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Tentative optimism gave way to pronounced confidence in August as the media sector showed signs of resurgence after three difficult years. Analysis of the US market shows that there was growth across most categories in the first half of the year and although Europe remains flat at best, there is cause for hopefulness as 2004… Continue reading INSIGHTanalysis: Media Healthcheck – August 2003

A US federal court yesterday moved to block controversial new media ownership rules put forward by the Federal Commissions Commission (FCC). Under current rules, media firms are allowed to reach up to 35% of the national television audience through local TV station ownership. In June, the FCC’s commissioners voted 3-2 in favour of raising the… Continue reading Court Delays New FCC Ownership Rules

Even in times of economic uncertainty, young people are enthusiastic shoppers and therefore remain a prime market for advertisers, judging from a new survey by Harris Interactive. The YouthPulse study analysed the income, spending and savings habits of young Americans in the 8-21 age range, the so-called Generation Y. It deduced that while the economic… Continue reading Generation Y Looks To Carry On Spending

Pan-European broadcaster RTL has reported a 40% increase in profits for the first six months of 2003 amid growing optimism about the state of the advertising economy. The Bertelsmann-owned group saw its share of audience and adspend rise in Germany, where the market appears to have bottomed out. There are also encouraging signs in other… Continue reading Positive First Half For RTL And Five

Vivendi Universal has entered exclusive negotiations with General Electric aimed at merging its entertainment assets with those of US television network NBC. Any deal would result in the creation of NBC Universal, the world’s sixth-largest media group, valued at more than $40 billion. The company will encompass the national, local and cable stations of NBC… Continue reading Vivendi-NBC Merger In The Offing

Europe’s largest broadcaster has suggested that the worst of the advertising recession is over and there is cautious enthusiasm about prospects for growth. RTL Group, which owns 45 television and radio stations across the continent, issued first half results on Wednesday which showed significant gains in earnings (see Positive First Half For RTL And Five).… Continue reading RTL Sees Signs Of Improving Ad Economy

David Palmer, the former group chief executive of the Financial Times, has emerged as a bidder for the Irish newspapers owned by Trinity Mirror. According to The Times, Palmer has joined forces with the private equity firm HgCapital and held talks with Trinity and its adviser UBS as recently as last week. The Irish titles,… Continue reading Palmer Casts Eye Over Trinity’s Irish Titles

The Wireless Group has reported its first ever half year profit and management is confident that the company will go from strength to strength in the near future. The radio firm saw turnover rise by 3.8% to £14.8 million in the six months to the end of June with revenues from the thirteen local stations… Continue reading Wireless Group Hits Right Frequency In H1

AMV BBDO has consolidated its position as the UK’s largest advertising agency with billings of £345 million in the twelve months to the end of June, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research published by Campaign. The creative shop, which is part of the Omnicom group, saw revenues fall by 8% overall but this represents… Continue reading Mixed Fortunes For Leading Agencies In 2002/3

The number of British companies with broadband internet access has more than doubled over the last year to 39%, according to new research from the British Chambers of Commerce. The survey shows that more than half of all companies believe that broadband is critical for success of their business, with one in six firms planning… Continue reading British Businesess See Broadband Uptake Double