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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

Lord Black, the chairman of Hollinger International, has signalled his intention to sell a minority stake in the company, but played down talk of financial crisis at the newspaper group. Last month, Hollinger, whose interests include the Telegraph Group, cut its full year income forecasts in the wake of disappointing second quarter results. The company… Continue reading Black Awaits New Investment At Hollinger

Edgar Bronfman Jnr, vice-chairman at Vivendi Universal, has called on directors to accept his bid for the group’s US entertainment assets rather than merge with TV network NBC. The media giant aims to raise $14 billion from the sale of the film studios, cable channels and theme parks that make up Vivendi Universal Entertainment (VUE).… Continue reading Bronfman Dismisses Rival’s Bid For VUE

News Corporation has announced that it has sold its shareholding in Japanese satellite broadcaster Sky Perfect Communications in a deal worth $227 million. The media giant said that its 8.1% stake in Sky Perfect had been sold to the company’s exisiting shareholders, namely Sony, Fuji Television and trading house Itochu. The divestment follows the disposal… Continue reading Murdoch Walks Away From Japanese TV Scene

The long awaited merger of ITV giants Carlton and Granada will have little impact if the two companies are forced to divest their sales houses, according to analysts at Lehman Brothers. Advertisers and rival broadcasters claim that the merger, in its proposed form, is unacceptable because it will result in the creation of a single… Continue reading ITV Merger Likely To Be Watered Down, Says Lehman Brothers

The merger of Carlton and Granada into one ITV company will go ahead even if the Government forces them to sell off the two airtime sales houses, according to senior executives at this year’s Guardian Edinburgh Television Festival (GEITF). Tess Alps, chairman of media buying group PHD, said: “Advertisers are realistic and we know that… Continue reading Sales House Divestment Will Not Halt ITV Merger

Pre-tax profits at regional newspaper group, Johnston Press, jumped by 51% in the first half of the year, as advertising revenues nudged up by 3%. The company’s figures were bolstered by the integration of Regional Independent Media (RIM), which it acquired in April last year (see Johnston Press Acquires RIM Newspaper Business). Operating profits were… Continue reading Johnston Press Sees Profits Jump After RIM Acquisition

Granada has refuted suggestions by former Five chief executive, David Elstein, that the proposed merger with Carlton Communications could produce more than £100 million of cost savings for the combined ITV company. Elstein, who is reportedly planning to parachute in an alternative management team to run the merged broadcaster, claims that the cost savings generated… Continue reading Granada Dismisses Elstein’s Merger Savings Calculations

Former Five chief executive, David Elstein, has quashed rumours that he is looking to move into the chief executive role at ITV, should the proposed merger of Carlton and Granada proceed. Speaking at the weekend’s Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival (GEITF), Elstein denied any interest in an executive role at ITV, despite his proposals recommending… Continue reading Elstein Rules Out ITV Bid, But Proposes New Management