By 2007

The merger of Carlton and Granada into one ITV company will go ahead even if the Government forces them to sell off the two airtime sales houses, according to senior executives at this year’s Guardian Edinburgh Television Festival (GEITF). Tess Alps, chairman of media buying group PHD, said: “Advertisers are realistic and we know that… Continue reading Sales House Divestment Will Not Halt ITV Merger

Pre-tax profits at regional newspaper group, Johnston Press, jumped by 51% in the first half of the year, as advertising revenues nudged up by 3%.The company’s figures were bolstered by the integration of Regional Independent Media (RIM), which it acquired in April last year. Operating profits were up by 35% to £84.1 million including the… Continue reading Johnston Press Sees Profits Jump After RIM Acquisition

Pre-tax profits at regional newspaper group, Johnston Press, jumped by 51% in the first half of the year, as advertising revenues nudged up by 3%. The company’s figures were bolstered by the integration of Regional Independent Media (RIM), which it acquired in April last year (see Johnston Press Acquires RIM Newspaper Business). Operating profits were… Continue reading Johnston Press Sees Profits Jump After RIM Acquisition

Chrysalis Radio has secured Telewest Broadband as the six-figure sponsor of Heart 100.7 in the West Midlands.The 12-month deal, planned and negotiated by Media Insight, will run during Nick Piercy’s Evening Drivetime show and will promote Telewest Broadband’s blueyonder 2Mb internet service, which claims to be four times faster than other leading broadband suppliers.On air… Continue reading Chrysalis Brings Telewest To Heart Of West Midlands

Carlton was seen in focus yesterday, down 4.28% as continued concerns over its proposed merger with Granada weighed heavily on the stock.Senior executives at this year’s Media Guardian Edinburgh Television Festival have suggested that the proposed merger will go ahead even if the Government forces them to sell off their airtime sales houses (see ITV… Continue reading Sharewatch: Carlton Falls On Bearish Sentiment

The role of the BBC in the increasingly crowded media marketplace has been the source of much debate and the issue topped the bill once again at this year’s Media Guardian International Edinburgh Television Festival. Tony Ball, chief-executive of BSkyB, delivered an extraordinary James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture, in which he argued that the Corporation’s executive… Continue reading NewsLine Column: James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture

Granada has attacked suggestions by former Channel Five chief executive, David Elstein, that its proposed merger with Carlton could produce more than £100 million of cost savings for the combined ITV company.Elstein, who is reportedly planning to parachute in an alternative management team to run the merged broadcaster, claims that the cost savings generated by… Continue reading Granada Dismisses Elstein’s Merger Savings Calculations