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Advertising revenues at regional newspaper publisher Johnston Press have surpassed expectations in the second half of the year, with growth of 4.9% already achieved in the five months to 30 November. In August Johnston’s chief executive, Tim Bowdler, said he expected H2 to show modest growth, similar to the first half (see Johnston Press Sees… Continue reading Johnston Press Sees Ad Revenues Ahead Of Expectations

Almost half of western European internet users will shop online next year, up from 44% this year, according to new figures from Jupiter Research. By comparison, only 40% of US web users planned to use online retail during November and December this year, which is typically the busiest time of year for ecommerce (see Festive… Continue reading Half Of Western European Net Users To Shop Online By 2004

Advertising and marketing account activity was strong in November and the ongoing trends are positive, according to the latest New Business Scorecard from Lehman Brothers. There was a substantial increase in the number of advertising account moves during November, with evidence that the improving advertising outlook is beginning to flow through to agency revenues. The… Continue reading Strong Agency Account Activity In November

Global display advertising expenditure will rise by 4.7% next year, with Europe and the UK under-performing the average whilst the US continues to drive the recovery. According to the latest set of forecasts from ZenithOptimedia, the UK’s major media spend will rise by 3.2% in 2004 in current currency terms; this follows a 1.1% rise… Continue reading Conditions Are Firming For Ad Recovery, Says ZenithOptimedia

Economic conditions are ripe for a spurt in advertising and global spend is set to rise by 5.0% next year, up from 2.1% in 2003, according to updated forecasts from Merrill Lynch. Fourth quarter advertising pacings in the US are looking weak (see US Q4 Advertising Weak, But Broker Positive On 2004) and the growth… Continue reading Ad Growth To Accelerate In 2004, Says Merrill Lynch

Trading conditions in the third quarter of 2003 were difficult but there are signs of an upturn in market confidence in 2004, according to Chime Communications. The advertising and PR firm said today that many clients had reduced expenditure during the hot summer and there has been a delay in the anticipated recovery. The public… Continue reading Chime Sees Improved Year Ahead

UK private equity firm, Candover is understood to be preparing a bid for Hollinger International’s Telegraph Group. According to reports in today’s Times, Candover has expressed an interest in Hollinger’s London division which owns The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph. It is believed that Chris Oakley, the former editor in chief of the Birmingham… Continue reading Candover Prepares To Mount Telegraph Bid

The Federal Communications Commission is set to approve News Corporation’s takeover of DirecTV with conditions to prevent it exploiting its market position. In April, Rupert Murdoch’s company agreed to pay General Motors $6.6 billion for a 34% stake in Hughes Electronics, which owns DirecTV (see Murdoch Seals Acquisition Of DirecTV). Concerns were raised that control… Continue reading Murdoch Awaits Go Ahead On DirecTV Deal

Reed Elsevier said today that it was on track to deliver on its target of double-digit earnings growth but the company is bracing itself for a slowdown in 2004. Profits at the Anglo-Dutch publisher rose by 3% in the first half of 2003 (see Reed On Target As Profits Rise In H1) and its market… Continue reading Reed Cautious On 2004 Prospects

There were further signs of an upturn in the advertising market during November as industry bodies reported increased revenues and media bosses pronounced themselves content with the pace of growth. 2003 has been a mixed year but it is ending on a high note and indications for the next twelve months are broadly positive. Jerry… Continue reading INSIGHTanalysis: Media Healthcheck – November 2003