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The controller of features and entertainment, Ben Frow, and the controller of special events and pop features, Sham Sandhu, are expected to announce their departure from Five imminently.Frow was hired by Five in 2003 from Channel 4, while Sandhu joined in 2000 from the BBC, where he was head of new media and new channels.On… Continue reading Two Key Figures At Five Set To Leave

The Inspector Morse detective spin-off, Lewis, managed to retain its viewing audience of around 7.2 million from the series debut last week, giving ITV1 a 32% share between 9pm and 11pm last night.Adult viewers remained with star Kevin Whately as the super sleuth detective, now teamed up with a new partner, as he and his… Continue reading Lewis Remains Strong Whilst Primeval Sheds A Million

Channel 4 has held talks with Emap about launching a joint venture to run the publishing company’s music TV channels.According to a report in the Guardian, Channel 4 is not interested in buying Emap’s seven music channels, but has held talks over the possibility of a joint venture.The report quotes an unnamed source as saying:… Continue reading Channel 4 And Emap Discuss Music TV Partnership

Sky has said that its operating profits could be reduced by £15 to £20 million if it is unable to resolve a deal with Virgin Media over its basic channels.This figure includes the four months between now and the end of Sky’s financial year on June 30.In a statement about the negotiations, Sky said: “Despite… Continue reading Sky Profits Could Be Hit By Virgin Channel Dispute

The secretary of state for trade and industry, Alistair Darling, has ordered communications watchdog Ofcom to conduct an investigation into BSkyB’s acquisition of a 17.9% stake in ITV.“I am today asking Ofcom to conduct an initial investigation into the public interest issues that may be raised by this transaction and to report back to me,”… Continue reading Darling Demands Ofcom Investigate Sky’s Stake In ITV

Each week, NewsLine will be bringing you a round-up of the latest news from the City affecting the media industry.This week saw WPP announce a rise in pre-tax profits of 14.5% to £766.3 million for 2006.As well as the financial announcement from the world’s second largest advertising group, it was also revealed that Italian telecoms… Continue reading Media In The City

The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) has said that it is disappointed by Ofcom’s decision to extend the restrictions for HFSS advertising aimed at children, claiming the new rules are flawed.Marina Palomba, IPA’s legal director, said: “The IPA is disappointed but not surprised at Ofcom’s decision to extend the broadcast advertising scheduling restrictions from… Continue reading IPA Claims New Ofcom HFSS Rules Are Flawed

Five has restructured its programming team and is searching for a director of programmes for its main channel.The new director of prgrammes will report directly to Five managing director of content, Lisa Opie, with the restructure intended to simplify the reporting structure under her.Sport, news and current affairs, factual entertainment, comedy, and children’s programming will… Continue reading Five Restructures Programming Team

BBC One’s over-the-top drama, Hotel Babylon, had a peak of 6.5 million viewers last night, a 31.9% share of viewing, in its 9pm timeslot.The show, which attracted an average of 6.3 million adults, featured David Walliams, star of Little Britain, in a guest appearance.Hotel Babylon added over a million to the audience figure for the… Continue reading Walliams Brings The Viewers To Hotel Babylon

The controversy currently raging over the alleged Richard and Judy phone quiz scam has taken a new twist, with reports claiming that it could have been going on for over four years.The quiz scam claims began when the Mail On Sunday reported that a woman who phoned in and was chosen as a contestant for… Continue reading Richard & Judy Phone Quiz Controversy Takes New Twist