Matthew Bannister, former director of radio at the BBC, has dismissed digital radio as a costly mistake in an article in today’s Times.This week the commercial digital radio group Digital One announced the launch of its latest phase of transmitter roll-outs, and implied that the BBC was not pulling its weight in trying to make… Continue reading Bannister Dismisses Digital
The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has told Channel 4 to broadcast an apology to viewers offended by its satirical documentary on paedophilia, Brass Eye, but has stopped short of fining the channel.The ITC recognised the channel’s right to broadcast the programme, which attracted a barrage of complaints when it was shown in July (see Brass… Continue reading Channel 4 Rapped For Brass Eye
A fifth candidate is reported to be shortlisted for the BBC chairmanship. John Ashworth, a scientist and former chairman of the British Library, joins David Dimbleby, Michael Grade, Baroness Jay and Gavyn Davies in preparing for interviews beginning next week.The decision regarding the appointment will be made by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport… Continue reading Fifth Candidate For BBC Chair
Digital One has announced the rollout of the third phase of its transmitter network and has expressed its hope that the BBC will match the commercial sector’s commitment to the success of the platform.Twenty new transmitters will be added to the network during this phase, bringing coverage beyond the licence commitment of 85% to nearer… Continue reading Phase Three For Digital One
Scot FM Sale Boosts Wireless GroupThe £25.5 million sale of Scot FM to the Guardian Media Group (GMG) in June (see Wireless Group Sells Scot FM For £25.5m) has helped push Wireless Group into profit for the six months ended 30 June 2001. The £22.5 million profit from the disposal nudged pre-tax profit up to… Continue reading Scot FM Sale Boosts Wireless Group
Adshel is launching a research service for the outdoor industry to assess the effectiveness of poster advertising.The service, which launches in October, will be available to advertisers using the Adshel Research Monitor and aims to show whether outdoor campaigns should be “acclaimed or shamed.”Managing director of Adshel, Julie France, said: “We want to be able… Continue reading Adshel To Launch Research Service
The European Commission (EC) has granted clearance for the proposed takeover of UK advertising and communications group, Tempus, by French agency Havas Advertising (see Havas Moves In On Tempus). The EC said that the takeover “does not raise any competition concerns in the markets for marketing communication services or media buying.” Havas’ activities include general… Continue reading EC Clears Proposed Takeover Of Tempus By Havas
Publishing group Highbury House Communications (HHC) said that consumer advertising levels have been resilient in the first half, but that there has been a slowdown in newsstand sales. Nevertheless, pre-tax profit for the six months to 30 June rose by 101% to £3.4 million. The results include the performance of all acquisitions made last year,… Continue reading Highbury House Will Close Titles That Do Not Meet Targets
With more downgrades to media forecasts having emerged this week, the sector was dominated by falling share prices yesterday, and 9 out of 10 of the worst FTSE 100 performers were TMT stocks.The Wireless Group was among those suffering, with a fall of 11p or 11.76% bringing it to a closing price of 82½p. As… Continue reading Sharewatch
The £25.5 million sale of Scot FM to the Guardian Media Group (GMG) in June (see Wireless Group Sells Scot FM To Guardian Media For £25.5m) has helped push Wireless Group into profit for the six months ended 30 June 2001. The £22.5 million profit from the disposal nudged pre-tax profit up to £5.0 million;… Continue reading Scot FM Sale Boosts Wireless Group Profits
