The Commission has published a working document on the convergence of telecommunications, the media and information technologies. The consultation, launched last December, aroused great interest with over 270 contributions from industry, users, regulatory authorities and other interested parties. However, it did not lead to a consensus, except on the need for better regulatory coordination, and… Continue reading EU: Media convergence
Bell Atlantic appears to have adopted a rather innovative method of disposing of its shares in Cable & Wireless Communications. The company will be issuing in excess of $3bn in convertible bonds, which can either be held onto by investors or converted into CWC shares. This also means that Bell Atlantic will remain on the… Continue reading Bell Atlantic Dispose Of CWC Shares
The Data Protection Registrar has welcomed Government proposals to integrate the rights under the Freedom of Information proposals with the privacy requirements under the Data Protection proposals. This means that an application for personal information made under the Freedom of Information Act should, if relating to the applicant’s own information, be treated as a subject… Continue reading UK: DPR welcomes clarification
The UK Government has published proposals to combine all the supervisory and regulatory powers in respect of financial services under one regulator, the Financial Services Authority. The draft Financial Services and Markets bill sets up a single ombudsman and compensation scheme for investors and depositors, a financial services appeals tribunal, oversight of the Lloyd’s insurance… Continue reading UK: New bill to reform UK rules
Carlton Communications, one of the biggest ITV companies, is to team up with Universal Studios to create two channels to be broadcast on digital terrestrial television.The two channels, rumoured to be one film- and one crime-focused, are to be run on On Digital, formerly British Digital Broadcasting (see Newsline).The film channel will feature material from… Continue reading Carlton and Universal To Run Together In Digital Race
Media group Pearson today announced half-year pre-tax profits of £358.5 million for the six month period ended 30 June 1998. Pre-tax profits for the same period last year stood at £80.7 million. Sales were up from £957 million to £989 million.The group’s Financial Times division lifted its profits by 12% to £66.8 million, boosted by… Continue reading Pearson Profits Remain Strong
“Refreshment, renewal and reality,” promised ITV’s director of programmes, David Liddiment, as he unveiled the broadcaster’s Autumn programme schedule last week. “Could do more,” was the reaction of one ad agency TV buyer.The main concern for ITV is that the new schedule draws in enough viewers to meet the peak-time viewing share target of 38%… Continue reading ITV’s Viewing Share Challenge
The new media division of Ginger Media Group (GMG), Ginger Online, has registered all its websites with ABC //electronic, the independent audit organisation.Chris Evans’ Ginger Group already runs the website of its Virgin Radio station (http://www.virginradio.co.uk/). GMG is planning to launch websites for both its TFI Friday series and for GMG as a whole. John… Continue reading Ginger Plans New Websites And Registers With ABC
The latest report by Merrill Lynch on advertising groups points to positive and healthy growth.A strong set of interim results are predicted. A growth in headline pre-tax profit is anticipated, as is a growth in advertising worldwide.WPP’s interim results should show strong headline pre-tax profit growth of 19.3% to £93.4 million, as should Aegis which… Continue reading Advertising Industry Prospects Look Good, Says Merrill Lynch
ITV is still resisting pressure to join negotiations with BSkyB to be carried by its digital satellite service.The most recent development in the digital TV war involved Channel Four announcing deals with both BSkyB and On Digital (previously British Digital Broadcasting) to have both its current analogue output and a new Film Four digital channel… Continue reading ITV Stands Its Ground In Digital TV War
