Pre-tax profits at regional newspaper group, Johnston Press, jumped by 51% in the first half of the year, as advertising revenues nudged up by 3%.The company’s figures were bolstered by the integration of Regional Independent Media (RIM), which it acquired in April last year. Operating profits were up by 35% to £84.1 million including the… Continue reading Johnston Press Sees Profits Jump After RIM Acquisition
Granada has refuted suggestions by former Five chief executive, David Elstein, that the proposed merger with Carlton Communications could produce more than £100 million of cost savings for the combined ITV company. Elstein, who is reportedly planning to parachute in an alternative management team to run the merged broadcaster, claims that the cost savings generated… Continue reading Granada Dismisses Elstein’s Merger Savings Calculations
The merger of Carlton and Granada into one ITV company will go ahead even if the Government forces them to sell off the two airtime sales houses, according to senior executives at this year’s Guardian Edinburgh Television Festival (GEITF). Tess Alps, chairman of media buying group PHD, said: “Advertisers are realistic and we know that… Continue reading Sales House Divestment Will Not Halt ITV Merger
Pre-tax profits at regional newspaper group, Johnston Press, jumped by 51% in the first half of the year, as advertising revenues nudged up by 3%. The company’s figures were bolstered by the integration of Regional Independent Media (RIM), which it acquired in April last year (see Johnston Press Acquires RIM Newspaper Business). Operating profits were… Continue reading Johnston Press Sees Profits Jump After RIM Acquisition
Former Five chief executive, David Elstein, has quashed rumours that he is looking to move into the chief executive role at ITV, should the proposed merger of Carlton and Granada proceed. Speaking at the weekend’s Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival (GEITF), Elstein denied any interest in an executive role at ITV, despite his proposals recommending… Continue reading Elstein Rules Out ITV Bid, But Proposes New Management
Liberty Media has become the latest group to withdraw from the bidding process for Vivendi Universal’s US entertainment assets, following in the footsteps of MGM and Comcast (see Comcast Not In The Running For VUE). After conducting its own analysis of Vivendi Universal Entertainment’s (VUE) assets, Liberty concluded that the synergies offered are not sufficient… Continue reading Liberty Leaves VUE Auction As Shortlist Is Narrowed
WPP was seen in focus last week, up 1.54% despite warnings from chief executive, Sir Martin Sorrell, that there will be no return to the boom years of the late 1990s. However, he did predict an upturn in the advertising market next year.Elsewhere, ITV partners Carlton and Granada were seen in focus, up 3.61% and… Continue reading Sharewatch: WPP Rises Despite Negative Comments
Future Publishing’s science fiction magazine, SFX, is to launch a special one off edition dedicated entirely to Buffy The Vampire Slayer.The SFX Unofficial Buffy Collector’s Guide will contain 116 pages devoted to the popular television programme and will be covermounted 24-page booklet of photographs of the Buffy cast. The magazine will also contain a comprehensive… Continue reading SFX Launches Special Buffy Collector’s Guide
Media buying agency, Brand Connection, is to launch a £1.5 million UK advertising campaign to promote Hong Kong as a holiday destination.The Hong Kong Tourism Board will unveil a major print, outdoor and TV promotion in an attempt to to repair the damage caused to its tourist industry by the recent SARS virus. The ads… Continue reading Brand Connection Secures Hong Kong Ad Campaign
BBC director general, Greg Dyke, has a called for Government intervention to prevent the collapse of ITV as a public service broadcaster and has given his support to the proposed Carlton and Granada merger.Dyke told delegates at this year’s Edinburgh Television Festival, said that the meltdown of the advertising market and increasing competition from multichannel… Continue reading Dyke Calls On Government To Strengthen ITV
