The British government is expected this week to publish a White Paper on its proposed Food Standards Agency, amid controversy over who is to foot the estimated £200 million annual bill for the agency’s administration and running costs. The earlier fears that establishment of the FSA would be accompanied by an attempt severely to restrict… Continue reading UK: White Paper On New Agency
Following a recommendation from the ITC in October last year (subscribers see ITC Brands Pornography Channel Unacceptable), Chris Smith, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has announced that he intends to take action against the hard-core pornography channel, Eurotica Rendez Vous.Chris Smith confirmed that he is considering a proscription Order which will prevent… Continue reading State Steps In Against Satellite Porn Channel
Monday ITV will announce its future strategy at noon today, aimed at halting its decline in viewing figures.Tuesday The Retail Prices Index for December will be announced.Thursday Emap’s Red magazine launches, with a review appearing on Newsline.Friday Feng Shui for Modern Living hits the newsstands, published by Affinity.Also this week: Website of the Week and… Continue reading The Week Ahead
Richard Eyre, Chief Executive of ITV, has promised to reverse the audience share decline of ITV compared to other broadcasters in the past few years and bring it to over 40% of the total by the end of the year 2000.
The Commission’s failure to take action last month against Greece’s toy advertising TV ban has irritated the trade association Toy Industries of Europe (TIE). Although a majority of Commissioners have now voted in favour of taking action over the ban, which breaches EU rules on free movement of goods and services, there is no sign… Continue reading EU: Toymakers Angry At EC
The UK government has indefinitely postponed plans to deregulate the casino and betting industry, thus shelving proposals to permit the granting of as many as 25 new casino licences across the UK, and blocking the installation of more gaming machines in betting shops. The collapse of moves towards deregulation – which had been proceeding rapidly… Continue reading UK: Deregulation Postponed
In Belgium a national court has ruled that it does not have the authority to block an imminent government ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, due to come into force on 1 January 1999. The proposed legislation was challenged by a collaboration of local government, retailers and Formula One grand prix motor race organisers in… Continue reading BE: Legal Threat To Formula One
The UK government, currently holding the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, has indicated that the EU draft Directive on consumer guarantees will have a high priority in its programme for the next six months. Jim Murray, President of BEUC, has met UK consumer affairs minister Nigel Griffiths and later expressed his disappointment that the… Continue reading EU: Consumer Guarantees
ITV has today announced peaktime audience share targets for the next three years as part of its “New Approach” strategy. The approach, which is the result of the 100-day consultation period, also sets out the specific ways in which strands and day parts can be improved.Speaking at a presentation to agencies and advertisers, ITV’s chief… Continue reading ITV Publishes Audience Targets For Next Three Years
Direct mail expenditure in the UK has grown to £6.2 billion a year (in 1996), according to the latest survey by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).
