The EC is investigating the way BSkyB, the pay-TV broadcaster, supplies its material to the cable industry. It has asked Oftel, the UK telecommunications watchdog, to provide information concerning the company following a complaint from General Cable, a UK cable operator. General Cable claims that BSkyB’s high charges have forced it to increase its own… Continue reading EU: BSkyB Probe
The European Commission has formally denied media reports that it intends to propose banning alcohol advertising in the EU. An EC spokesman said on 14 January: “There has never been any discussion or a proposal by the Commission aimed at prohibiting alcohol advertising and sponsorships. These reports are unfounded.” Meanwhile, the French government has acknowledged… Continue reading EU: Commission Denies Ban Extension
In Britain the new Food Standards Agency has been unveiled amid much criticism over who will fund its running costs, estimated as being at least £100 million a year. Much of that will be funded by levying charges on the food industry, including both wholesale and retail outlets. Critics have accused the FSA of representing… Continue reading UK: FSA Unveiled
SN Wales, part of Southern Newspapers’ Welsh and Western Region, has announced several changes in its management structure, with three editors becoming publishers of their respective titles.Gerry Keighley becomes publisher of the South Wales Argus and News & Weekly Argus, David Evans has been a appointed publisher of the Eastern Telegraph and Cardigan and Tivy-Side… Continue reading Southern Newspapers Editors Become Publisher
The Radio Advertising Bureau has launched its second Insight publication, which covers listening in the workplace.The booklet, which uses analysis of RAJAR alongside original research, looks in detail at listening in the workplace, which accounts for a a sixth of all listening hours. It draws attention to the fact that more than ten and a… Continue reading RAB Launches Second Insight Publication
Future Publishing has announced that Tim Barr will take the helm as editor of Future Music magazine as from the March issue.Barr has been a freelance writer for many music publications, including NME, The Face and Melody Maker. He replaces Andy Jones who has moved to Future’s new music title, The Band.Future: 01225 442244
The events in the radio world of 1997 mean the Q4 1997 Rajar’s (released next Friday) are amongst the most eagerly anticipated listening figures ever. The first-time experience for Chris Evans of running the company and presenting the flagship show simultaneously at Virgin will be measured in terms of success early next month while the… Continue reading Radio Industry Round-Up 1997
The Weather Channel , which was launched in June 1996 (subscribers see Weather Channel Signs Distribution Deal), is to close its UK, German and Dutch broadcasts. The channel’s final transmission will be on Friday 30 January at noon.The channel’s owner, Atlanta-based Landmark Communications, operates a successful US weather channel but has found that the UK… Continue reading The Weather Channel Set To Close
ITV’s new Ice Warriors show pulled in an encouraging average audience of 8.17 million viewers, according to unofficial overnight data. This is a TVR of 15. The show it replaced, Gladiators, normally attracts an audience of around 7 million.Ice Warriors, which is sponsored by 7-Up, had an ABC1 Men TVR of 10.6, 13.4 TVRs for… Continue reading Ice Warriors Makes Debut With 8 Million Viewers
1997 proved to be successful for the cinema industry with admissions rising 12.5% on 1996. The release of major films including Stars Wars, Jurassic Park – The Lost World and The Full Monty contributed strongly to this.January and February were down on 1996 but March showed an increase of 7.3% up to 11,934,000. This was… Continue reading Cinema Industry Round-Up 1997
