The Radio Authority has reversed an earlier decision which ruled out the human rights’ lobbying group Amnesty International – which acts on behalf of political prisoners – from being allowed to advertise on radio. The earlier decision was based on an argument that Amnesty was a politically-motivated body; the 1990 Broadcasting Act says radio stations… Continue reading UK: Reprieve For Amnesty
Scottish Radio Holdings has announced a 33% increase in pre-tax profits to £9.3 million for the year to 30 September, along with a 32% hike in turnover to £37.4m.The media group also announced that Downtown Radio and Cool FM , which it acquired in September last year (subscribers see Scot Radio Acquires Irish Station), have… Continue reading Scottish Radio Shows Good Growth
On 17 November the EP and Council agreed the text of a Directive on consumer protection and product prices. It proposes compulsory labelling to show both the selling price and the price per unit of measure (per kilo, per litre, etc.) for all products. An overall compromise was reached on 10 controversial amendments, adopted in… Continue reading EU: Directive Agreed
The European Parliament has adopted the report by Manuel Ortega (PSE) on telecommunications and privacy (ISDN), thus formally approving the draft Directive concerning the handling of personal information and the protection of privacy in the telecommunications sector.
From 1 April 1998 all tobacco advertising on TV and radio will be banned in Japan, following an amendment to the tobacco industry’s voluntary code of practice. The Tobacco Institute of Japan says the ban will also extend to the cinema, outdoor advertising, and the Internet. The practice of distributing free samples to the public… Continue reading JPN: Total Ban From 1998
The health policy directorate-general (DGV) of the EC is developing a code for the marketing of “alcopops” in a proposal for a Council Recommendation that aims to restrict alcohol advertising. The code, which EC officials claim should be incorporated on a self-regulatory basis, also includes a provision that governments should consider other options such as… Continue reading EU: EC Develops “Alcopops” Code
Total terrestrial TV revenue for October, excluding GMTV, came in at £243.9 million according to agency estimates. Of this ITV brought in £181.3m (up 3.5% year on year), C4 brought in £51.8m (up 5.7%) and C5’s revenue was £10.7m (up from £9m in September). GMTV came in at £9.1m, down almost 7% from the previous… Continue reading TV Round-Up – October
The EC has adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation on the protection of minors and of human dignity in audio-visual services. It defines the common objectives to be pursued and identifies the fields of co-operation and the suitable co-operation structures at European level. It accompanies a communication on the results of the consultation opened… Continue reading EU: Protection Of Minors
Former Heritage Secretary David Mellor is joining Classic FM to present a new series. The 2-hour programme, called Across the Threshold, is scheduled to appear on Sundays in 1998. It is hoped that the new offering will open up the world of classical music through conversations with star guests such as Vinnie Jones, Ken Livingstone… Continue reading Classic FM Signs Mellor
The Advertising Association’s executive committee has approved seven policy recommendations for action by the UK government in the commercial communications sector. The UK Government assumes the Presidency of the EU for six months from 1 January 1998. The recommendations are available from the AA.
