The Independent Radio Group (IRG) is the subject of a rumoured takeover bid, the second in as many weeks. The group, which owns six commercial radio stations in the north-west and Scotland, is currently linked to a deal with Talk Radio, believed to value IRG at around £22 million.Reports add further speculation to rumours about… Continue reading Independent Radio Group In Bid Rumours
Regional newspaper publisher, Northcliffe Newspapers, has acquired Central Independent Newspapers (CIN) and Admag Newspapers in a deal worth about £40 million. The deal gives Northcliffe a further 21 regional papers as well as three magazines, making it temporarily the largest regional newspaper group in the UK with a weekly circulation of 8.4 million. However, when… Continue reading Northcliffe Newspapers Acquires CIN And Admag
Shares in Freeserve, the country’s leading internet service provider, have tumbled to a record low; prices fell below their flotation price yesterday for the first time. Shares dived 13% to 135p – 15p lower than the issue price set by Freeserve’s owner, electronic retail giant Dixons.The fall wiped £140 million off the free ISP’s market… Continue reading Freeserve Shares Fall Below Flotation Price
Shares in News Communications & Media rose by 25p to 960p. The regional newspaper group announced a record turnover in its annual results yesterday (see Increased Ad Revenue Gives Newscom Record Turnover).Granada climbed after a recent series of falls. The media group was given a strong recommendation from CSFB as rumours of further deals with… Continue reading Sharewatch
IPC Magazines’ weekly music title, NME, is to become the first UK music mag to offer free internet access and free Net mail in an initiative created by the new IPC Electric division (see IPC Electric Is Unveiled). A covermounted CD on this week’s edition of the magazine offers readers the software to register with… Continue reading NME Offers Free Internet Access And Email
Latest figures from the Outdoor Advertising Association show that expenditure has fallen in the last six months, despite an overall growth in the market.While first quarter results reported a 2.2% rise in expenditure, during the second quarter it fell by 2.3% compared to the same time period last year. The first six months in total… Continue reading Outdoor Advertising Expenditure Fell In First Half
The Independent Television Commission (ITC) is to undertake a full-scale audit of the regulatory requirements imposed on commercial broadcasters. Working in tandem with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the review aims to simplify, streamline and modernise the current regulatory procedure.The massive undertaking, which was promised after recent consultations with the Government, will look… Continue reading ITC To Undergo Full-Scale Regulation Review
Growth in advertising revenues and circulation have given regional newspaper publisher Newscom record turnover for the 12 months ended 26 June 1999. Across the company’s core newspaper division ad revenues grew by 6.6% and circulation revenues were up 5.7%. As a result, turnover at Newscom reached £139.1 million (1998: £18.4 million).Pre-tax profit before exceptional items… Continue reading Increased Ad Revenue Gives Newscom Record Turnover
The UK’s first online sports radio station, talksport.net, has signed up BT Highway to sponsor its audio archive. In a unique deal the campaign will combine visual banner ads with live and pre-recorded audio spots.The station, which broadcasts an almost 24-hour service of sports news, debate and chat, has an archive of great sporting moments… Continue reading Talksport.net To Be Sponsored By BT
The promotion of digital television services in recent months has seen UK broadcasters’ total advertising spend grow massively year on year. According to MMS data compiled by Admap/CIA MediaLab, the broadcast media spent £150 million on advertising, an annual growth of 79%.BSkyB particularly threw a lot of weight behind its digital campaigns, spending £25 million… Continue reading Digital TV Launches Drive Up Broadcasters’ Adspend
