BSkyB is to apply to the Independent Television Commission (ITC) today for status as a nominated news provider. This would enable the satellite broadcasters’ news service, Sky News, to vie for the ITV news provider contract when it goes up for renewal in two year’s time.The heat of competition between news services was already set… Continue reading BSkyB Looks To Oust ITN As ITV News Provider
Telewest has announced the addition of nineteen new content providers to its interactive TV platform Active Digital. The companies include P&O Cruises, Asserta Home and the RAC.Telewest launched interactive services in March this year, with over 90 high street and online companies on board (see Retailers Back Telewest’s Cable Interactive Service). Goods and services available… Continue reading Telewest Adds New Brands To Active Digital Service
The Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA) has welcomed the speed at which changes to the structure of ITV are taking place, despite its reservations about consolidation.Responding to the news today that Granada Media is to acquire the television assets of United News & Media (see Granada Takes Control Of ITV), the society’s director of… Continue reading ISBA Welcomes Swift Move Towards Consolidation Resolution
Granada Media has agreed to buy United News & Media’s television networks for £1.75bn. The deal will see Granada take control of the Meridian, HTV and Anglia ITV franchises and the group’s 35% stake in Channel 5, as well as its related television production and distribution businesses.More news to follow later on Newsline…
Cabal Communications has announced the launch of its new upmarket men’s magazine. Called Mondo, this “stylish, contemporary and self-assured” title will be available from 4 October.Its aim is to revitalise the men’s lifestyle market which has become stale in recent years, according to Cabal’s chief executive, Sally O’Sullivan: “Over the past few years the leading… Continue reading Cabal Offers A “World Of Pleasure” For Older Lads
United News & Media has sold its television interests to Granada Media, finally sealing consolidation within ITV. The deal will make Granada Media the undisputed leader of Britain’s main commercial TV channel.It will take control of United’s television interests – its Meridian, Anglia and HTV franchises -, together with all related production and international distribution… Continue reading Granada Takes Control Of ITV
Granada Media’s chairman Charles Allen set out plans for the future of the ITV network today as he announced details of his group’s triumph as main controller of the network. After nine months of wrangling between the three main players finally culminated in Granada’s acquisition of the TV assets of United (see Granada Takes Control… Continue reading Future Of ITV Laid Out As Granada Seals Deal
Shares in Telewest were the worst performers on the FTSE yesterday. Prices finished on a 19 month low, down 14p at £1.79, following last Friday’s reports of set-top box shortages (see Telewest Puts Digital Strategy On Hold As Box Shortage Affects Cable Industry).Trinity Mirror, which has retained its lead in the top 20 regional publishers… Continue reading Sharewatch
Parkhill Publishing is said to have suspended publishing of its two titles Aura and Wedding Day and is thought to be applying for voluntary liquidation. Rumours have been rife in recent weeks that the two titles forming Eve Pollard’s venture into publishing were failing to gain readers and therefore losing advertisers’ confidence. It appears that… Continue reading Publishing Of Aura And Wedding Day Suspended As Parkhill Looks To Liquidation
Starcom Worldwide is set to exploit technology in the US which will allow its advertising clients to target customers watching digital television more accurately than ever before.The company is to work with ACTV’s Digital ACDO subsidiary to produce addressable and interactive digital TV advertising using Digital ACDO’s SpotOn system. SpotOn allows viewers to choose and… Continue reading New Technology Could Allow TV Advertisers To Handpick Audiences
