Broadcaster BSkyB’s recent rise in share prices came to an end yesterday as some analysts believed they had climbed too far, too quickly. Prices closed down 58˝p to £13.81. The group announced plans to increase its internet developments yesterday (see Sky Furthers Net Investments).Daily Mail & General Trust climbed after it took a 20% stake… Continue reading Sharewatch
Commercial radio reported record revenue figures for 1999. The latest figures from the Radio Advertising Bureau saw total revenue reach £464 million – a growth of 11.1% compared to the previous year.For the final quarter of 1999 the highest ever spend was recorded – £131 million. This was driven by the growth in national advertising… Continue reading Commercial Radio Reports Record Revenue
The latest television advertising campaign for DIY furniture store IKEA has resulted in 49 complaints to the Independent Television Commission (ITC), according to the latest bulletin.The ads, created by the St. Luke’s agency, show scenes of marriages and relationships breaking down, followed by the lines: “Just pack up, find a place of your own. And… Continue reading St. Luke’s IKEA Ads Trivialise Divorce, Say Viewers
Shares in BSkyB reached a record high yesterday, jumping 130p to £14.39˝, as investors forecast a deal between the broadcaster and French group Vivendi. The group has also announced a commitment to spend up to £250 million on internet acquisitions.Cable & Wireless Communications slipped 14p to 945p as the group announced subscriber figures for its… Continue reading Sharewatch
Interactive services are increasingly becoming the battleground on which broadcasters fight for digital subscribers. Cable group Telewest has announced a deal with a further 14 companies for its digital interactive service and rival group Open has completed a deal with online betting service, Blue Square.Telewest added a further 14 brands to its interactive service “Active… Continue reading Interactive Services Further Expansion
ITV took a 31.1% share of all UK television viewing during 1999, according to new figures released by the Independent Television Commission (ITC), beating BBC1’s 28.3% to remain nation’s most-watched channel. These figures represent a year on year decline in viewing share for ITV and BBC1 of 0.7% points and 1.2% points respectively.Channel 4’s annual… Continue reading ITV Takes Majority Viewing In 1999
BSkyB is set to announce plans to further its investment in online developments by up to £250 million. Yesterday it acquired a 5.4% stake in sports internet company Sportal and further investment plans are expected to be announced when the group releases its interim results next week.The broadcaster is the third media company in recent… Continue reading Sky Furthers Net Investments
EMAP announced today its further expansion in Australia with the purchase of New Woman magazine from Murdoch magazines. The group already publishes New Woman in the UK and this acquisition reflects its ongoing strategy to develop its leading brands internationally.The magazine will add to EMAP’s worldwide portfolio of women’s titles, which include Red, Elle and… Continue reading EMAP Expands In Australia
Greg Dyke has backtracked on his promise to secure sports rights for the BBC. On his first day in his new position as director-general of the corporation he has said that it is highly unlikely that the BBC will bid for the live coverage of Premier League football.This is contrary to promises he made on… Continue reading BBC Unlikely To Bid For Premier League Rights, Says Dyke
Shares in BSkyB jumped 11% on Friday as French group Vivendi denied reports that it planned to sell it stake in the group (see Sharewatch). Prices closed at £13.09˝, making it the best performer on the FTSE 350.Pay-TV group Flextech climbed almost 10% to £14.25 as the terms of its merger with Telewest were confirmed… Continue reading Sharewatch
