The ITC has ruled that WHSmiths’ ads featuring a family of overweight Geordies portrayed “exaggerated and fictitious” stereotypes which were unlikely to cause widespread offence.A total of 129 complaints were received by the TV watchdog with regard to the ads, in which all characters are played by Nicholas Lyndhurst. They showed a thin, “snobbish”, well… Continue reading WHSmith Given Fat Chance By ITC
According to a report in the Observer yesterday, Anglo-Dutch publishing giant Reed Elsevier is considering a merger with its closest rival, Amsterdam-based Wolters Kluwer. Following Reed’s acquisition of Harcourt last year (see Reed Elsevier Completes Harcourt Acquisition), a merger with Wolters would produce one of the largest publishing groups in the world with an estimated… Continue reading Reed Elsevier Considers Merger With Wolters
Week on week analysis of the media market reveals that Pearson started the year on a positive note. The company, which increased the cover price of the Financial Times from 90p to £1 last week after announcing that profits at the FT Group for 2001 are expected to be down 40% on 2000, saw shares… Continue reading Sharewatch
Three characters in ITV1’s key ratings winner Coronation Street have been sacked from the show and tabloid speculation today suggests that a further eight could be cut in an attempt to revive ratings.A spokeswoman for Granada, which produces the soap, today confirmed that Matt Ramsden, Clare McGinn and Naomi Russell were leaving the soap and… Continue reading Cut Backs At Coronation Street
According to a report in the Observer yesterday, Anglo-Dutch publishing giant Reed Elsevier is considering a merger with its closest rival Amsterdam-based Wolters Kluwer.Following Reed’s acquisition of Harcourt last year, a merger with Wolters would produce one of the largest publishing groups in the world with an estimated market value, according to the Observer, of… Continue reading Reed Elsevier Considers Merger With Wolters
Outdoor group Maiden has acquired bill posting company Checkmain, which trades as Felgate Billposting, in exchange for 300,000 shares. The acquisition is expected to enhance earnings within the first year of ownership.Felgate, which began trading in 1985, is the largest bill posting company in the UK. It is said to post around 130,000 poster sites… Continue reading Maiden Acquires Bill Posting Company
Jupiter Media Metrix today released the final instalment of its weekly Holiday 2001 E-Commerce Series which revealed that, on average, 51.3 million users visited online shopping sites during the holiday period (w/e 25.11.01 – w/e 23.12.01). This was up 50% on the comparable period in 2000 and 95% on 1999. “With the holiday-buying season behind… Continue reading Online Holiday Shopping Up 50% On Last Year, Says Jupiter
Sky is claiming that over 50% of its digital subscribers have used its interactive services over the last year.According to the satellite operator more than 7 million people have pressed the red button on their digital handset and have used interactive services since January 2001. Sky also claims that 86% of Sky Sports subscribers have… Continue reading 50% Of Sky Digital Subscribers Go Interactive
Highbury House Communications has acquired three consumer magazines for £325,000.The consumer and contract publisher has acquired Fast Bikes magazine from Sport Report Limited as well Inspirations For Your Home and Garden and Garden Inspirations from GE Magazines.Fast Bikes, which is a monthly magazine aimed at “performance minded motorcyclists,” was launched in 1991 and generated revenues… Continue reading Highbury House Acquires Consumer Titles
Sainsbury’s and Mark & Spencer topped Propeller’s latest Ads That Make News Survey after drafting some of Britain’s best known celebrities to front their advertising campaigns.According to the survey, Sainsbury’s was the top brand in terms of press coverage of its advertising in the fourth quarter of 2001 thanks to Essex boy Jamie Oliver and… Continue reading Big Name Supermarkets Come Out Top In Ad Survey
