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ITV has said that charges for carriage of its channels on the Sky platform would has create “almost pure profit” for BSkyB. In a submission to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s select committee for the Government’s White Paper, the network said that it would have to pay over £20m a year for ITV… Continue reading Sky Asking £20m For Carriage, Says ITV

ONdigital has asked the government to appoint a digital television “champion”. The digital terrestrial broadcaster suggests the creation of such an position will allow further promotion of the new medium and facilitate the switchover from analogue. In a statement relating to the Communications White Paper, the group said that a national switchover plan should be… Continue reading ONdigital Calls For Appointment Of Digital TV “Champion”

Merrill Lynch has downgraded BSkyB stock from accumulate to neutral, following yesterday’s financial results. Cable subscriptions revenues fell and the incorporation of losses from interactive TV services company Open hit revenues harder than had been expected by both Merrill and ABN Amro (see City News). By the end of trading yesterday BSkyB stock was down… Continue reading BSkyB Results 7 February 2001 Reaction – 8 February 2001

BSkyB had signed up 5.25 million digital customers by 6 February and had hit the 5 million mark by the end of last year, according to the satellite broadcaster’s interim financial results released this morning. This represents a record quarterly growth of 538,000 subscribers. However, whilst the company’s digital targets were achieved ahead of schedule,… Continue reading BSkyB Hits Digital Target But Losses Grow

Stephen Byers, secretary of state for trade and industry, has said that he will not refer the takeover of Express Newspapers by Northern & Shell to the DTI. The announcement allows completion of the deal, which was agreed in November last year. Since then the Express newspaper has seen a raft of resignations in reaction… Continue reading Express Takeover Cleared By Byers

7 February 2001 Rupert Murdoch is understood to be on the verge of sealing a deal that would merge his Sky Global Networks business with US’ satellite television company, DirecTV. This in turn could pave the way for a global float of the Sky Global Networks satellite group. Investors are anticipating the announcement today as… Continue reading Murdoch May Be Close To Agreeing DirecTV Deal

Lord Dubs has been appointed the new chairman of the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC). He will hold the position for three years, commencing immediately. Lord Dubs was formerly deputy chairman of the Independent Television Commission (ITC) as well as deputy chairman of the BSC. Announcing the appointment culture secretary Chris Smith said: “I am delighted… Continue reading Lord Dubs Appointed Chairman Of The BSC

Granada this morning held its first AGM since the demerger from the Granada Compass hospitality business, which was fully completed at the end of last week. Chairman Charles Allen told the company that 2000 delivered a good performance and increased earnings by 9%. In July 2000, 20% of the group – then Granada Media –… Continue reading Revenues Will Be Slow In First Half For Granada

Channel 4 is set to launch a new company, 4 Ventures Limited, to manage commercial activities outside of its core channel. It will house the group’s pay-TV services Film Four and E4 as well as its internet and interactive ventures. Channel 4 International Ltd, the group’s programme sales and co-production arm, and its film division,… Continue reading Channel 4 Launches Commercial Arm

dmg world media, the exhibitions arm of the Daily Mail & General Trust, has aquired a 25% stake in US trade show organiser Western Exhibitors LLC in a deal worth $10m. dmg plan to acquire the remaining 75% in five years time. The company holds gift shows in San Francisco, Seattle and Portland and is… Continue reading DMGT Buys Stake In US Trade Show Organiser