The takeover battle for Paramount Communications became bitter yesterday as Viacom filed a legal suit against QVC who have placed a higher bid for Paramount.Viacom is suing Tele-Communications Inc which owns Liberty Media, which in turn owns 22% of QVC. TCI, Liberty, QVC and three related companies are being sued for damages for alleged harm… Continue reading Viacom Sues QVC
According to the Newspaper Society, which has been making private soundings in the House of Commons, the majority of MPs are opposed to the imposition of VAT on newspapers.Labour and the Liberal Democrats have already stated that they will reject any move to introduce VAT on reading matter; it now seems that they are supported… Continue reading MPS Opposed To Newspaper VAT
John Talbot, joint administrator of Robert Maxwell Holdings, said yesterday that a formal bookbuilding process would begin on Monday, covering all the 219.7m shares owned by Maxwell Holdings, or 54.8% of the total.Under the bookbuilding operation bidders have a week to submit bids either at specific prices or at the price which becomes the offer… Continue reading MGN Shares To Be Sold
MTV Europe is planning to move to digital technology by the beginning of next year. This means that MTV will be able to broadcast four channels instead of the present one.Possibilities for the extra capacity include an additional MTV channel tailored to the European market or a music channel aimed at an older audience than… Continue reading MTV TO GO DIGITAL
At a conference held this morning for the advertisers of the Observer details were revealed about the new sections and future intentions for the paper.The new sections were outlined; the main broadsheet will continue plus 5 extra pages, and the Business section will expand by at least 16 pages, including non-specialist pages to make the… Continue reading Observer Sunday Launch
At a conference held this morning for the advertisers of the Observer details were revealed about the new sections and future intentions for the paper.The new sections were outlined; the main broadsheet will continue plus 5 extra pages, and the Business section will expand by at least 16 pages, including non-specialist pages to make the… Continue reading Observer Sunday Launch
The Office of Fair Trading is making enquiries into the marketing agreement between More O’Ferrall Adshel and National Solus.The deal gives the companies 55% of all four-sheets; it is believed that the deal is the last hope for this sector of the industry.The Office of Fair Trading also asked for views on the position of… Continue reading Outdoor To Face OFT
The debate over changes in ITV ownership will come to a head in the autumn, at a meeting to be chaired by the Prime Minister. The nine largest ITV companies are banned under the 1990 Broadcasting Act from taking each other over.Mr Major will also decide on whether to extend the moratorium on other take-… Continue reading Major Will Decide TV Takeovers
The Independent on Sunday is to introduce more sections from October. There will be three broadsheet sections the current news section, plus an additional separate sports section, and the existing business section will increase from its current tabloid size to broadsheet.In addition, the supplement, the Sunday Review, will be given extra editorial pages. Ad director… Continue reading Independent On Sunday Alterations
Figures quoted in today’s Financial Times show the Times continuing to hold on to a circulation increase of more than 30% since cutting its price.The Manchester Evening News claims that its new colour magazine boosted sales last Wednesday by 12% week on week; sales on 15 September increased by 22,000.
