Cable operator, Telewest Communications, has decided not to use an internet-based system for its interactive TV services, to be launched next year. The company has decided to opt for a system called Open TV which, according to a spokesperson, is better placed to provide the core service of television.Rival cable companies, Cable & Wireless Communications… Continue reading Telewest Opts For Proprietary Interactive System
The cable channel Live TV is shutting down its local versions of the service in Liverpool and Newcastle. The station will focus on the remaining local operations in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Westminster, where there tends to be a significantly greater number of viewers with access to cable. Furthermore Live faces competition from Daily Mail… Continue reading Live TV Closes Local Stations
The BBC received a serious blow to its sports coverage yesterday, as Channel 4 snatched away the broadcasting rights to English Test cricket in a deal worth £103 million. The contract will see Channel 4 sharing coverage with the giant of subscription sport, BSkyB.Channel 4 is planning to revitalise cricket in a ‘fresh and exciting… Continue reading BBC Loses More Sport As Cricket Goes To C4
There is a new addition to the Astra Panel viewing summary this week, with children’s channel Trouble reporting figures for the first time. In Astra Panel homes Trouble was watched for an average of 7 minutes by individuals (4+), had a weekly viewing share of 0.5%, an average daily reach of 2.5% and an average… Continue reading TV Viewing Summary W/E 04/10/98
Express Newspapers has announced 46 job losses at its Daily Star newspaper, following the departure of editor, Phil Walker, after five years with the paper. Walker is succeeded by his deputy, Peter Hill.Express Newspapers: 0171 928 8000
The takeover of Classic Gold 954/1530 by Murfin Music International (see Murfin Music To Buy Classic Gold 954/1530) has been given the go-ahead following the Radio Authority’s public interest test.The station broadcasts on AM in an area covering Hereford and Worcester. The Authority conducted a public interest test because Murfin already owns a station broadcasting… Continue reading Murfin/Classic Gold Takeover Given All-Clear By RA
Emap Online has been named as a winner of a 1998 Award for Innovation in E-Business. Winner of the travel, retail and transport category, the award recognises Emap Online’s achievement with its websites Aloud.com and Bargainholidays.com.Emap Online is one of the largest online retailers in Britain, and its other online products include 1ski.com, Ab2Travel.com and… Continue reading Emap Online Is A Winner
Front Cover – Frontfront is a new men’s lifestyle magazine and one of the first new launches by Cabal Communications. In an interview with Newsline, Cabal Communications’ managing director, Andy Sutcliffe, stated that front ‘aims to provide for young men what magazines like Sugar and Bliss provide for young women.’ This is a sector in… Continue reading First Issue Review – Front
Chris Smith, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, yesterday said that the Government is considering allowing the BBC to receiving funding which is supplementary to the licence fee. This would include advertisements carried on some of the Corporation’s channels which have so far remained non-commercial hallowed ground.Whilst arguing that it is not… Continue reading BBC Channels May Carry Ads
It is understood that the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA) is currently discussing with its members ways of changing the system by which TV airtime is bought for advertisers.According to this week’s Campaign, the Society is recommending to members that they encourage their agencies to demand more guarantees of audience delivery from the broadcasters.… Continue reading ITV Trading System Comes Under Further Scrutiny
