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Julian Rigamonti has joined Classic FM as a sponsorship executive, reporting to department head Karen Morris. Mr Rigamonti had previously worked at the Granada Media Group and TSMS.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has this morning approved the takeover bids for Mirror Group by both Trinity and Regional Independent Media (RIM) (see Trinity Offers £1 Billion For Mirror Group). However trade and industry secretary, Stephen Byers, has stipulated that Trinity divest of its four Northern Ireland titles – the Belfast Telegraph,… Continue reading DTI Approves Mirror Group Takeover Bids

The Office Of Fair Trading (OFT) is to review undertakings given by ITV companies, Granada and Carlton, and broadcasting and financial services group, MAI, which limit each company’s control of TV advertising revenue to 25% of the market.In 1994 Granada acquired LWT, Carlton acquired Central Television and MAI bought Anglian Television. The result of these… Continue reading OFT To Review ITV Companies’ Revenue Share Restrictions

Vivendi, the French media and utilities group, last night sealed an £825 million deal to increase its stake in satellite broadcaster BSkyB to 24.5%. At the same time the company also raised its stake in French pay-TV company, Canal Plus, to 49%. Vivendi is now actively looking for an international strategic partnership for Canal Plus… Continue reading Vivendi Raises Stake In BSkyB To 25%

Following reports that Gavyn Davies’ review of funding at the BBC may recommend a £35 increase to the licence fee, nine of the leading commercial television broadcasters met yesterday in London to formalise a collective lobbying strategy. Of particular concern to the group is the possibility that the BBC may introduce an increase of £35… Continue reading Commercial Broadcasters Unite Against BBC ‘Digital Tax’

The start of the fifth series of Friends has given Channel 4 a welcome boost to its Friday night line-up. The episode featuring the aftermath of Ross’ wedding day mix up, attracted an audience of 5.81 million and had a consolidated viewing share of 29%. The presence of such a strong leader programme helped push… Continue reading TV Viewing Summary W/E 11.07.99

News that French media and utilities group, Vivendi, had increased its stake in BSkyB to 24.5% sent a number of media stocks soaring. BSkyB itself finished up 5p at 555˝p. Vivendi acquired Pearson and Granada’s minority stakes in Sky for £825 million, valuing the satellite broadcaster at 600p per share (see Vivendi Raises Stake In… Continue reading Sharewatch

EMAP has confirmed that it is to launch its best-selling FHM magazine in the US in February next year. EMAP has been planning to launch the lads’ magazine in the States ever since the company acquired US publisher Petersen in December last year (see EMAP Makes £720m US Move).The US launch issue will have an… Continue reading EMAP To Launch FHM In The US

Revenue Total terrestrial television revenue for June 1999 (including GMTV) stood at £204.7 million, according to agency estimates. Of this, ITV took £140.6 million, a rise of 7.3% year on year; Channel 4 drew in £45.8 million, up 12.0% on June 1998 and Channel 5 took £13.6 million, a rise of 34.0%.Revenue for GMTV continued… Continue reading TV Round-Up – June 1999

The Mirror Group strengthened yesterday following a national newspaper report that Trinity may table a 300p per share takeover bid (see Possibilities For Mirror Group). Mirror closed up 7p at 256˝p and Trinity finished up 2˝p at 580p. A report from Competition Commission into bids from Trinity and Regional Independent Media for Mirror is expected… Continue reading Sharewatch