Sharewatch: BSkyB Rises Ahead Of Strong Results

BSkyB was seen in focus ahead of the release of today’s financial results, which analysts have predicted will reveal a strong performance at the group. Shares in the satellite broadcaster were seen up 1.61% yesterday.

Sky recently secured exclusive live television rights to Premiership football for a further three years (see BSkyB And BBC Big Winners In Premiership Bidding Contest), however, reports suggest the European Commission will investigate the deal on grounds that it could be anti-competitive.

Elsewhere, Trinity Mirror remained in the spotlight, up 1.82%, following reports it has rejected a fresh approach from Candover Investments, the private equity house, for its national newspapers (see Candover Rebuffed In Latest Bid For Trinity Titles).

Meanwhile, the shadow of the dotcom bust was once again cast over the market as reports that AOL Time Warner is considering dropping AOL from its title dominated market gossip.

Broader market sentiment lacked direction yesterday with many investors absent for the summer break. All eyes will be on the US Federal Reserve, which has its rate setting meeting today.

The closing prices of media company shares on Monday were: