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Q - news archive

This is an archive of news about Q. Some links may no longer work, due to the transient nature of the internet.

Sex and the City's Miranda to star in ITV1 Quentin Crisp drama
From Media Guardian. Posted August 21 2008, 6.12am
Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon has joined the cast of ITV1's follow-up to Quentin Crisp drama The Naked Civil Servant. By Tara Conlan (more)

Stephen Fry's QI to move from BBC2 to BBC1
From Media Guardian. Posted August 20 2008, 6.23am
BBC2's comedy panel show QI is set to move to BBC1 for its new series. By Leigh Holmwood (more)

In Search of Bigfoot? Check Out 'SquatchDetective Radio'
From radio.about.com. Posted August 20 2008, 5.05am
You've no doubt heard at least something about the "Bigfoot" which was recently "discovered" in Georgia? Last Friday the people behind it held a press conference, invited the media,... (more)

TV ratings - August 18: New Tricks conquers Corrie
From Media Guardian. Posted August 19 2008, 12.32pm
BBC1 drama New Tricks continued to go great guns, pulling in the highest rating of the night. By Leigh Holmwood (more)

CNET: IOC withdraws video takedown request to YouTube
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted August 18 2008, 12.09pm
The International Olympic Committee has withdrawn a takedown noticed issued to YouTube under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which ordered the removal of a video footage posted by a pro-Tibetan group. (more)

Express & Star using Qik for football reports
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted August 18 2008, 11.56am
The Express & Star is using Qik, allows reporters to live stream video footage from a mobile handset on the paper’s website, to produce post-match video reports from football games The resulting videos offer a short, sharp analysis of the games, and their immediacy - they’re clearly filmed just after the final whistle - will surely [...] (more)

Royals Monthly fails in qualified privilege bid
From Press Gazette. Posted August 18 2008, 12.00am
A magazine failed in its appeal against Mr Justice Eady's decision to strike out its defence of qualified privilege to a libel action. (more)

Broadcasting: Survey blow to BBC as public question case for licence fee
From Media Guardian. Posted August 17 2008, 11.06pm
BBC facing uphill battle to maintain support for the licence fee, according to a survey (more)

David Quantick on Porridge, the stageshow
From Media Guardian. Posted August 16 2008, 11.04pm
Comedian David Quantick's thoughts on Porridge, the latest classic sitcom to hit the stage (more)

Quality magazines boost circulation
From Financial Times. Posted August 15 2008, 1.37am
Sales of news and current affairs titles leaped year-on-year in the six months to June 2008 as UK readers sought to understand and adapt to a looming economic slowdown (more)

Lynn News appeal boosted by Queen's donation
From Press Gazette. Posted August 15 2008, 12.00am
The Queen is making a donation to the Lynn News Special Care Baby Appeal, which was launched at the end of May. (more)

Fight is on to halt government plans that would ban reporters from inquests.
From Press Gazette. Posted August 15 2008, 12.00am
A growing campaign is underway to convince Prime Minister Gordon Brown to scrap plans to ban reporters and the public from inquests in the interests of national security (more)

Matt Mason joins Q magazine
From Media Guardian. Posted August 14 2008, 2.54pm
Bauer Consumer Media's Q magazine has appointed Zoo deputy editor Matt Mason as senior editor ahead of next month's redesign of the monthly music title. By Oliver Luft (more)

New all-in-one radio from Radiopaq
From Radio Today. Posted August 14 2008, 12.02am
Internet radio portal Radiopaq has unveiled it's first foray into the hardware market - claiming their new Rp5 device will 'pave the way for the future of digital radio. (more)

Russia Today correspondent quits over censorship of his report from Georgia
From Media Network Weblog. Posted August 13 2008, 10.34am
William Dunbar, a correspondent for the English-language international TV channel Russia Today, has left the station after repeats of his report from Georgia, which mentioned Russian bombing, were dropped by the station. He said: “I felt that I had no choice but to resign.” He said that he was reporting the facts, but that “the [...] (more)

Russia Today correspondent quits over censorship of his reports from Georgia
From Media Network Weblog. Posted August 13 2008, 10.34am
William Dunbar, a correspondent for the English-language international TV channel Russia Today, has left the station after his live reports from Georgia were dropped by the station after one in which he mentioned Russian bombing. He said: “I felt that I had no choice but to resign.” He said that he was reporting the facts, [...] (more)

Radio Havana Cuba announces frequency changes
From Media Network Weblog. Posted August 12 2008, 2.39pm
Radio Havana Cuba has changed the frequency of its broadcast in English to Central North America at 0100-0700 UTC from 6180 kHz to 6140 kHz. 6180 kHz will now be used in Spanish to Central America. Radio Havana’s morning Spanish language programmes [0000-0500 UTC] are now on two new frequencies to South America: 15120 kHz beamed 160 degrees [...] (more)

Channel Five criticised over 'unfair' premium-rate quizzes
From Media Guardian. Posted August 11 2008, 2.40pm
Channel Five has been censured by media regulator Ofcom over premium-rate quizzes were ruled to be unfair to viewers. By John Plunkett (more)

Invisible Inkling: Why the Philadelphia Inquirier is moving away from web-first publishing
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted August 11 2008, 2.05pm
Ryan Sholin speaks to Chris Krewson, executive editor of online and news at the Philadelphia Inquirer, about why the paper is shifting away from a web-first publishing strategy. Feature pieces, big name critics and restaurant reviews, for example, will be published in print first, as part of changes aimed at understanding the differences between the paper's print and online audience. (more)

Journalist’s FOI request about himself in Tribunal’s hands
From Press Gazette. Posted August 11 2008, 12.00am
A journalist's freedom of information request about the handling of his own previous requests is to be decided by the Information Tribunal after Government ministers blocked it. (more)

Journalist's FOI request about himself in Tribunal's hands
From Press Gazette. Posted August 11 2008, 12.00am
A journalist's freedom of information request about the handling of his own previous requests is to be decided by the Information Tribunal after Government ministers blocked it. (more)

Editors need to tune in to readership frequency
From Media Guardian. Posted August 10 2008, 11.03pm
Simon Kelner has a problem. The newly appointed managing director of the Independent and the Independent on Sunday claims: 'We don't have a circulation problem. We have a frequency of purchase problem.' (more)

Regulators extend Freeview inquiry
From Financial Times. Posted August 9 2008, 3.00am
Competition Commission officials will give more time for BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4 to provide key information in an investigation into their plans for a... (more)

Poynter: Philadelphia Inquirier resorts to print-first strategy
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted August 8 2008, 3.00pm
The Philadelphia Inquirer will only publish stories online after they have appeared in print, a memo to staff from managing editor Mike Leary has said. Breaking news will still have a place online under the new model, said Leary. (more)

Stephen Quinn on mobile journalism
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted August 7 2008, 11.47am
“You need to have the fundamentals in place before you start playing with new technology. The skills are the same as for traditional media plus an awareness of what’s possible, and a willingess to play with the tools, a willingness to accept that journalism may move beyond what we currently know,” Stephen Quinn, academic and [...] (more)

Jeremy Vine set to return to BBC2 for Eggheads quiz
From Media Guardian. Posted August 7 2008, 6.22am
Jeremy Vine is to return to his first regular presenting slot on BBC2 for six years as one of the presenters of teatime quiz Eggheads. By John Plunkett (more)

Daily Mail reprises possibly the greatest pull quote in tabloid history
From Press Gazette. Posted August 7 2008, 12.00am
The Daily Mail today took the opportunity to reprise perhaps the greatest pull-quote in tabloid history. (more)

Question time with Hannah Pool
From Media Guardian. Posted August 6 2008, 11.06pm
Christine Bleakley on the unexpected success of the One Show, her 'horrible' start in TV - and those rumours about her and Adrian Chiles (more)

FAQ: PSB obligations
From Media Guardian. Posted August 6 2008, 11.06pm
Your questions on the public service broadcasting answered (more)

EC earmarks single radio frequency for road safety and traffic management
From Media Network Weblog. Posted August 6 2008, 5.14pm
As part of its overall fight against road accidents and traffic jams, the European Commission has decided to reserve, across Europe, part of the radio spectrum for smart vehicle communications systems (so called co-operative systems). They are based on wireless communication technology and allow cars to ‘talk’ to other cars and to the road infrastructure providers. [...] (more)

Newsquest: Brighton Argus journalists to ballot for industrial action over cuts
From Media Guardian. Posted August 5 2008, 12.01pm
NUJ members at the Argus in Brighton have agreed to ballot for industrial action if the threat of compulsory redundancy is not lifted during the current round of job cuts. By Oliver Luft (more)

Nuts and NME websites double unique users
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted August 4 2008, 11.00pm
ABCe figures for June suggest huge growth in traffic to the IPC titles (more)

Van Outen quits Capital
From Radio Today. Posted August 4 2008, 2.27pm
As reported last week by Radio Today, Denise Van Outen has now quit the Capital 95.8 breakfast show.It's means presenter Johnny Vaughan is looking to recruit his fourth co-presenter in as many years. (more)

New RFE/RL HQ will be one of the most guarded places in Europe
From Media Network Weblog. Posted August 4 2008, 11.55am
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s HQ will move to Hagibor in Prague 10 from Wenceslas Square at the end of the year. At present, concrete blocks are scattered around the gate to the Hagibor area. “Those are benches [sic]. They have to be massive so they wouldn’t fly in the air in case of an explosion,” says [...] (more)

Four quit Telegraph business desk
From Media Guardian. Posted August 4 2008, 6.15am
The integrated Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and Telegraph.co.uk business desk has been hit by the resignation of four journalists in the past two weeks. By Stephen Brook (more)

Inquiry after taxpayers' cash used for documentaries
From Media Guardian. Posted August 3 2008, 11.03pm
ITV says Home Office-sponsored programme did not break Ofcom rules on editorial independence (more)

MTG to acquire Nova for €620m
From Financial Times. Posted August 1 2008, 3.00am
Modern Times Group (MTG), the Scandinavian TV operator, has agreed to buy Bulgaria's second- largest commercial TV channel for €620m ($967m) from Antenna Group of... (more)

BSkyB is boxing clever by targeting higher quality customers
From Daily Telegraph. Posted August 1 2008, 12.01am
A blizzard of results flew at the market yesterday, providing a rather ugly snapshot of the UK's economic health. But there are signs that opportunities are being carved out by companies acting to reorganise and adapt to the fast-changing economic reality. (more)

BBC and Reuters call for Iraqi cameraman to be freed
From Media Guardian. Posted July 31 2008, 2.28pm
Reuters and the BBC have called for the release of Iraqi cameraman Ali al-Mashhadani, who was arrested on Saturday by the US military. By Stephen Brook (more)

Cash-strapped union to sell HQ
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 31 2008, 1.20pm
NUJ executive confirms plans to put London offices up for sale (more)

Maysoon Shaladi quits Big Brother house
From Media Guardian. Posted July 31 2008, 9.59am
Big Brother contestant Maysoon Shaladi has walked out of the Channel 4 reality show after just a month. By Leigh Holmwood (more)

Scottish Press Squad Smallest Ever for Games?
From allmediascotland - Spike. Posted July 31 2008, 6.57am
The Scottish contingent within the British Olympic squad - preparing for the games in Beijing, starting a week tomorrow - may be pretty substantial, but they are likely to be supported by the smallest squad of Scottish newspaper journalists, ever. allmediascotland.com understands it could be... (more)

New qualification board for journalism training body
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 30 2008, 6.50am
NCTJ brings together chief examiners for new joint-venture to oversee development of multimedia training (more)

NCTJ creates new board to oversee multimedia development of qualifications
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 29 2008, 11.00pm
The Journalism Qualifications Board will assess the content of NCTJ exams to ensure they meet multimedia demands (more)

FT.com: Newsnight editor Peter Barron quits for Google role
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 29 2008, 12.53pm
Barron leaves Newsnight after four years as editor. He joins Google as head of communications and public affairs for the UK, Ireland and Benelux regions. (more)

New NCTJ board to devise 'gold standard' qualification
From Press Gazette. Posted July 29 2008, 12.00am
A new board of senior industry executives and chief examiners has been appointed to decide the future of the National Council for the Training of Journalists’ 'gold standard' qualifications. (more)

Media: Newsnight editor quits for leading PR role at Google
From Media Guardian. Posted July 28 2008, 11.03pm
Barron expected to start new role in September and will report to company's European head of communications (more)

The question: Why is Countdown such big news?
From Media Guardian. Posted July 28 2008, 11.03pm
Laura Barton: Its appeal lies in its simplicity, and, arguably, its firm refusal to update itself (more)

Akshay to meet his queen on Sony TV show?
From Biz Asia. Posted July 28 2008, 5.57pm
Rumours are rife in media circles that Salman Khan is keen to promote his lady Katrina Kaif's keenly anticipated feature, 'Singh Is Kinng', and has invited her and Akshay Kumar to participate in his show, 'Dus Ka Dum'. Salman's polite invitation to Akshay should quell any idle talk of a rivalry between the two stars. Kumar, who is shooting in Los Angeles these days, is likely to be returning to Mumbai in the week of release of 'Singh Is Kinng' to kickstart on-ground promotion. It is not clear though whether he will have the time to take up Salman's magnanimous offer, as he is likely to return abroad for a shoot immediately after his co-production releases in cinemas worldwide. Furthermore, as Akshay is under contract with another channel for an on-air reality show, he may not be able to attend 'Dus Ka Dum'. (more)

'Newsnight' editor quits BBC for Google
From Digital Spy. Posted July 28 2008, 3.45pm
Newsnight editor Peter Barron has quit the BBC for a role at search giant Google. (more)

Terry Lloyd: No charges over death of ITN reporter killed in Iraq
From Media Guardian. Posted July 28 2008, 12.28pm
There will be no prosecutions over the death of ITN journalist Terry Lloyd, killed in Iraq in 2003, after the CPS said there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. By Stephen Brook (more)

Misleading and defamatory: Channel 4 accused over documentary on Qur'an
From Media Guardian. Posted July 27 2008, 11.01pm
Muslim scholars criticise program for inflaming sectarian divide by linking Shiaism and violence (more)

FCC finally approves Sirius acquisition of XM Satellite Radio
From Media Network Weblog. Posted July 26 2008, 11.35am
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc’s purchase of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc was finally approved yesterday, but with conditions, by US communications regulators, clearing the way for a deal that will leave just one US satellite radio service. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 in favour of a proposal that would allow the deal to [...] (more)

The Vice Squad: How 'Vice' magazine became the new teen bible
From The Independent. Posted July 26 2008, 12.00am
If you are over 30 years old, chances are you won't have heard of Vice magazine. And you'd be forgiven. It's not stocked in any newsagent, and strict controls over which retailers can – and will – carry the free monthly edition, make this a seriously elusive publication. Yet with its bolshy prose and in-your-face-imagery, few who stumble across Vice forget it in a hurry. For an enterprise funded entirely by advertising, publishing articles about "Muslim Porn" or "Skinheads Against White People" could spell a quick demise. Yet major brands are falling over themselves for a place in Vice's pages, while nearly a million readers religiously hunt out their copy each month. So what exactly is it all about? (more)

Carol Vorderman quits 'Countdown'
From Digital Spy. Posted July 25 2008, 7.25pm
Carol Vorderman has quit Countdown after 26 years, her manager confirms. (more)

UKQRM Yahoo! Group formed to fight against BPL
From Media Network Weblog. Posted July 25 2008, 10.36am
A new Yahoo! Group called UKQRM has been formed. This is a meeting place for those who use HF (shortwave) who are suffering from QRM (interference) caused by a technology that is not designed to transmit RF. This is known as Broadband over Power Lines (BPL). Using power line adaptors, BPL devices set up a network within the home using [...] (more)

RAJAR: Biggest climbers for Q2
From Radio Today. Posted July 24 2008, 5.29pm
As part of our RAJAR Q2 2008 analysis and coverage, we bring you the stations with the biggest jumps in figures in the past quarter and in the past year. (more)

Press Gazette: Associated win battle with cybersquatter over domain name
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 24 2008, 12.59pm
Associated Newspapers has won its case against a cybersquatter, who was using the domain name www.scottishdailymail.co.uk. As a result of the case Associated now have ownership of the web address, which was being used as a listings site including links to its competitors. (more)

Vote of no confidence in regional press editor and Newsquest management
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 24 2008, 10.30am
Northern Echo union members express anger over edition changes (more)

Countdown host Des O'Connor to quit
From Media Guardian. Posted July 24 2008, 10.10am
Des O'Connor is to step down as host of Countdown after more than 500 shows when the current series ends in November (more)

O'Connor quits as 'Countdown' host
From Digital Spy. Posted July 23 2008, 6.29pm
Des O'Connor will quit as the host of Countdown at the end of the current series. (more)

Herald and Times MD denies Charles McGhee quit over newsroom merger plans
From Media Guardian. Posted July 23 2008, 6.12am
The MD of The Herald and Times newspaper group has denied Charles McGhee resigned as editor of its flagship title over a plan to merge newsrooms. By Severin Carrell (more)

Associated Newspapers wins legal fight against scottishdailymail.co.uk cybersquatter
From Press Gazette. Posted July 23 2008, 12.00am
Associated Newspapers has won an order giving them ownership of internet domain name ‘scottishdailymail.co.uk’, which was used as a commercial directory website that pointed visitors to rival media including the Independent newspaper. (more)

Associated Newspapers wins fight against cybersquatter
From Press Gazette. Posted July 23 2008, 12.00am
Associated Newspapers has won an order giving them ownership of internet domain name scottishdailymail.co.uk, which was used as a commercial directory website that pointed visitors to rival media including the Independent newspaper. (more)

TimesOnline: Esquire to produce flashing magazine cover
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 22 2008, 4.11pm
The cover will flash 'the 21st century begins now' thanks to a battery, which will last for 90 days. (more)

Raising the quality of online debates - Norway's Origo network
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 21 2008, 11.00pm
Kristine Lowe, Journalism.co.uk blogger (more)

McLean quits GMTV for 'Loose Women'
From Digital Spy. Posted July 21 2008, 7.19pm
Weather presenter Andrea McLean quits GMTV after 11 years to host Loose Women. (more)

Aaqil appointed multicultural role at C4
From Biz Asia. Posted July 19 2008, 11.06am
Channel 4 has announced the appointment of Aaqil Ahmed as its new Multicultural Commissioning Editor. He will still remain the commissioning editor for religion. The new role has been created as part of Channel 4's promise to reconnect with its mission to give a voice to minorities. The broadcaster is injecting £2m to commission more multicultural programmes in peak time. Under the brand 'Next on 4 initiatives', Channel 4 will foster greater diversity within its shows and working practices. Julian Bellamy, Head of Channel 4, said: "Aaqil already has a strong track record in commissioning powerful and provocative films for Channel 4. His new role will enable him to extend his role into 9pm and 10pm, and will encourage new multicultural ideas and talent to find a home at the Channel." Aaqil Ahmed said: "This is an exciting moment with Channel 4’s renewed commitment to multicultural programming and I’m looking forward to helping to deliver a distinctive take on what modern multicultural programming should be." Aaqil has been behind the current ongoing season on Islam, which includes the Antony Thomas' documentary 'The Quran'. (more)

Newsquest man killed in M6 crash
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 19 2008, 7.10am
Tragic loss hits group's North West division (more)

LOUD3R adds to network, sees 200,000 unique users
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 18 2008, 1.01pm
Niche online publisher LOUD3R is to launch a series of new sites, as part of its plans to create 10 new websites a month on its network. The new additions include: PREGG3R, for pregnancy; SHUTT3R, for photography; and SUMM3R, for the Olympics. The semantic engine automatically aggregates and filters multimedia content from a 'source list' of websites [...] (more)

Herald editor Charles McGhee quits after Newsquest revenues tumble
From Media Guardian. Posted July 18 2008, 12.03pm
The editor of the Herald newspaper, Scotland's leading indigenous quality paper, has unexpectedly resigned. By Severin Carrell (more)

Groening confirms 'Simpsons' sequel
From Digital Spy. Posted July 18 2008, 10.49am
Matt Groening says a sequel to The Simpsons Movie is in the pipeline. (more)

Newsquest takes lead in banning newspaper sex ads
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 18 2008, 6.50am
Decision comes despite fall in classified ad revenues (more)

McGhee quits in wake of Herald staff cuts
From Press Gazette. Posted July 18 2008, 12.00am
Charles McGhee has resigned from The Herald after two and half years in the job. (more)

Herald editor Charles McGhee quits in wake of staff cuts
From Press Gazette. Posted July 18 2008, 12.00am
Charles McGhee has resigned as editor of The Herald after two and half years in the job. (more)

Ofcom chairman disputes BBC's 'unique link' with licence fee payers
From Media Guardian. Posted July 17 2008, 2.40pm
David Currie has questioned the BBC's claim of a unique link with licence fee payers in the debate over public service broadcasting. By Mark Sweney (more)

Newsquest classified ad revenue down 19%
From Media Guardian. Posted July 17 2008, 10.00am
Local newspaper publisher Newsquest, owned by US firm the Gannett Corporation, has suffered a 19% year-on-year drop in classified ad revenue. By Oliver Luft (more)

Diversify or die: equality chief's stark message to broadcasting industry
From Media Guardian. Posted July 16 2008, 11.12pm
The Phillips report says television's representation of multicultural Britain is tokenistic and stereotyped (more)

New Chinese jamming equipment for Zimbabwe?
From Media Network Weblog. Posted July 16 2008, 12.51pm
The Harare Tribune says that the Zimbabwe government recently received another shipment of jamming equipment from China. Landing records, shown to the newspaper’s reporter at Harare International Airport by port authorities, confirmed that the government received the equipment on 17 May. The newspaper says that both Studio 7 and SW Radio Africa have taken on to broadcasting [...] (more)

Mat Smith leaves Arena to become Esquire features director
From Media Guardian. Posted July 16 2008, 12.38pm
Mat Smith is to leave his role as the acting editor of Bauer Consumer Media's Arena magazine to become Esquire's features director. By Oliver Luft (more)

'Underbelly' prequel series in the works
From Digital Spy. Posted July 16 2008, 9.47am
Underbelly producer Greg Haddick confirms a second series of the Aussie gangland drama. (more)

"The Homeless Request Hour" and Other New Radio Promotions
From radio.about.com. Posted July 16 2008, 1.00am
Did you catch where Dixon and Willoughby from Orlandos WHTQ-FM, traded a $100 dollar gas card for the naming rights to a newborn? That's right: Samantha Bailey and David Partin... (more)

Jobs threat at Newsquest daily title
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 15 2008, 2.50pm
Ten editorial positions along with further cuts could go at south-coast newspaper (more)

'Beauty Queen at 11' shines on BBC Three
From Digital Spy. Posted July 15 2008, 2.01pm
The controversial story of 11-year-old "beauty queen" Sasha Bennington earned a strong audience for BBC3 last night. (more)

Lawson heads for Golden Square
From Radio Today. Posted July 15 2008, 11.09am
Bauer Consumer Media's digital marketing director Chris Lawson has been appointed as brand director at One Golden Square, ready for the re-launch of Virgin Radio in the Autumn.Chris will report to newly installed chief operating officer Clive Dickens, and be responsible for developing both the new brand and the digital business. (more)

Sam Wollaston on The Qur'an, Sasha: Beauty Queen at 11 and Banged Up
From Media Guardian. Posted July 14 2008, 11.02pm
Sam Woolaston on The Qur'an Sasha, Beauty Queen at 11 and Banged Up (more)

News of the World sued: No truth in Nazi orgy claim, Mosley QC says
From Media Guardian. Posted July 14 2008, 11.02pm
Woman E fails to appear as paper's star witness, now it says she is too emotionally unstable to testify (more)

SwissQual Cuts Network Quality Analysis Down To Size
From Press Release, via webitpr. Posted July 14 2008, 12.00pm
SwissQual, the independent Swiss network quality measurement company, has announced the release of a new technology to make drive test data collection processes shorter and more cost effective. This innovation delivers data for analysis through a combination of radically new data compression techniques. When a drive test car is in operation it can easily generate over 100 Mbytes of data per measurement channel, per hour. If 8 channels are being supported, this means that each... (more)

Drama queens: The rise of women in TV drama
From The Independent. Posted July 14 2008, 12.00am
'Last week I had meetings with Jay Hunt, Jane Tranter, Laura Mackie, Sally Haynes and Jane Featherstone," says the veteran screenwriter, Tony Jordan (EastEnders, Hustle) with a wry laugh. "I suddenly realised I had been with some of the most powerful figures in television and they were all women. I think we're looking at some kind of conspiracy. Women are trying to take over the world, starting with television drama." (more)

NoW: Max Mosley orgy was 'grotesque and depraved'
From Press Gazette. Posted July 14 2008, 12.00am
The News of the World's QC has accused motorsport boss Max Mosley of making out that what the newspaper called a "sick Nazi orgy" was "nothing more than hanky-spanky". (more)

QC: NoW showed 'contemptuous disregard' for Mosley
From Press Gazette. Posted July 14 2008, 12.00am
Max Mosley's QC has accused the News of the World of a "contemptuous disregard" of the motorsport boss's rights after it published photos of what it described as a "sick Nazi orgy". (more)

TV firm attacked over 'walkout' by Queen in more reality show trouble
From Media Guardian. Posted July 12 2008, 11.02pm
Participants in Channel 4 reality show claim it was edited to make them look ridiculous (more)

Mary Portas has an eye for fashion in Mary, Queen of Shops
From Daily Telegraph. Posted July 12 2008, 12.01am
Mary, Queen of Shops is the summer’s surprise TV hit and its presenter, Mary Portas, an unlikely icon. Yet, as Clare Coulson writes, British fashion is full of these forthright women – and they’re changing the way we shop (more)

Virgin Radio programming director quits
From Digital Spy. Posted July 11 2008, 10.30am
Virgin Radio programming director David Lloyd announces he is leaving the station. (more)

Virgin Media TV centralises acquisitions
From Digital Spy. Posted July 10 2008, 5.06pm
Virgin Media Television unifies acquisitions for all its channels. (more)

MediaGuardian: FT.com stalls after theft of computer equipment
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 10 2008, 11.59am
The Financial Times' news team was unable to update its website for several hours this morning after thieves stole computer equipment from Cable & Wireless' data centre at Watford. The site's Alphaville blogged ran live updates on the situation and published stories while the main site was out of action. (more)

Paul Rees promoted to editor-in-chief at Q magazine
From Media Guardian. Posted July 10 2008, 8.45am
Music magazine Q has promoted editor Paul Rees to the role of editor-in-chief to oversee the multiplatform growth of the brand. By Mark Sweney (more)

French firm quits Iran gas deal
From BBC News. Posted July 10 2008, 6.49am
French energy firm Total will not invest in Iran because it is too risky, the company's boss says in a newspaper interview. (more)

ITV ad revenue expected to fall in tough final quarter
From Media Guardian. Posted July 10 2008, 6.26am
ITV1's ad revenue is set to fall by about 13% year on year in September, in what is predicted to be a bleak month for UK commercial TV. By Mark Sweney (more)

French firm 'quits Iran gas deal'
From BBC News. Posted July 10 2008, 3.46am
French energy firm Total will not invest in Iran because it is too risky, the company's boss says in a newspaper interview. (more)

Cameroon broadcaster’s equipment held by police
From Media Network Weblog. Posted July 9 2008, 3.17pm
Cameroonian authorities have lifted a ban on three private broadcasters summarily closed in connection with their critical coverage in February, but police are withholding equipment seized from one station, according to local journalists and news reports. Equinoxe Télévision, sister radio station Radio Equinoxe, and Magic FM were authorized to return to air on 4 July by [...] (more)

Ecuador debt markets suffer after finance minister quits
From Financial Times. Posted July 9 2008, 3.00am
Ecuadorian debt markets suffered sharp losses yesterday following the resignation of Fausto Ortiz, finance minister, and a government raid on two television stations... (more)

PHOTOS: Arqiva Awards 2008
From Radio Today. Posted July 9 2008, 12.24am
Fresh from the party atmosphere at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards 2008, RadioToday.co.uk can bring you photos of all the winners, and one or two celebrity guests.See Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Dynamite MC and Fiona Phillips off the telly along side the biggest talent from the commercial radio industry. (more)

BBC Trust questions future of digital radio in annual report
From Media Guardian. Posted July 8 2008, 3.00pm
The 'long-term viability' of digital radio has been questioned by the BBC Trust, which said that digital-only stations had "yet to make a breakthrough". By Ben Dowell (more)

Newsquest pay dispute ends in York
From Media Guardian. Posted July 8 2008, 1.09pm
Journalists at Newsquest's papers in York have failed in their campaign for a 3.5% pay rise and accepted management's original offer. By Stephen Brook (more)

BBC Trust report: BBC1 urged to strive for quality
From Media Guardian. Posted July 8 2008, 12.41pm
The BBC Trust has called on the new BBC1 controller, Jay Hunt, to reach the heights of quality programming 'more frequently'. By Ben Dowell (more)

BBC annual report: BBC1 urged to strive for quality
From Media Guardian. Posted July 8 2008, 12.41pm
The BBC Trust has called on the new BBC1 controller, Jay Hunt, to reach the heights of quality programming 'more frequently'. By Ben Dowell (more)

Newsquest York journalists seal pay deal
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 8 2008, 11.18am
National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members at Newsquest's The Press and Gazette & Herald in York have accepted a three per cent salary rise - the result of long-term negotiations and industrial action at the titles. In May NUJ members at Newsquest York staged a five-day strike over the proposed three per cent pay increase. According to [...] (more)

Pay deal secured at Newsquest newspapers
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 8 2008, 9.20am
Ten-month wages dispute comes to an end as union agrees deal with bosses (more)

New-look for Newsquest websites
From Hold the Front Page. Posted July 8 2008, 7.00am
Publisher starts roll-out of revamped look for newspapers' digital arm (more)

Journalists at Newsquest York end strike with big rise for trainees
From Press Gazette. Posted July 8 2008, 12.00am
Journalists at Newsquest York have ended their ten-month pay dispute accepting the originial pay offer of three per cent. (more)

Journalists at Newsquest York end strike
From Press Gazette. Posted July 8 2008, 12.00am
Journalists at Newsquest York have ended their ten-month pay dispute accepting the original pay offer of three per cent. (more)

London's Magic 105.4 wins the major station of the year award at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards
From Media Guardian. Posted July 7 2008, 2.48pm
London's Magic 105.4 has won the major station of the year award at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards. By Leigh Holmwood (more)

Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards: the winners
From Media Guardian. Posted July 7 2008, 2.43pm
Full list of winners at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards 2008 (more)

NBC Universal, private equity firms buy Weather Channel
From Media Network Weblog. Posted July 7 2008, 12.48pm
NBC Universal television said yesterday it had acquired The Weather Channel, without indicating the price. The Wall Street Journal, on announcing the imminent purchase, recently valued the transaction at around US$3.5 billion. Twenty-percent owned by France’s Vivendi, NBC Universal joined private equity firms Blackstone Group and Bain Capital in the purchase, the three companies said in a statement [...] (more)

Question of the week: Should politicians have radio shows?
From Media Guardian. Posted July 6 2008, 11.05pm
Should politicians have radio shows? (more)

My media: Ric Blaxill, Q radio's programme director
From Media Guardian. Posted July 6 2008, 11.05pm
Ric Blaxill, Q radio's programme director (more)

Saudi billionaire acquires 85% of Lebanon?s LBCSAT and PAC
From Media Network Weblog. Posted July 6 2008, 12.28pm
Saudi Arabian billionaire prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal now holds over 85 percent of shares of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation satellite television channel (LBCSAT) and the Production and Acquisition Company (PAC), according to An-Nahar daily. The acquisition resulted in an increase in the groups’ capital, which now stands at $123 million. LBC chairman and Director General Pierre [...] (more)

Wogan quiz wins Richard and Judy slot
From Digital Spy. Posted July 4 2008, 12.18pm
Channel 4 commissions a new Terry Wogan quiz show to air at teatime. (more)

Radar: Gawker cuts staff pay rate for 2nd consecutive quarter
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 4 2008, 6.22am
Gawker has cut the rate at which staff members get paid for the second quarter running. Writers working for the blog get their salary paid according to traffic on the site. According to Radar, at the start of the year those bloggers were getting $7.50 per 1000 page views that then went down to $6.50 for the next quarter and it is now $5. (more)

Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk: Job interview technique
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted July 3 2008, 10.00am
Job interviews: Research the publication - who owns it, who works for it, what does it cover? Anticipate questions (know your CV inside out). Plan your questions beforehand. Listen carefully, don't interrupt or talk over the interviewer. Watch your body language. Tipster: John Thompson Got a tip? Submit it here - we will pay a fiver [...] (more)

News International close to choosing HQ location
From Media Guardian. Posted July 3 2008, 6.08am
News International is in the final throes of decision making on its new London headquarters. By Stephen Brook (more)

Question time: Emine Saner talks to Julian Clary on the world of TV, his career as a novelist
From Media Guardian. Posted July 2 2008, 11.49pm
Emine Saner talks to Julian Clary about the TV world, his career as a novelist - and his burning ambition to play Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night (more)

Frequency change for RNW Spanish from 5 July
From Media Network Weblog. Posted July 2 2008, 5.14pm
The RNW transmission in Spanish at 2359-0157 UTC via French Guiana will change frequency on 5 July to improve reception in South America. The current 9895 kHz will be replaced by 7325 kHz. Bookmark to: (more)

Competition inquiry delays broadcasters' online service
From Media Guardian. Posted June 30 2008, 11.06pm
Oline video on demand service from BBC, ITV and Channel 4, stalled as project is referred to Competition Commission (more)

The question: Who will be the next Doctor Who?
From Media Guardian. Posted June 30 2008, 11.06pm
Lucy Mangan: The question of succession is, of course, predicated on the belief that the Doctor has begun a true regeneration (more)

Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk: Interviewing technique
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted June 30 2008, 9.20am
Interviews: Always end an interview with an invitation for the interviewee to add anything you may have missed. It may prompt them to tell you something you have forgotten to ask; also it could reveal any agenda they might have. Tipster: Tom Stainer Got a tip? Submit it here - we will pay a fiver for [...] (more)

McDonald's launches 'quality Happy Meals' ad to reassure parents
From Media Guardian. Posted June 30 2008, 6.14am
McDonald's is to launch its first TV campaign aimed at reassuring parents that only high-quality produces is used in its Happy Meals. By Mark Sweney (more)

Wegener's supervisory board quits
From Financial Times. Posted June 27 2008, 5.23pm
The remaining members of the supervisory board of the Dutch newspaper group 87 per cent-owned by Mecom resigned in a row with David Montgomery, the company's executive chairman (more)

BBC defends Question Time after Grayson Perry 'freak show' complaints
From Media Guardian. Posted June 27 2008, 4.20pm
The BBC has defended its decision to include cross-dressing artist Grayson Perry on the panel of last night's Question Time. By Tara Conlan (more)

Bowker pens Iraq drama for BBC1
From The Stage. Posted June 27 2008, 4.20pm
(more)

ITV Worldwide boosts acquisitions fund for independent producers
From Media Guardian. Posted June 27 2008, 11.06am
ITV Worldwide has stepped up its drive to work with more independent producers - tripling its development and acquisition fund. By Tara Conlan (more)

Corporation is told to put quality news ahead of Ross
From Financial Times. Posted June 27 2008, 3.00am
The BBC has its priorities wrong, spending money on "extravagant" salaries for entertainers rather than high-quality news-gathering, the chairman of a House of Lords... (more)

UBM to push ahead with acquisitions strategy
From Daily Telegraph. Posted June 27 2008, 12.01am
United Business Media has pledged to continue its acquisitions strategy despite the collapse of takeover talks with rival publisher Informa earlier this month. (more)

It pays to ask questions
From Press Gazette. Posted June 27 2008, 12.00am
Industry watchers might be pessimistic about the future of investigative journalism, but with a bit of encouragement, a new breed of inquisitive young hacks will step away from the press releases (more)

Analysys Mason Acquires Leading Software Research Firm OSS Observer LLC
From Press Release, via webitpr. Posted June 26 2008, 5.20pm
LONDON, UK, 26 JUNE 2008 ? Analysys Mason (www.analysysmason.com), the premier adviser to the telecoms, ICT and digital media industry, has acquired OSS Observer LLC, a US-based telecoms software market research firm delivering global telecoms software market analysis to vendors, operators, integrators and the financial community. OSS Observer is the leading global analyst firm within the telecoms software market, providing market share estimates, forecasts and in-depth analyses of trends in the sector. Analysts cover billing,... (more)

The Antiques Roadshow
From Media Guardian. Posted June 26 2008, 10.55am
Filming of BBC television programme The Antiques Roadshow at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London (more)

UBM looks to make 'careful' acqusitions
From Press Gazette. Posted June 26 2008, 12.00am
CMPi parent company United Business Media is looking to take advantage of the credit crunch by buying up a number of small companies at a discounted price in the coming months. (more)

UBM looks to make 'careful' acquisitions
From Press Gazette. Posted June 26 2008, 12.00am
CMPi parent company United Business Media is looking to take advantage of the credit crunch by buying up a number of small companies at a discounted price in the coming months. (more)

BBC to improve online radio quality in iPlayer shake-up
From The Stage. Posted June 25 2008, 4.50pm
(more)

BBC Worldwide announces UK.TV acquisition and new channels in Australia
From Media Network Weblog. Posted June 25 2008, 1.55pm
BBC Worldwide announced today it will acquire Australia’s subscription-television channel, UK.TV, taking 100% ownership of the channel from July 1st 2008. As one of three stakeholders in UK.TV (formerly with a 20 per cent share), BBC Worldwide’s Channels business has agreed terms with joint partners FOXTEL and FremantleMedia to become the channel’s sole owner. The move [...] (more)

BBC phasing out quarter-size credits
From Digital Spy. Posted June 24 2008, 3.17pm
The BBC appears ready to scale back its promotion of shows alongside programme end credits. (more)

Mozambique: radio drama tackles human trafficking
From Media Network Weblog. Posted June 24 2008, 12.48pm
The International Office of Migration’s (IOM) Southern African Counter-Trafficking Assistance Programme (SACTAP) has released a thrilling new drama to radio stations throughout Mozambique to raise awareness of the dangers of irregular migration and trafficking.   Produced by the Johannesburg-based Community Media for Development (CMFD), the 13-part drama entitled “Troco” or “Change” is inspired by the desire of many Mozambicans [...] (more)

BP Russia boss 'should quit job'
From BBC News. Posted June 24 2008, 8.12am
The Russian chairman of BP's joint venture, TNK-BP, tells the BBC the firm's chief executive should quit. (more)

I-man Comment on Pacman Bring Quick Response
From radio.about.com. Posted June 24 2008, 4.39am
Not quite 6 months into his new stint doing mornings on WABC/New York, Don Imus is once again at the center of a race controversy. During a discussion about football... (more)

I-man Comment on Pacman Brings Quick Response
From radio.about.com. Posted June 24 2008, 4.39am
Not quite 6 months into his new stint doing mornings on WABC/New York, Don Imus is once again at the center of a race controversy. During a discussion about football... (more)

Leslie faces rape inquiry
From Media Guardian. Posted June 24 2008, 1.09am
Former Blue Peter presenter arrested over an allegation he raped a woman nearly 13 years ago (more)

John Leslie faces rape inquiry
From Media Guardian. Posted June 24 2008, 1.09am
Former Blue Peter presenter John Leslie has been arrested over an allegation he raped a woman nearly 13 years ago. By Alex Berry (more)

News International executive reshuffle as thelondonpaper closure rumours are quashed
From Press Gazette. Posted June 24 2008, 12.00am
James Murdoch has reshuffled the top executives at News International following the departure of former executive chairman Les Hinton to head up the Wall Street Journal in December. (more)

Go figure by Mike Butcher: Mail's rise reopens questions about target audiences
From Media Guardian. Posted June 22 2008, 11.11pm
Go figure, Mike Butcher: Mail Online - the umbrella site for the Daily Mail's titles - became the highest circulating UK newspaper online last week (more)

My media: Konnie Huq, television presenter
From Media Guardian. Posted June 22 2008, 11.11pm
Konnie Huq, television presenter (more)

Huq, Jamelia feature in BBC3 Beauty Season
From Digital Spy. Posted June 20 2008, 7.36pm
BBC Three plans a series of programmes which seek to challenge conventional notions of beauty. (more)

Additional shortwave frequency for tomorrow?s football coverage
From Media Network Weblog. Posted June 20 2008, 9.44am
An additional frequency has been added for RNW’s coverage in Dutch of tomorrow’s Euro 2008 quarter-final between the Netherlands and Russia: Sackville 1800-2200 UTC - 11640 kHz - 285 degrees - North America east - 250 kW Bookmark to: (more)

Five announces Isla Traquair and Matt Barbet as Kaplinsky stand-ins
From Media Guardian. Posted June 20 2008, 9.26am
Matt Barbet and Isla Traquair are to stand in for Channel Five's star news anchor Natasha Kaplinsky when she goes on maternity leave. By Leigh Holmwood (more)

Olympic officials to answer journalists' questions
From Hold the Front Page. Posted June 20 2008, 7.00am
Sports writers lunches in run-up to Beijing, an award for page-turning software company, and more news in brief (more)

Frequency change for Studio 7 to Zimbabwe on 23 June
From Media Network Weblog. Posted June 19 2008, 3.52pm
Starting on Monday 23 June, the frequency of the VOA Studio 7 broadcast to Zimbabwe via the RNW Madagascar relay station at 1700-1800 UTC will change from 13755 to 11605 kHz. Bookmark to: (more)

Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk: enhance you audio/visual offering with slideshows - quick and easy
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted June 19 2008, 9.30am
Audio-visual: Slideshows are quick and easy to get on your newspaper website. Download soundslides.com (costs just a few dollars) and upload shows with audio commentary in Flash format. Tipster: Oliver Luft Got a tip? Submit it here - we will pay a fiver for the best ones published. (more)

FOI request reveals hidden crimes
From Press Gazette. Posted June 19 2008, 12.00am
A Freedom of Information act response has provided further ammunition for freelance journalist Nigel Green in his long-running feud with Northumbria Police over the release of crime information. (more)

Southern girl quits after 21 years
From Radio Today. Posted June 18 2008, 4.45pm
Southern FM Breakfast Presenter Nicky Keig-Shevlin this morning announced her decision to quit after two decades at the station.The presenter began her career at Southern FM 21 years ago in 1987, as co-host with then Sunday evening presenter Tommy Boyd. Two years later she began co-presenting the Southern FM Breakfast Show. (more)

Thai journalists and media advocates oppose controversial frequency allocation bill
From Media Network Weblog. Posted June 18 2008, 4.35pm
Journalists and media advocates in Thailand today petitioned House Speaker Chai Chidchob to withdraw the controversial frequency allocation bill. The petitioners, 18 media groups, are upset by an amendment to the bill which allows the cabinet to appoint the 10-member National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The appointed commissioners would be empowered to design a master [...] (more)

Editorial jobs to go at Newsquest York titles
From Hold the Front Page. Posted June 18 2008, 12.10pm
Reporters and sub-editors under threat as company looks to shed eight jobs (more)

Killed Iraqi journalist honoured at Amnesty International Media Awards
From Press Gazette. Posted June 18 2008, 12.00am
Iraqi journalist Sahar al-Haideri has been posthumously awarded the Amnesty International Media Awards new media prize for her article "Honour killing sparks fears of new Iraqi conflict". (more)

Eight jobs axed at Newsquest York
From Press Gazette. Posted June 18 2008, 12.00am
Eight editorial jobs are being axed at two Newsquest newspapers in York, the NUJ has said (more)

Culture secretary damns ITV's regional quota failure
From Media Guardian. Posted June 17 2008, 4.35pm
ITV's failure to meet its regional production quota two years running has been strongly criticised by culture secretary Andy Burnham. By Leigh Holmwood (more)

Microsoft Executive To Face Tough Questions At Second Annual Broadband Connect Summit
From Press Release, via webitpr. Posted June 17 2008, 12.43pm
Enabling fixed and wireless networks for broadband media services LONDON, United Kingdom ? 17 June 2008 ? Neil Holloway, the Vice President of Business Strategy at Microsoft International will be interviewed by CNN business journalist Adrian Finighan live on stage at the second annual Broadband Connect Summit taking place at the Courthouse Hotel Kempinski in London on 30 June 2008. Neil Holloway of Microsoft is leading several business strategies for Microsoft focussed on growth and... (more)

'Media Quarter' to Benefit from Promotional Campaign
From allmediascotland - Spike. Posted June 17 2008, 8.08am
A promotional campaign to encourage media companies ‘set up shop’ in the Pacific Quay area of Glasgow - where the BBC Scotland and SMG headquarters are already based - is to be launched later this year. It follows the appointment of marketing communications agency, BD-NTWK,... (more)

Newsquest online network tops 5m monthly users
From Hold the Front Page. Posted June 17 2008, 6.40am
Regional media group celebrates record website stats (more)

Newsquest records its largest ever online audience
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted June 15 2008, 11.00pm
The network of 164 sites attracted 5.1m uniques users in April, according to the ABCe (more)

Fast-growing publisher Quercus looks a good read
From Daily Telegraph. Posted June 15 2008, 12.01am
Britain remains a nation of book lovers. When economic reality bites, the opportunity to escape into fictional worlds becomes ever more attractive. Quercus Publishing is benefiting. It is a fast-growing books business with great expectations. (more)

Coldplay singer quits BBC interview - briefly
From Media Guardian. Posted June 13 2008, 11.02pm
Chris Martin pressed on about lyrics and album name leaves studio but returns (more)

Marketing Manager quits STAR TV UK
From Biz Asia. Posted June 13 2008, 10.58pm
Marketing Manager Ajay Ochani has quit STAR TV UK, BizAsia.co.uk can confirm. The 30-something year old spent his last day in office today. He was with STAR for over a year. It is not known why he decided to quit the channel or where he will be moving to next. Former STAR UK Vice-President Nick Thind left the channel last year and has recently joined 9X's UK operations. It was under his helm, Ajay was hired as Marketing Manager at STAR UK. Related links: EXCLUSIVE: EX-STAR Nick Thind joins 9X UK STAR UK's Vice President Nick Thind leaves (more)

Scots Quartet Contending for Commercial Radio Titles
From allmediascotland - Spike. Posted June 13 2008, 8.10am
Four Scottish stations have been shortlisted for awards celebrating the best of commercial radio. Northsound 1, Central FM, Radio Forth’s Boogie and Jill, and Real Radio Scotland’s Gavin Bruce and Jay Crawford are each in the running for an Arquiva Commercial Radio Award. ... (more)

Press Gazette: GNM agree equal rights deal for print and online
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted June 12 2008, 11.00pm
Guardian News and Media has forged a deal with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), which will see its print and online journalists covered by th