Future shares boosted after short-seller launches attack February 3, 2020 Publishing group Future saw its shares rise seven per cent this morning, just days after the firm came under attack from a short-seller over the price of its stock. In a trading update, the media group, which publishes specialist trade magazines, said it had continued to grow audience numbers and had seen strong revenue growth. [...]
Sky urges Ofcom to take action against public service broadcasters February 2, 2020 Sky has urged the broadcasting regulator to take action against ITV and Channel 5, saying the channels benefit from too much “government support”. Ofcom, the communications regulator, allows public service broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – certain benefits in return for them making programmes that benefit the public. However, paid-for [...]
FCA opens probe into M&C Saatchi’s £12m accounting blunder January 31, 2020 The City watchdog has launched a probe into M&C Saatchi’s accounts after the advertising giant admitted an £11.6m accounting error in December. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has opened its own investigation into the issue, which saw M&C Saatchi shares implode. M&C Saatchi also issued a profit warning at the same time, admitting earnings could [...]
BBC ‘faces existential threat’ as it slashes 450 jobs January 29, 2020 The BBC has been warned it is facing an “existential threat” after the broadcaster announced it will cut roughly 450 jobs. The corporation today said it will slash the roles from its news output as it looks to save £80m by 2022 and counteract declining viewing figures. The cuts are set to impact Newsnight, which [...]
Guardian goes green as it bans advertising from fossil fuel firms January 29, 2020 The Guardian will no longer accept advertising from oil and gas companies as the media group looks to cut its links with fossil fuel firms. The move, announced today, will apply across the publisher’s websites and apps, as well as in print copies of the Guardian, Observer and Guardian Weekly. “Our decision is based on [...]
Rupert Murdoch’s News UK confirms launch of Times Radio January 28, 2020 News UK today confirmed plans to launch a new talk radio station aimed at winning over listeners from the BBC’s ailing Radio 4. Times Radio, which will be advert-free, will launch later this year on DAB and online, as well as through an app and smart speakers. The media group said its new venture will [...]
Government hints at tax breaks in boost for news publishers January 27, 2020 The government has hinted that it will consider a range of potential tax breaks for news publishers, marking a much-needed boost for the industry amid tough competition from tech giants. A major review into the future of UK journalism funding last year set out a number of recommendations to help level the playing field and [...]
Sky launches new factual channels amid production push January 27, 2020 Sky today said it will launch two new factual TV channels as the media firm ramps up its investment in original productions. Sky Documentaries and Sky Nature will launch in the spring, offering subscribers original programmes as well as new series from networks such as HBO and Showtime. New original documentaries will include Tiger Woods: [...]
Secret Cinema signs deal with Disney for immersive film productions January 27, 2020 Secret Cinema today said it has signed a multi-title agreement with Disney to bring some of the entertainment giant’s biggest hits to life in London. The immersive cinema company said the first shows will premiere in the capital this year, with plans to expand the events to Los Angeles and New York. Secret Cinema was [...]
Rupert Murdoch puts BBC in his sights with Times Radio launch January 26, 2020 Rupert Murdoch is gearing up for an attack on the BBC with the launch of a new radio station to rival the embattled Radio 4. The media baron’s News UK is set to unveil details this week of Times Radio, which will be funded by the newspaper title. It is thought that Times Radio will [...]