The Australian reports today that The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has downgraded the Ten Network’s rating from ‘buy’ to ‘hold’. The company said it would prefer to focus on the recovery of the Australian advertising market through the publishers. This along with the potential for costs to increase from further competition, was… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Television March 17th 2010 — 6:37 pm
The Australian reports today that Sydney’s Sun-Herald has revamped its entertainment liftout, S.
The Fairfax newspaper has promoted columnist Shelly Horton to the newly created role of the section’s editor and a dedicated role in promoting the brand.
Chief editor Simon Dulhunty commented on Horton’s new job and her added responsibilities.… Continue Reading >>
The British subscription television provider BSkyB is readying itself to fight the television regulator Ofcom over sports broadcasting, claiming that Ofcom is misusing its position to break down Sky’s market position.
It is expected that Ofcom’s super-review of the British pay TV market – which has gone on for three… Continue Reading >>
Industry, International Media March 14th 2010 — 7:19 pm
TV Week has announced that Bert Newton will host this year’s Logie Awards. The veteran presenter will front the Australian television awards evening for the nineteenth time.
His last solo hosting gig for the event was in 1993. He also presented the event in 2006, in a shared role, along with Ray Martin,… Continue Reading >>
Celebrities / Personalities, Industry, Television March 14th 2010 — 2:11 pm
The merger of Kerry Stokes‘ interests in the Seven Network and Westrac could be stopped by the courts after a Federal Court judge delayed a shareholder vote yesterday, so he could potentially receive counsel on “overlapping interest”.
Representatives from Seven told the court yesterday that there was no need for… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Television March 13th 2010 — 9:59 am
The ABC has declared its intention to further develop indigenous content on television, appointing a leading figure in indigenous film and television to head up the Indigenous Department for ABC TV.
The appointment of Sally Riley in the new position of Head of Indigenous reflects what the ABC says is… Continue Reading >>
Appointments, Industry, Television March 12th 2010 — 10:54 am
Seven Media Group announced today that Warwick Lynch has been appointed as its new chief financial officer.
The company comprises the Seven Network, Pacific Magazines and Yahoo!7, which is a joint venture between Seven Network Limited and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
David Leckie, the Seven Media Group’s chief executive, said:
“Warwick… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Television March 11th 2010 — 5:15 pm
Mumbrella reports today, that News Limited has appointed Fiona Nilsson as its new brand development director for Taste. The publisher looks to increase its readership and advertising revenue for the online and print food brand.
Nilsson will be responsible for a national strategy across all platforms of the media, along with… Continue Reading >>
Advertising, Industry, Print March 11th 2010 — 11:18 am
Rupert Murdoch has urged countries in the Middle East to open their markets to foreign media companies, and to avoid the temptation to move toward a model of “creative protectionism”.
Speaking at the first Abu Dhabi Media Summit this morning, the News Corporation chairman said that liberalisation of media markets in… Continue Reading >>
Industry, International Media March 10th 2010 — 3:59 pm
Viewers are now able to lodge complaints against commercial free-to-air television networks online. Industry body, Free TV Australia, has activated the new complaints function on its website.
In a major shakeup of the commercial code of practice, for the first time, consumers will be able to immediately notify the watchdog of… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Television March 10th 2010 — 1:53 pm
The presenter of A Current Affair, Tracy Grimshaw, has been the first television journalist to be shortlisted for the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Award.
Grimshaw, who received the Walkley award last year for broadcast interviewing, has been nominated for a series of interviews, particularly those with footballer… Continue Reading >>
Celebrities / Personalities, Industry, Journalism March 9th 2010 — 9:14 pm
Media figures from around the world are assembling for a meeting in Abu Dhabi this week, seeking new investment opportunities in the potentially lucrative Middle Eastern market.
The conference will involve presentations by some of the most prominent industry figures, including News Corporation’s chairman Rupert Murdoch and Google’s head Eric… Continue Reading >>
Industry, International Media March 9th 2010 — 8:57 pm
The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) has indicated that there will be a number of changes to its awards ceremony this year.
The ASTRA Awards recognise talent and “highlight the creativity, commitment and investment of subscription television in production and broadcasting.”
Last year’s evening was considered by many… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Subscription Television March 9th 2010 — 6:04 am
The announcement of the departure last week of Prime Media Group CEO Warwick Syphers has uncovered shareholder dissatisfaction amongst three of the company’s largest shareholders, while another shareholder considers pushing for a seat on the Prime Media board.
Perpetual, Investors Mutual and Lachlan Murdoch’s Illyria Investments have expressed their concern… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Radio, Television March 8th 2010 — 5:27 pm
Advisory members of the Federal Government’s Digital Switchover Taskforce, visited the South Australian region of Whyalla last week, to address local concerns before its digital switchover in December.
The Whyalla News reports, executive director of the taskforce, Andy Townend, communications officer, Vanessa Liell, and public affairs manager, Matthew Francis, were present to answer questions. Townend confirmed that… Continue Reading >>
Digital Television, Industry, Television March 8th 2010 — 4:39 pm