BSkyB has announced plans to discontinue the broadcasts of two services on its analogue satellite platform, in an attempt to drive uptake to its Sky Digital service. From April, pay-per-view film service Sky Box Office and subscription film channel FilmFour will both become digital-only on Sky’s service.Sky yesterday announced that it has sold 2.6 million… Continue reading Sky Drops Analogue Channels To Drive Digital
Newspaper group News Communications & Media (NEWSCOM) has reported a pre-tax profit of 10.4% in its half-year results, released today. The company, which is currently the subject of bid proposals from Gannett UK, Johnston Press and Trinity Mirror (see Newscom Bids Referred To Competition Commission), made a £10.3 million profit, compared to £9.3 million for… Continue reading NEWSCOM Reports 10.4% Increase In Profits
A number of advertisers have pulled their ads from Channel 5 in a row between the broadcaster and media agency Carat over the cost of advertising on the channel, according to reports in Marketing yesterday. Nissan, Asda, Abbey National, News International, and Diageo were amongst the clients in the withdrawal, which is believed to be… Continue reading Carat Pulls Ads From Channel 5
Channel 4 is looking for TV sponsorship for its drama and sports strands after both Becks and Volkswagen failed to renew their contracts for the slots. The two packages are believed to be worth over £5 million.Andy Dell, sponsorship spokesman at the channel, said that a number of new clients had come forward to pitch… Continue reading Channel 4 Seeks New Sponsorship Deals
Shares in BSkyB rocketed yesterday as the group announced its internet strategy for the coming year and subscriber figures for its digital service exceeding 2.6 million (see SkyDigital Subscribers Up To 2.6 Million). Prices soared on Tuesday in anticipation of the announcements (see Sharewatch) and rose a further 18% to close at £19.10. A two-day… Continue reading Sharewatch
BBC Magazines is planning a new glossy for women. Codenamed Project Irma, it will be a lifestyle magazine for ABC1 women which hopes to create a new niche in the market and comes in the wake of other planned launches within the sector (see Feature: Middle Youth Sector Strains As Two More Titles Plan To… Continue reading Newsline Brief
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a number of complaints about the slow roll-out of Cable & Wireless Communications’ digital services. Ten people complained that the advertised interactive services were not available when promised.A circular had been distributed stating that interactive television would be available from 4 October 1999; on 8 October, however, customers… Continue reading CWC Gets Rap From ASA
As with the cable and regional newspaper industries, the UK’s radio sector has undergone a period of consolidation in recent years creating a handful of major radio operators. With stations often covering many areas of the country, these companies have begun to brand certain stations in their networks under one name and format. EMAP On… Continue reading Feature: Networked Stations Create Radio “Brands”
Shares in Reuters leapt yesterday as the information group announced its full-year financial results and plans to spend £500m moving its services online (see Reuters To Spend £500m On Net Plans). Prices rocketed 232p to £12.39.Reuters intentions pushed other media stock. BSkyB climbed 143˝p to £16.10˝ as its own web strategy was anticipated in its… Continue reading Sharewatch
The proposed merger between Carlton Communications and United News & Media was referred to the Competition Commission yesterday after months of anticipation. A three-month investigation will commence today which is expected to deliver its report on 16 May.Trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers announced that the Office of Fair Trading had concluded that the planned… Continue reading Carlton-United Merger Deal Referred To Competition Commission
