The Bank of England has put interest rates on hold amid signs that the current round of reductions is at or near an end. After seven cuts in the last eight months, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to leave rates unchanged at 5.25%.The decision came as a bitter blow to manufacturers and unions who… Continue reading Interest Rates On Hold
Switch Digital, the consortium formed by Talk Radio, Virgin Radio , Clear Channel and Castle Transmission (see Newsline), has announced plans to apply for the London digital radio multiplex. The consortium this morning told a press conference that research of 1000 people in London showed that consumer benefit from the new digital radio services is… Continue reading Switch Digital Submits Bid For London Digital Radio Licence
BSkyB’s aggressive digital television drive, unveiled yesterday, was received very warmly by the City despite the fact that it will cost the satellite broadcaster in the region of £315 million and send it into the red.Shares in Sky soared up 65˝p following the news that it is to offer customers free set-top boxes and reduced… Continue reading Sharewatch
Following Cable & Wireless Communication’s announcement that it is to begin commercial trials of its digital television service on 1 July in Manchester and London (see Newsline), the company has unveiled details of its forthcoming digital services. It will include access to 100 interactive sites, an electronic programme guide (EPG) and an expanded Near-Video-On-Demand service,… Continue reading Cable & Wireless Communications Rolls Out Digital TV Offerings
Mirror Group-owned Century Newspapers is launching Belfast’s first ever weekly newspaper. The first edition of the Belfast News is published today and incorporates a 64-page package.Century already publishes the free monthly paper, Belfast News Letter. The Belfast News will have a cover price of 50p but will be delivered free to households that have been… Continue reading Mirror Group Launches First Belfast Weekly Newspaper
Emap Radio has promoted Jon Mansfield, business development director of Kiss FM, to the new post of business development director for all of its 18 UK stations. Mansfeild will now oversee the group’s three main brands – Magic, Big City and Kiss FM.Dee Ford, managing director at Emap Radio says: “John has developed a hugely… Continue reading Emap Widens Role Of Kiss FM Director
Internet service provider America Online (AOL) has confirmed reports that it is considering offering internet access through a freephone number. The ISP is testing new pricing schemes amongst its UK customers, and possible pricing plans include 0800 access and a flat fee of £14.99 a month.The move could significantly cut down the amount net surfers… Continue reading AOL May Offer Internet Access Through Freephone Number
Guardian Unlimited is launching a major campaign at the end of next week to promote its film website FilmUnlimited.co.uk. The campaign coincides with the opening of the new Star Wars movie in America and gives Film Unlimited users the chance to win a trip for two to New York to see the film before it… Continue reading Guardian Launches Film Unlimited Ad Campaign
Regional newspaper publisher, Newsquest, has today reported a 23.9% increase in pre-tax profits to £21.4 million for the 13 weeks to 4 April 1999. Operating profit at the group was up by 11.9% to £24.6 million.Newsquest is currently awaiting a Competition Commission report on its plans to bid for rival regional newspaper publisher Portsmouth &… Continue reading Newsquest Profits Up By 24%
The battle between BSkyB and ONdigital to secure digital television (DTV) customers has been taken a step further today with the announcement of set-top box subsidies from both broadcasters.Whilst ONdigital has said that it will offer customers a ‘free’ set-top box (STB) unit when they buy a new £200 TV set, Sky has stolen the… Continue reading Digital TV War Intensifies
