NTL has today acquired the telephone, internet and television operations of Cable & Wireless Communications plc (CWC ConsumerCo), at a cost of £8.2 billion. The deal to buy CWC is being backed by France Telecom, which has spent $5.5 billion increasing its stake in NTL from its current position of 10% (see NTL Enters Exclusive… Continue reading NTL Spends £8.2bn On Cable & Wireless Communications
Shares in the free internet service provider Freeserve are expected to open at 150p, which would value the company at £1.5 billion. Freeserve, which is being floated by parent company electrical retailer Dixons, is said to be over-subscribed by between 10 and 30 times.The huge demand for Britain’s first big internet flotation, due mainly to… Continue reading Huge Scramble For Shares In Freeserve
IPC Southbank’s Woman’s Journal is to reveal a ‘distinctive new look’ from September, coinciding with the start of new editor Elsa McAlonan.The Woman’s Journal revamp will include a new masthead, and a stronger design element which IPC hopes will produce a magazine “with a timeless and classic style”. Along with McAlonan taking the editorial post,… Continue reading Woman’s Journal Gets New Look
Shares in the free internet service provider Freeserve began trading at 225p, well above the 150p parent company Dixon were offering. Shortly afterwards the price fell to 196.5p and is currently trading around the 200p mark.
Julian Rigamonti has joined Classic FM as a sponsorship executive, reporting to department head Karen Morris. Mr Rigamonti had previously worked at the Granada Media Group and TSMS.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has this morning approved the takeover bids for Mirror Group by both Trinity and Regional Independent Media (RIM) (see Trinity Offers £1 Billion For Mirror Group). However trade and industry secretary, Stephen Byers, has stipulated that Trinity divest of its four Northern Ireland titles – the Belfast Telegraph,… Continue reading DTI Approves Mirror Group Takeover Bids
The Office Of Fair Trading (OFT) is to review undertakings given by ITV companies, Granada and Carlton, and broadcasting and financial services group, MAI, which limit each company’s control of TV advertising revenue to 25% of the market.In 1994 Granada acquired LWT, Carlton acquired Central Television and MAI bought Anglian Television. The result of these… Continue reading OFT To Review ITV Companies’ Revenue Share Restrictions
Vivendi, the French media and utilities group, last night sealed an £825 million deal to increase its stake in satellite broadcaster BSkyB to 24.5%. At the same time the company also raised its stake in French pay-TV company, Canal Plus, to 49%. Vivendi is now actively looking for an international strategic partnership for Canal Plus… Continue reading Vivendi Raises Stake In BSkyB To 25%
Following reports that Gavyn Davies’ review of funding at the BBC may recommend a £35 increase to the licence fee, nine of the leading commercial television broadcasters met yesterday in London to formalise a collective lobbying strategy. Of particular concern to the group is the possibility that the BBC may introduce an increase of £35… Continue reading Commercial Broadcasters Unite Against BBC ‘Digital Tax’
The start of the fifth series of Friends has given Channel 4 a welcome boost to its Friday night line-up. The episode featuring the aftermath of Ross’ wedding day mix up, attracted an audience of 5.81 million and had a consolidated viewing share of 29%. The presence of such a strong leader programme helped push… Continue reading TV Viewing Summary W/E 11.07.99
