Film and TV trade body says plunging pound doesn’t guarantee booming sector October 4, 2022 Although the plunging value of the pound could mean big bucks for the UK film and TV sector, the trade association Pact warned that the industry must do more to keep up with this demand. It comes after Adrian Wootton, the chief executive of the British Film Commission (BFC), told the Guardian that demand for [...]
Brokers back Next 15 in final push for M&C Saatchi takeover October 3, 2022 After months of back and forth, Next 15 may just be on the home straight for a deal to takeover M&C Saatchi. It comes after rival contender AdvancedAdvt announced that its offer for the advertising giant had lapsed on Friday. Excluding Vin Murria and her investment vehicle AdvancedAdvt’s 22 per cent stake in the ad [...]
Kim Kardashian hit with £1.12m penalty for crypto social media posts October 3, 2022 Kim Kardashian has been hit with a $1.26m penalty for promoting crypto currency EthereumMax on social media without revealing she had been paid to do so. US federal regulators have charged the reality TV star after she promoted crypto asset security EMAX tokens on Instagram, without revealing that she was paid $250,000 by EthereumMax. Kardashian [...]
Hipgnosis secures new debt deal at it rides ‘increasingly unpredictable’ market October 3, 2022 Music investment titan Hipgnosis Songs Fund has secured a new debt financing deal this morning as the firm rides on a “unpredictable” market. The company confirmed that it had entered into a new Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) with a commitment of $700m, which runs for five years. In simple terms, an RCF gives a company added [...]
BBC slashes nearly 400 jobs as licence fee squeeze continues September 29, 2022 The BBC has slashed nearly 400 jobs from its world service division as the broadcaster feels the increasing pressure of the licence fee freeze. The Beeb said it would be moving towards a “digital-first” strategy for the BBC World Service, cutting 382 posts in the process. “Changing audience needs around the world – with more [...]
Whatsapp boss warns govt against changes to encryption in online safety September 28, 2022 The chief of Whatsapp has warned the government against making drastic changes to message encryption in the online safety bill. Speaking with the Financial Times, Will Cathcart said that there were other ways of protecting children on apps rather than threatening encryption and explained that any move to undermine security could endanger the government’s own [...]
Hey Brother: Avicii estate sells rights to DJ’s top hits September 28, 2022 Avicii’s top hits have been sold off to Stockholm-based entertainment firm Pophouse, adding to the tide of artists who have cashed in on their hits in recent years. In an announcement this afternoon, Pophouse, best known for developing the ABBA Voyage show in London, said it had acquired a 75 per cent ownership in the [...]
Fleet Street giant Tony Gallagher named new editor of The Times September 28, 2022 Fleet Street legend Tony Gallagher has been named the new editor of The Times, taking the reins from veteran John Witherow as the paper pushes forward on both print and digital fronts. After serving as deputy editor since 2020, Gallagher, 58, said this morning that he was “enormously proud” to take up the top spot, adding that the [...]
Sports streaming platform DAZN acquires ELEVEN Group September 27, 2022 Global sports streaming service Dazn has acquired Eleven Sports, making it the biggest football rights holder in Europe. Dazn Chairman Kevin Mayer described the deal as a “major moment” for the company because it will allow them to progress with their ambition to become a “daily destination for sports fans” globally. “It’s a win, win, [...]
John Witherow steps down as editor of The Times after almost a decade September 27, 2022 John Witherow is stepping down as editor of The Times with immediate effect after nearly a decade in the role.