The Competition Commission has been given an extra two months to investigate the proposed £2.6 billion merger of Carlton and Granada and will now report back to Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt on 26 August.The Commission, which was due to have completed its inquiry by the end of this month, says it needs more… Continue reading Competition Commission Delays Verdict On ITV Merger
There appears to be no improvement in ITV advertising levels on the horizon, according to a Morgan Stanley analysts, with September looking unlikely to provide the previously-anticipated pick-up in trading.Also On MediaTel Insight Today…TV Viewing Loses Importance For The Young, Finds US SurveyThe importance of television to the younger age groups is beginning to diminish… Continue reading MediaTel Insight: Morgan Stanley Downgrades ITV Forecasts
The underlying rate of UK inflation fell to 2.9% in May, down by 0.1% on the previous month, according to the latest figures from the Office Of National Statistics (ONS).The headline rate of inflation, which includes mortgage interest payments also fell by 0.1% to 3%. However, it still remains well above the Government’s target of… Continue reading UK Inflation Falls In May On Weakened Oil Prices
Troubled advertising group Cordiant remained in focus yesterday on reports that WPP may form an alliance with Active Value to usurp an offer for the group from Publicis and Cerberus Capital Management. Cordiant‘s stock was seen stable at 4.75p, after being suspended yesterday morning pending clarification of the group’s financial situation (see Cordiant Shares Suspended… Continue reading Sharewatch: WPP Rises On Revised Cordiant Bid
BT is merging its Openworld high-speed internet service into a new joint venture with Yahoo!The move, which comes as BT pledges to put broadband at centre of its strategy, will see the creation of a new endeavour called BT Yahoo! Broadband. The co-branded service will give BT Openworld users access to a range of Yahoo!… Continue reading BT Merges Openworld Into New Yahoo! Venture
The latest NRS figures for the six months to April 2003 reveal another impressive period for Richard Desmond’s Daily Star, which continues to shine with its no-nonsense approach to celebrity news and sport boosting readership.The title outperformed its tabloid rivals during April, with readership increasing by a notable 31.5% year on year. The Sun managed… Continue reading NRS National Newspaper Round-Up – April 2003
Ofcom, the new media and communications super-regulator, has begun the next phase of its recruitment process and is searching for candidates to fill 13 specific roles including head of audience, consumer and market research.The new catch-all organisation appointed its chief executive and senior management team earlier this year (see Ofcom Announces Senior Management Team), but… Continue reading Ofcom Begins Next Phase Of Recruitment
Shares in Cordiant Communications were suspended on the London Stock Exchange this morning pending clarification of the advertising group’s tenuous financial situation.The latest development comes after a weekend of intricate negotiations as Cordiant sought to secure a buyer. A takeover appears to be the only way the company can be saved following a number of… Continue reading Cordiant Shares Suspended Amid Takeover Fight
UK cinema admissions remained virtually static year on year during May at 13.8 million, despite the highly anticipated release of The Matrix Reloaded.The latest figures from the Cinema Advertising Association (CAA) show cinema admissions averaged 3.12 million a week during the month, reflecting a plateau in the recent growth enjoyed by the medium.May’s admissions were… Continue reading Matrix Fails To Reload Cinema Admissions In May
Future Digital is expanding its magazine portfolio with the launch of a new monthly photography magazine, entitled Digital Photography Techniques.The new 116-page title launches later this month with a coverprice of £5 and contains practical hints and tips on the art of digital photography.Each issue of Digital Photography Techniques will feature a CD including various… Continue reading Future Expands Digital Photography Portfolio
