The European Commission is to draw up a table of national regulations and other controls on discounting practices. This will form the basis of any further proposed action to reinforce single market rules and principles in commercial communications. The table, and an accompanying paper, will seek comments from the Expert Group on Commercial Communications and… Continue reading EU: Expert Group to study premiums
Nigel Griffiths MP, DTI Consumer Affairs Minister, has been replaced by Kim Howells MP in a Government reshuffle that leaves the DTI looking more pro-European and less interventionist in outlook. Whitehall sources suggested that Mr Griffiths had been likely to introduce restrictive controls on advertising in the near future.
Phil Hinton, the editor of Rodale Press’ Men’s Health, is leaving the title to join IPC Magazines. A spokesperson for Rodale Press stated that Hinton is leaving as the opportunity has arisen to work on the launch of some new men’s titles with IPC.Hinton himself commented: “There is still plenty of scope for good titles… Continue reading Men’s Health Editor To Join IPC Magazines
The Greek TV toy ad ban remains at issue as the Commission continues its period of consultation on wider aspects of children’s advertising in connection with the Article 169 procedure initiated by European toy manufacturers. It is understood that Commissioner Monti wishes to return to the Commission with enough information and research data to be… Continue reading EU: Toy ads consultation continues
The Commission has published a working document on the convergence of telecommunications, the media and information technologies. The consultation, launched last December, aroused great interest with over 270 contributions from industry, users, regulatory authorities and other interested parties. However, it did not lead to a consensus, except on the need for better regulatory coordination, and… Continue reading EU: Media convergence
Bell Atlantic appears to have adopted a rather innovative method of disposing of its shares in Cable & Wireless Communications. The company will be issuing in excess of $3bn in convertible bonds, which can either be held onto by investors or converted into CWC shares. This also means that Bell Atlantic will remain on the… Continue reading Bell Atlantic Dispose Of CWC Shares
The Data Protection Registrar has welcomed Government proposals to integrate the rights under the Freedom of Information proposals with the privacy requirements under the Data Protection proposals. This means that an application for personal information made under the Freedom of Information Act should, if relating to the applicant’s own information, be treated as a subject… Continue reading UK: DPR welcomes clarification
The UK Government has published proposals to combine all the supervisory and regulatory powers in respect of financial services under one regulator, the Financial Services Authority. The draft Financial Services and Markets bill sets up a single ombudsman and compensation scheme for investors and depositors, a financial services appeals tribunal, oversight of the Lloyd’s insurance… Continue reading UK: New bill to reform UK rules
Carlton Communications, one of the biggest ITV companies, is to team up with Universal Studios to create two channels to be broadcast on digital terrestrial television.The two channels, rumoured to be one film- and one crime-focused, are to be run on On Digital, formerly British Digital Broadcasting (see Newsline).The film channel will feature material from… Continue reading Carlton and Universal To Run Together In Digital Race
Media group Pearson today announced half-year pre-tax profits of £358.5 million for the six month period ended 30 June 1998. Pre-tax profits for the same period last year stood at £80.7 million. Sales were up from £957 million to £989 million.The group’s Financial Times division lifted its profits by 12% to £66.8 million, boosted by… Continue reading Pearson Profits Remain Strong
